Invasion Russia pummels Ukraine with air strikes as troops march deep into the country, advancing into downtown Kyiv
Before dawn, Moscow time, on Thursday, February 24, Russian state television broadcast a speech by Vladimir Putin where the president announced the start of a “special military operation” in the Donbas (the area of eastern Ukraine claimed by separatists whose independence Moscow recognized earlier this week). Putin said the purpose of the military operation is to protect residents who “have been subjected to genocide by the Kyiv regime for the past eight years.” The Russian president claimed that Moscow does not plan to occupy Ukrainian soil (dismissing Kyiv’s sovereignty over the Donbas), but he also called on Ukrainian soldiers to lay down their arms and “go home.”
Meduza is ending this live blog and pivoting to coverage here:
Moscow on the warpath Updates on major developments in Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine
Moscow on the warpath Updates on major developments in Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine
The unrecognized breakaway state of Abkhazia has recognized the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk “People’s Republics,” reports RIA Novosti.
For more on Abkhazia
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claims that Kyiv declined to hold talks with Russia and suggested postponing the issue until tomorrow.
‘I’m panicking — where is my child?’ Conscript soldiers are being sent to fight against Ukraine, their relatives say. Here’s what their families told Meduza.
‘I’m panicking — where is my child?’ Conscript soldiers are being sent to fight against Ukraine, their relatives say. Here’s what their families told Meduza.
The Ukrainian Embassy in Moscow. February 25.
The self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk “People’s Republics” have ordered general conscription to “protect the Donbas and all Russian people.” The de facto authorities in the “republics” are reporting a successful mobilization and a large number of volunteers. Local residents told Meduza that the local militias are conducting street raids in search of conscripts.
The press office for Ukraine’s ground forces reports on Facebook that 40 Russian armored vehicles were destroyed near Konotop. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry continues to refute reports about the military suffering losses.
At least 150 anti-war protesters were arrested at the rally in St. Petersburg tonight, reports local news outlet Bumaga.
BREAKING: The UK is also set to freeze assets belonging to Russia’s President Putin and his Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
According to CNN, the U.S. is also expected to impose sanctions on Putin.
BREAKING: NATO activates its response force for the first time history.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko reports five explosions near the Troieshchyna power station in the north of the city, says the booms were about 3–5 minutes apart.
Russian Ambassador to the EU Vladimir Chizhov in an interview with Euractiv:
— Do you think Mr Zelensky will be killed in a military operation?
— I hope not. Actually killing leaders of states is somebody else’s style, not ours. Maybe there will be a tribunal to deal with him at some point.
— But what’s the charge?
It’s up to the renewed authorities in Kiev and their tribunal to deal with him.
— Maybe genocide?
I don’t know what will be the specific charges against him. There are professional lawyers to deal with that.
The Eiffel Tower tonight.
A destroyed Russian “Grad” multiple rocket launcher system outside Kharkiv. February 25.
Snapshots from tonight’s anti-war protests in St. Petersburg
Israel’s “Putin Pub” has officially rebranded.
BREAKING: EU adopts sanctions package that includes freezing assets belonging to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and his Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
Anti-war protests continue in St. Petersburg tonight.
OVD-Info has shared the following information on yesterday’s anti-war protests in Russia:
- More than 1,800 people were detained in 60 different cities;
- At least 31 minors were arrested countrywide;
- At least 17 journalists were detained in seven different cities;
- Protesters have been charged with various misdemeanors, punishable by fines ranging from 2,000 to 300,000 rubles (about $25–$3,625) and jail time ranging from 15 to 30 days.
In the past 48 hours, more than 50,000 people have fled Ukraine, reports United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.
According to Telegram channels established to aid refugees from Ukraine, Poland has lifted all border restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and border guards will provide all necessary assistance to incoming Ukrainians, including “accepting applications for international protection.”
Ukraine has reportedly closed all schools for the next two weeks at least.
American filmmaker David Lynch concluded his daily weather report in Los Angeles with a direct appeal to Vladimir Putin. “We are as human beings charged as to how we treat our fellow man. […] What you sow you shall reap,” he said.
The Ukrainian government says it plans to issue “war bonds” for an internal loan of $13.7 billion.
New statement by NATO calls Russian invasion of Ukraine “gravest threat to Euro-Atlantic security in decades”
“In light of Russia’s actions, we will draw all the necessary consequences for NATO’s deterrence and defense posture. Allies have held consultations under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty. We will continue to take all measures and decisions required to ensure the security and defense of all Allies.”
Aeroflot announces suspension of all flights to London and Dublin until May 23
The airline is offering refunds or reschedulings to all already-ticketed passengers.
People sheltering in Kharkiv’s subway system have moved from the underground stations into the underground tunnels themselves.
A billboard in St. Petersburg, justifying Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
The text reads, “’They left us no option to act in any other way,’ V.V. Putin. #WeAreUnited”
Liza Peskova, the daughter of Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, has deleted the anti-war message she recently posted on Instagram.
Russia’s Defense Ministry shares update at 8 p.m., Moscow time (12 p.m., New York)
“Shot down: six warplanes, one helicopter, five drones. Destroyed: 67 tanks and other armored fighting vehicles, 16 multiple rocket launchers, 87 special military vehicles,” announced Igor Konashenkov, the Russian Defense Ministry’s official spokesman, according to the Russian news agency Interfax.