A wounded woman is seen as airstrike damages an apartment complex outside of Kharkiv, Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Photo / Getty Images
A wounded woman is seen as airstrike damages an apartment complex outside of Kharkiv, Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Photo / Getty Images
• Russian attack described as "full-scale war" • Unconfirmed reports of hundreds of Ukranian soldiers killed. • Ukrainian claims of shooting down at least seven Russian aircraft and killing 50 invading soldiers • Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vows: "We are ready for everything. We will win over everybody because we are Ukraine" • International condemnation of Russian military strike, with European Union Security Chief Josep Borrell Fontelles describing the attack on Ukraine as "the darkest hour" since World War II • Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern condemned the attack and said the Government would introduce a range of measures in response
Explosions rocked several Ukraine cities, including the capital Kyiv, as Russia launched an invasion with simultaneous attacks coming from south, east and north, by land and by air.
Unconfirmed early reports claimed "hundreds' of Ukrainian troops were killed in early clashes," a Ukrainian official told the Daily Mail, as cruise missiles, guided bombs and rockets took out airfields, military bases, ammo dumps, and command posts including in the capital.
Mutliple news outlets are also reporting that Ukranian forces have killed at least 50 invading Russian soldiers.
Reuters has reported claims from the Ukraine military that it has shot down five Russian planes and a Russian helicopter over the Luhansk region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a "special military operation". Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called it "full-scale war".
United States President Joe Biden and other western leaders condemned Russia's move – but Putin warned them any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to "consequences they have never seen".
He said the attack was needed to protect civilians in eastern Ukraine – a claim the US had predicted he would falsely make to justify an invasion. In a televised address, Putin accused the US and its allies of ignoring Russia's demand to prevent Ukraine from joining Nato and offer Moscow security guarantees.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared the country is under martial law. Just after 6pm NZT, the people of Ukraine began waking up to the Russian invasion. Sirens sounded in Kyiv, warning the population the city is under attack, as explosions could be heard in the distance.
Here's Zelenskyy's full statement:
"Dear Ukrainian citizens, this morning President Putin announced a special military operation in Donbas. Russia conducted strikes on our military infrastructure and our border guards. There were blasts heard in many cities of Ukraine. We're introducing martial law on the whole territory of our country. A minute ago I had a conversation with President Biden. The US has already started uniting international support. Today each of you should keep calm. Stay at home if you can. We are working. The army is working. The whole sector of defence and security is working. No panic. We are strong. We are ready for everything. We will win over everybody because we are Ukraine."
People take shelter in a subway after air raid sirens sounded across the city on February 24, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo / Getty Images
PM condemns attack on Ukraine
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta say Aotearoa New Zealand condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and will join partners in introducing a range of measures in response.
"New Zealand strongly condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine and joins the international community in calling on Russia to immediately cease military operations in Ukraine," Jacinda Ardern said.
"This is an unprovoked and unnecessary attack by Russia. By choosing to pursue this entirely avoidable path, an unthinkable number of innocent lives could be lost because of Russia's decision.
"We call on Russia to do what is right and immediately cease military operations in Ukraine, and permanently withdraw to avoid a catastrophic and pointless loss of innocent life.
"It is through diplomacy, not unnecessary death and destruction, that all parties can find resolution," Jacinda Ardern said.
New Zealand will implement a number of measures in response to Russia's actions, including: • Introduce targeted travel bans against Russian Government officials and other individuals associated with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in line with a number of our partners; • Prohibit the export of goods to Russian military and security forces; and • Suspend bilateral foreign ministry engagement until further notice.
This is the darkest hour for Europe since the end of World War II'
European Union Security Chief Josep Borrell Fontelles described the attack on Ukraine as "the darkest hour" since World War II.
Fontelles said the invasion is "not only the greatest violation of international law, it's a violation of the basic principles of human co-existence".
"It's costing many lives, with unknown consequences ahead of us. The EU will respond in the strongest possible terms," he added.
With its attack on Ukraine, #Russia violates the most basic and important rules of the international order. The international community will not forget this day of shame. In close coordination with our partners, we will respond. We stand in solidarity with #Ukraine. @ABaerbockhttps://t.co/6bsl1xtzuT
Speaking from Brussels on Thursday morning, local time, he called on Russia to "cease immediately this intolerable behaviour".
"This is not a question of blocks, of diplomatic power games, it's a matter of life and death. It's about the future of our global community."
The EU says it will be providing urgent assistance to Ukraine "in this dire situation".
It comes after Ukraine declared a state of emergency over the unfolding crisis with Russia, and Putin sparked panic by recognising the breakaway territories of Luhansk and Donetsk in eastern Ukraine – known collectively as the Donbas region – earlier this week.
What a moment captured by @clarissaward and her team in Kharkiv. "A small group of people have gathered in the main square and they are kneeling and praying," Clarissa says. "Because right now there is truly a sense of having no idea what is coming down the pipeline." pic.twitter.com/cAoLi8Euaq
In a televised address to the Russian people the President said clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces were "inevitable" and "only a question of time".
It was 5 o'clock in the morning Kyiv time Putin started an unprovoked war against Ukraine, a war against Europe, a war against the whole world
See the moment Ukraine's U.N. ambassador learned that Russia had invaded his country — and immediately called into question whether Putin's nation should be allowed to remain in an entity meant for "peace-loving states." https://t.co/yn2tc4WLsTpic.twitter.com/DaGfrI8sL6
Walking around central Kyiv. Queues at every ATM. Shops are busy but the shelves are full. Most people seem calm. We saw artists huddle together for safety inside a gallery as the sirens went off outside. Almost everyone we speak to sends their best wishes to the Ukrainian army
CNN relays that the Ukrainian interior ministry is reporting that they've already experienced hundreds of casualties from Russia's first missile strikes. pic.twitter.com/alAn8rSyJ0
"This is the first time we have heard anything like this in the years I have been reporting here," says CNN reporter Matthew Chance as he dons a flak jacket.
CNN also reported a series of blasts heard in the city of Kharkiv 480km to the east of Kyiv, and there were also reports of explosions near the port city of Mariupol. Residents in the city, which is located in southeastern Ukraine, were woken at 3.30am local time by blasts 50km from the Russian border.
A Ukrainian journalist who lives near an army base close to Kyiv has recalled to the BBC the horror of the initial rocket srikes.
Lyubov Velychko says a salvo of at least seven rockets exploded about 4.30am local time She said neighbours were in tears and told the BBC "we were hiding our children at 5am in cellars".
The journalist later visited the military base and said at least two people had been killed after it had been "bombed by the rockets from the air".
'No one is running away'
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, today told Ukrainians the country is fighting.
"To Ukrainians around the globe: Putin attacked, but no one is running away. Army, diplomats, everyone is working. Ukraine fights. Ukraine will defend itself. Ukraine will win," he wrote on Twitter.
"Share the truth about Putin's invasion in your countries and call on Governments to act immediately."
Meanwhile, reports state that Nato members in eastern Europeans are invoking Article 4 to allow for "urgent consultations on military plans for the alliance".
Eastern European members of NATO are invoking Article 4, which means urgent consultations on military plans for the alliance.
CNN reports Ukraine was attacked through multiple borders.
The Ukrainian state border service said "About 5am, the state border of Ukraine in the area with the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus was attacked by Russian troops supported by Belarus,"
It added that attacks are being carried out in Luhansk, Sumy, Kharkiv, Chernihiv and Zhytomyr regions — areas on the eastern and northern borders of Ukraine. The attacks are targeting border units, border patrols and checkpoints using artillery, heavy equipment and small arms, the border service said.
"In addition, the attack takes place from the Autonomous Republic of Crimea side," said the service.
Video footage appeared to show clouds of smoke rising up into the night sky near Mariupol, but it was unconfirmed whether it was as a result of shelling.
Flights of civil aircraft across Ukraine airspace have been suspended as the country shifted to a war footing, declaring a state of emergency, beginning to mobilise reservists and calling on its citizens to immediately leave Russia amid warnings of an imminent full-scale invasion.
A post on Twitter claimed to show images from the Kalanchak outpost of soldiers "running away".
The post read: "Kalanchak outpost is under attack. Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are running away."
Europe's top air traffic authority is urgently telling airlines and other civilian flights to stay away from Ukrainian airspace.
CNN reported that United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres sent a message to Putin to "stop your troops from attacking Ukraine. Give peace a chance. Too many people have already died".
What a magnitude from @antonioguterres appeal to Putin: From the bottom of my heart: President Putin [refrain] from attacking Ukraine! Give peace a chance! I’ve never believed; I was wrong! I don’t want to be wrong again! pic.twitter.com/Uob84bAtP0
A surreal UN Security Council meeting was in session when the bombing started. It witnessed one of the most emotional, desperate speeches in its history from the Ukrainian ambassador, Sergiy Kyslytsya.
Explosions recorded in several cities across Ukraine
Robert Ayson, Centre for Strategic Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, said there had been reports of explosions in several Ukrainian cities.
If troops were moving to the south, Ayson suggested Russia could be trying to cut off Ukraine's access to the Black Sea.
Putin clearly wanted Ukraine to not have anything to do with the West, Ayson told Newstalk ZB.
Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now.
Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said New Zealand condemned the advance of Russian armed forces into Ukraine.
"We stand with the people of Ukraine impacted by this conflict. Our thoughts are with them," Mahuta said this evening.
People flee Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo / Getty Images
"Russia's actions are a flagrant breach of fundamental international rules," she added.
"The use of force to change borders is strictly prohibited under international law."
Zelensky: We are introducing martial law across the country. No panic. We are ready for anything. We are going to win because we are Ukrainians. pic.twitter.com/qc4oh8UnYl
Mahuta said New Zealand joined the international community in calling on Russia to cease military operations in Ukraine, and immediately and permanently withdraw.
She said it was important to return to diplomatic negotiations to de-escalate the conflict.
Biden has said he will work with Nato to co-ordinate a response but has emphasised the US will not send American troops to Ukraine.
Read Joe Biden's full statement below:
"The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces. President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable. I will be monitoring the situation from the White House this evening and will continue to get regular updates from my national security team. Tomorrow, I will meet with my G7 counterparts in the morning and then speak to the American people to announce the further consequences the United States and our Allies and partners will impose on Russia for this needless act of aggression against Ukraine and global peace and security. We will also co-ordinate with our Nato Allies to ensure a strong, united response that deters any aggression against the Alliance. Tonight, Jill and I are praying for the brave and proud people of Ukraine."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the invasion of Ukraine an "egregious attack".
Canada condemns – in the strongest possible terms – Russia’s egregious attack on Ukraine. These unprovoked actions are a clear further violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and of Russia’s obligations under international law and the Charter of the UN.
Russian military tanks advance in the Russian separatist-controlled part of the Donbas region on February 23, 2022. Photo / Getty Images
Meanwhile, the Kremlin said rebels in eastern Ukraine asked Russia for military assistance on Wednesday to help fend off Ukrainian "aggression," an announcement that immediately fuelled fears that Moscow was offering up a pretext for war, just as the West had warned about.
A short time later, the Ukrainian President rejected Moscow's claims that his country poses a threat to Russia and warned that a Russian invasion would cost tens of thousands of lives.
"The people of Ukraine and the Government of Ukraine want peace," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an emotional overnight address to his nation in Russian. "But if we come under attack, if we face an attempt to take away our country, our freedom, our lives and lives of our children, we will defend ourselves. When you attack us, you will see our faces, not our backs."
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres: “President Putin, stop your troops from attacking Ukraine. Give peace a chance. Too many people have already died.”
With its attack on Ukraine, #Russia violates the most basic and important rules of the international order. The international community will not forget this day of shame. In close coordination with our partners, we will respond. We stand in solidarity with #Ukraine. @ABaerbockhttps://t.co/6bsl1xtzuT
In an apparent reference to Putin's move to sanction the deployment of the Russian military to "maintain peace" in eastern Ukraine, Zelenskyy warned that "this step could mark the start of a big war on the European continent".
He challenged the Russian propaganda claims, saying, "You are told that this blaze will bring freedom to the people of Ukraine, but the Ukrainian people are free."
Kiwis flee Ukraine
There are currently 23 New Zealanders registered on SafeTravel as being in Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said earlier today.
A total of 17 Kiwis have fled the country since Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta warned New Zealanders in Ukraine to "leave immediately" on February 12.
MFAT urged Kiwis to not travel to Ukraine due to the risk of an armed conflict, or to leave if they were there.
"The security situation in Ukraine could change at short notice and New Zealanders should not rely on support with evacuating in these circumstances."
Mahuta is on a trip to Britain and Europe. Earlier today, during a meeting with a British MP, she reiterated her support "for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and call on Russia to uphold the International rule of law".
We also reiterated our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and call on Russia to uphold the International rule of law. #mahitahipic.twitter.com/msjVLffd14
Sun is coming up in Kharkiv. We heard explosions. People are starting to panic. We r heading out. The question is do you stay and get trapped or do you run and face danger on road or bombing…
Thinking of the Ukrainian people under bombardment- in particular the Rainbow community facing violence to come. Nz must actively mediate for peace rather than passively condemn
Stock markets worldwide fall after Putin's declaration of war
Markets around the world fell on the back of the Ukraine news. The NZX, down 1.93 per cent just after 4pm, had fallen further to 2.15 per cent in the red as at 4.30pm.
TASS reporting: - Russia has decided to conduct special military operations in Ukraine - President Putin reiterates Russia does NOT plan to occupy Ukraine
The invasion of Ukraine is also set to have an impact on oil prices.
Oil prices are up on Russian invasion of Ukraine. Watch for 91 in NZ to increase to above $3.00/L, with discounted fuel up to $2.85/L or so. Japan and Aus reportedly are ready to draw down on their oil reserves. Huge economic implications - as well as obvious human cost
The United Nations Security Council quickly scheduled an emergency meeting on Wednesday night at Ukraine's request. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called the separatists' request "a further escalation of the security situation".
There will be lots of questions about whether this war could have been stopped, but it's a dangerous moment. We're talking about a nuclear-armed country led by an aggressive dictator. Most dangerous moment of my lifetime.
Anxiety about an imminent Russian offensive against its neighbour soared after Putin recognised the separatist regions' independence on Monday, sanctioned the deployment of troops to the rebel territories to help "maintain peace" and received parliamentary approval to use military force outside the country. The West responded with sanctions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the rebel chiefs wrote to Putin on Wednesday, pleading with him to intervene after Ukrainian shelling caused civilian deaths and crippled vital infrastructure.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the separatists' request for Russian help was an example of the sort of "false-flag" operation that the US and its allies have expected Moscow to use as a pretence for war.
"So we'll continue to call out what we see as false-flag operations or efforts to spread misinformation about what the actual status is on the ground," she said.
The US and key European allies accused Moscow of crossing a red line on Tuesday in rolling over Ukraine's border into a separatist eastern region known as the Donbas, with some calling it an invasion.
The app of the Russian government newspaper is displayed on an iPhone screen showing Russian President Vladimir Putin during his speech in the Kremlin. Photo / AP
Earlier in the day, Ukrainian lawmakers approved a decree that imposes a nationwide state of emergency for 30 days starting Thursday. The measure allows authorities to declare curfews and restrictions on movement, block rallies and ban political parties and organizations "in the interests of national security and public order".
The action reflected increasing concern among Ukrainian authorities after weeks of trying to project calm. The Foreign Ministry advised against travel to Russia and recommended that any Ukrainians who are there leave immediately.
Russia on Wednesday evacuated its embassy in Kyiv as hopes for a diplomatic way out of a new, potentially devastating war in Europe waned.
"For a long time, we refrained from declaring a state of emergency ... but today the situation has become more complicated," National Security and Defence Council head Oleksiy Danilov told Parliament, emphasising that Moscow's efforts to destabilise Ukraine represented the main threat.
Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said the Russian force of more than 150,000 troops arrayed along Ukraine's borders is in an advanced state of readiness. "They are ready to go right now," Kirby said.
A demonstrator holds a placard saying 'Ukraine will never surrender' as he attends a protest outside the Russian Embassy, in London. Photo / AP
The latest images released by the Maxar satellite image company show Russian troops and military equipment deployed within 10 miles of the Ukrainian border and less than 80km from Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv.
In response to Russia's action, US President Joe Biden allowed sanctions to move forward against the company that built the Russia-to-Germany Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and against the company's chief executive.
"Today, I have directed my administration to impose sanctions on Nord Stream 2 AG and its corporate officers," Biden said. "As I have made clear, we will not hesitate to take further steps if Russia continues to escalate."
I was given this video by @BILD that likely shows an entire GRU Spetsnaz Brigade with 220 fully-loaded vehicles in Rostov 25km from the border of the Donbas, including 26 Rys, 14 Tigr-M SpN, 15 K-63968 Typhoon-K MRAPs, a Linza MRAP ambulance, and trucks. https://t.co/7UL7jKqx7ipic.twitter.com/EamHbKFTJ3
Germany said on Tuesday that it was indefinitely suspending the project, after Biden charged that Putin had launched "the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine" by sending troops into the separatist regions. The pipeline is complete but has not yet begun operating.
Putin said on Tuesday that he hadn't yet sent any Russian troops into the rebel regions, contrary to Western claims, and Donetsk rebel leader Denis Pushilin insisted on Wednesday that there were no Russian troops in the region even though a local council member claimed the previous day they had moved in.
Ukrainian Minister for Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov said a wave of denial-of-service attacks targeted official websites and some banks on Wednesday. They attacked knocked offline the sites of the Parliament, Cabinet and Foreign Ministry and caused interruptions or delays to the sites of the defence and interior ministry, which controls the police.
Already, the threat of war has shredded Ukraine's economy and raised the spectre of massive casualties, energy shortages across Europe and global economic chaos.
Even as the conflict took a new, dangerous turn, leaders warned it could still get worse. Putin has yet to unleash the force of the 150,000 troops massed on three sides of Ukraine, while Biden held back on even tougher sanctions that could cause economic turmoil for Russia but said they would go ahead if there is further aggression.
Satellite image provided shows artillery, troops and logistics deployment near the town of Malakeevo, Russia, approximately 20 miles from Ukraine boarder. Photo / Maxar Technologies
In other developments, Kyiv recalled its ambassador to Russia and considered breaking all diplomatic ties with Moscow; dozens of nations further squeezed Russian oligarchs and banks out of international markets; the US repositioned additional troops to Nato's eastern flank bordering Russia; and the top US diplomat cancelled a meeting with his Russian counterpart.
European Union sanctions against Russia took effect, targeting several companies along with 351 Russian lawmakers, who voted for a motion urging Putin to recognise the rebel regions, and 27 senior government officials, business executives and top military officers.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has shrugged off the sanctions, saying that "Russia has proven that, with all the costs of the sanctions, it is able to minimise the damage."
In Ukraine's east, violence spiked again. One Ukrainian soldier was killed and six more were injured after rebel shelling, the Ukrainian military said. Separatist officials reported several explosions on their territory overnight and three civilian deaths.
Russian armored vehicles are loaded onto railway platforms at a railway station in region not far from Russia-Ukraine border. Photo / AP
Facing a barrage of criticism at the 193-member United Nations General Assembly, Russia's UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia warned Ukraine that Russia will monitor the cease-fire in the east and emphasised that "no one intends to go softly, softly with any violators."
"A new military adventure" by Kyiv "might cost the whole of Ukraine very dearly", he warned ominously.
After weeks of rising tensions, Putin's steps this week dramatically raised the stakes. He recognised the independence of those separatist regions, a move he said extends even to the large parts of the territories now held by Ukrainian forces, and had Parliament grant him authority to use military force outside the country.
Putin laid out three conditions that he said could end the standoff, urging Kyiv to recognize Russia's sovereignty over Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula that Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014, to renounce its bid to join NATO and to partially demilitarise. Ukraine long has rejected such demands.
Ukrainians put together a list of resources on how foreigners can help. There are all reputable organizations doing good work. Spread far and wide:https://t.co/NeGElG48jZ
