People clean and try to fix damaged houses after attacks in Yasinovataya (Yasynuvata) controlled by the pro-Russian separatists on February 24, 2022. Photo / Getty Images
People clean and try to fix damaged houses after attacks in Yasinovataya (Yasynuvata) controlled by the pro-Russian separatists on February 24, 2022. Photo / Getty Images
RUSSIAN-UKRAINE LATEST * Russian attack described as "full-scale war" * Ukraine claims to have shot down at least seven Russian aircraft * Ukraine has lost control of the Chernobyl nuclear site, reports Russian soldiers holding the staff hostage * International condemnation of Russian military strike, with European Union Security Chief Josep Borrell Fontelles describing attack as Europe's "darkest hour" since World War II * Militarily enforceable UN resolution demanding Russia's withdrawal expected to be voted on today * US President Joe Biden says "Putin chose this war. He and his country will bear the consequences" * Germany's leader warned Putin 'will not win' and 'should not underestimate NATO's determination to defend all its members; UK introduces sanctions * Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 137 Ukrainians - soldiers and civilians - were killed during the first day * NZ PM Jacinda Ardern condemns attack and says the government has introduced a range of travel bans, and bans on any exports that could end up in military use in Russia
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has seen airstrikes on cities and military bases and troops and tanks enter the country from three sides in an attack that could rewrite the post-Cold War security order.
Ukraine's government pleaded for help as civilians piled into trains and cars to flee.
Large explosions and fighter jet noise can be heard in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv as Russia continues to encircle the city.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ignored global condemnation and cascading new sanctions as he unleashed the largest ground war in Europe in decades, and chillingly referred to his country's nuclear arsenal.
He threatened any country trying to interfere with "consequences you have never seen".
Ukrainian officials said their forces were battling Russians on multiple fronts, and had lost control of the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear power plant, scene of the world's worst nuclear disaster.
"Russia has embarked on a path of evil, but Ukraine is defending itself and won't give up its freedom," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted.
Zelenskyy released a statement at midday (NZ time) saying that "sabotage forces" have entered Kyiv.
"The enemy's sabotage forces have entered the capital. Me and my family are remaining.
"The enemy marked me as target number 1, and my family as target number 2. I am staying in Kyiv."
Zelensky said 137 Ukrainians - soldiers and civilians - were killed during the first day of the Russian invasion.
That number has risen since a Ukrainian official confirmed this morning that the death toll stood at 57. Health Minister Oleh Lyashko also said 169 people had been wounded.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the nation in Kyiv. Photo / AP
Zelensky has ordered a general mobilisation, meaning all of Ukraine's conscripts and reservists are being called up to counter the Russian invasion.
Zelenskyy says that despite Russia's claim it is attacking only military targets, civilian sites also have been struck. In his words: "They're killing people and turning peaceful cities into military targets. It's foul and will never be forgiven."
The president says all border guards on Zmiinyi island in the Odesa region were killed Thursday. Ukraine's border guard service earlier in the day reported that the island was taken by the Russians.
According to CNN reports Zelensky has been openly critical of NATO over their response.
"Who is ready to guarantee Ukraine's accession to NATO? Honestly, everyone is afraid."
"I asked all the partners of the state if they are with us. They are with us, but they are not ready to take us into an alliance with them," he said.
"No matter how many conversations I had with foreign leaders, I heard a few things. The first is that we are supported. I am grateful to each state that helps us concretely, not just in words. But there is a second — we are left alone to defend our state. Who is ready to fight with us? Honestly — I do not see," Zelensky said.
"Today I asked the 27 leaders of Europe whether Ukraine will be in NATO, I asked directly. Everyone is afraid, does not answer. And we are not afraid, we are not afraid of anything," Zelensky said.
Bloomberg is reporting Ukrainian capital Kyiv could fall to Russian forces within hours, after a top intelligence source claimed Ukraine's air defences have been virtually wiped out.
The insider claimed Russian troops were marching towards Ukraine down both sides of the Dnieper river and that Moscow had control of a string of strategic airfields, which could be used to get more personnel into the nation.
It is believed Putin aims to remove the Ukrainian government and replace it with a puppet regime under Moscow's control.
That was backed up by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who revealed "all evidence suggests that Russia intends to encircle and threaten Kyiv, and we believe Moscow has developed plans to inflict widespread human rights abuses – and potentially worse – on the Ukrainian people."
"Russia's actions are an affront to democracy, to human rights, to human decency," he said.
All defenders dead as Russia seizes island - reports
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Zmiinyi Island – also known as Snake Island – has fallen to Russian forces, with all defenders killed in the desperate battle.
The tiny island, located in the Black Sea in the Odessa region, plays an important role in delimiting Ukrainian territorial waters.
Mr Zelensky paid tribute to those killed in the invasion.
"All the defenders of the island of Zmiinyi died, but did not surrender," Mr Zelensky said.
"All of them will be named Heroes of Ukraine."
"All the defenders of the island of Zmiinyi died, but did not surrender. All of them will be named Heroes of #Ukraine.” said Ukrainian President Zelensky. pic.twitter.com/PUGXEbEmWK
According to Olexander Scherba, who served as Ukraine's Ambassador to Austria from 2014-2021, there are reports that around 11 female soldiers died on the island after Vladimir Putin's missile hit their barracks.
Audio reportedly captured shortly before the bloody attack shows Ukrainian soldiers remained defiant despite the overwhelming odds against them.
According to a translation shared by BuzzFeed correspondent Christopher Miller, who spent 11 years based in Ukraine and eastern Europe, Russians forces ordered the defenders to surrender.
"This is a Russian warship. I propose you lay down arms and surrender to avoid bloodshed and unnecessary victims. Otherwise, you'll be bombed," the Russians said.
The Ukrainian response was simple, and powerful: "Russian warship, go f*ck yourself".
European Union leaders agreed to impose sanctions against Russia that will have "massive and severe consequences".
BREAKING: This is the current scene in Sumy, Ukraine
In Washington, US President Joe Biden announced new sanctions against Russia, saying Putin "chose this war" and that his country would bear the consequences of his action.
The sanctions will target Russian banks, oligarchs, state-controlled companies and high-tech sectors, he said, adding they were designed not to disrupt global energy markets. Russian oil and natural gas exports are vital energy sources for Europe.
The Pentagon would send an additional 7000 troops to Europe, it said on Thursday (US time).
The deployment of an armoured brigade combat team was ordered to Germany to reassure NATO allies, the Pentagon said in a statement.
Zelenskyy urged the US and the West to go further and cut the Russians from the SWIFT system, a key financial network that connects thousands of banks around the world.
The White House has been reluctant to immediately cut Russia from SWIFT, worried it could cause enormous economic problems in Europe and elsewhere in the West.
Zelenskyy, who earlier cut diplomatic ties with Moscow and declared martial law, described Russian forces advancing on a series of fronts.
These included a "difficult situation" developing in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, just over 20km from the eastern border with Russia, and Russian troops slowly advancing from the north on the city of Chernihiv.
He said a Russian airborne unit at an airport just outside Kyiv, the capital, was being destroyed.
A handout photo taken from video released by the Ukrainian Police Department Press Service of military helicopters - apparently Russian - flying over the outskirts of Kyiv. Photo / AP
He appealed to global leaders, saying that "if you don't help us now, if you fail to offer a powerful assistance to Ukraine, tomorrow the war will knock on your door".
Presidential adviser Myhailo Podolyak said "a full-scale war in Europe has begun ... Russia is not only attacking Ukraine, but the rules of normal life in the modern world."
Both sides claimed to have destroyed some of the other's aircraft and military hardware, though little of that could be confirmed. There are also unverified news reports that more than 10,000 rifles have been given to civilians to help defend Ukraine's capital.
Hours after the invasion began, Russian forces seized control of the zone around the now-unused Chernobyl plant after a fierce battle, Zelenskyy adviser Myhailo Podolyak told The Associated Press.
A Ukrainian official said Russian shelling hit a radioactive waste repository and an increase in radiation levels was reported. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter.
A nuclear reactor at the plant 130km north of Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, exploded in 1986, sending a radioactive cloud across Europe. The damaged reactor was covered by a protective shelter several years ago to prevent radiation leaks.
"This is one of the most serious threats to Europe today," Podolyak said.
The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency says it has been informed by Ukraine that "unidentified armed forces" have taken control of the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear plant, adding that there had been "no casualties or destruction at the industrial site."
White House press secretary Jen Psaki just told media today that there are reports Russian soldiers are holding the staff of the Ukrainian nuclear site hostage.
Speaking at her daily briefing, Psaki said: "We are outraged by credible reports that Russian soldiers are currently holding the staff of the Chernobyl facilities hostage," she said.
"This unlawful and dangerous hostage-taking, which could upend the routine civil service efforts required to maintain and protect the nuclear waste facilities, is obviously incredibly alarming and gravely concerning.
"We condemn it and we request their release."
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi called for "maximum restraint" to avoid actions that could put Ukraine's nuclear facilities at risk.
"In line with its mandate, the IAEA is closely monitoring developments in Ukraine with a special focus on the safety and security of its nuclear power plants and other nuclear-related facilities," he said in a statement.
The chief of the NATO alliance said the "brutal act of war" shattered peace in Europe, joining a chorus of world leaders who decried the attack, which could cause massive casualties, topple Ukraine's democratically elected government and upend the post-Cold War security order.
The conflict was already shaking global financial markets: Stocks plunged and oil prices soared amid concerns that heating bills and food prices would skyrocket.
Shocking video also appears to show the moment Russian helicopter gunships swept over Ukraine to attack an airport just a few kilometres from Kyiv.
Russian choppers can be seen hurtling over the landscape as they attacked the military base at Gostomel Airport — in the footage which has been verified by the Ukrainian government.
Ukrainian officials said they managed to down at least three of the aircraft – but the Russians had managed to seize control of the area.
Kyiv's presidential office said there was "fierce fighting" at the airport.
In some of most dramatic footage of the invasion so far, the helicopters are seen flying low and appearing to be firing flares as they moved in.
Smoke is seen rising in the background from the devastated landscape amid the bloodshed which has plunged Europe into a new crisis.
The craft are believed to be a mix of Ka-52 Alligators, Mi-8s and Mi-24 military attack helicopters.
Confirmed by Ukrainian authorities. A large air assault operation with Mi-8 helicopters on Antonov International Airport in Hostomel. Interior Ministry says Russia has seized control. Very dangerous; it’s just 15 minutes west of the capital ring road. pic.twitter.com/JhlyVktVRC
In remarks from the White House, US President Biden said: "Putin is the aggressor, Putin chose this war. He and his country will bear the consequences".
Biden restated his commitment not to send troops but said the US will defend "every inch of NATO territory with the full force of American power". He confirmed that any move into a NATO country would draw the US directly into the conflict.
"An attack on one is an attack on all," he said.
He outlined a series of financial sanctions and seizures, citing the plunge in Russia's stockmarket as proof of their immediate effectiveness.
He said the actions of the US and its allies would "strike a blow" at Russia's ability to modernise its military and would be a "major hit" to Putin's long-term strategic ambitions, saying that high-tech industries would be targeted for sanctions.
"Every asset they have in America will be frozen," Biden said.
"America stands up to bullies, we stand up for freedom. This is who we are."
Biden promised to respond if Russia targeted the US with cyber attacks. He said Russian propaganda outlets would continue to hide the truth about the invasion.
He said Putin had "unleashed a great pain" on the people of Ukraine but said they had proven that they would not allow anyone to take them backwards.
The President said the invasion was a "war without a cause" that betrays Putin's "sinister vision for the future of our world".
"Putin will be a pariah on the international stage," he said, adding that anyone aligning themselves with him would be stained by their association.
He vowed the war would leave Russia weaker and the rest of the world stronger.
"Liberty, democracy, human decency - these are the forces far more powerful than fear and oppression. They can not be extinguished by tyrants like Putin and his armies.
Thousands in Russia protest Ukraine war, hundreds detained.
While these exports were limited, Ardern said it still showed a message of support to Ukraine.
New Zealand had also seized diplomatic communications and were exploring humanitarian options.
New Zealand stood "resolute" with those bearing the brunt of Russia's actions, she said.
On further action, Ardern said there were more measures including extending travel bans. There was also the ability to further restrict diplomatic engagement. An autonomous sanctions regime was just one lever but Ardern said that would not assist in humanitarian situations.
Putin speaks with world leaders
President Emmanuel Macron of France has spoken with Putin.
An official at France's presidential office says the aim of Macron's phone call was to demand the immediate halt of military operations.
According to the official at the Elysee Palace, Macron called Putin from Brussels on Thursday just before the start of an urgent meeting of European Union leaders focusing on sanctions against Russia.
The official says Macron made the call after consulting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The official says Macron reminded Putin "that Russia was facing massive sanctions." The official spoke anonymously in accordance with the French presidency practice.
According to the Kremlin's report on the call, Putin and Macron agreed to continue their contacts.
The two had "a serious and frank exchange" about Ukraine, and Putin "gave an exhaustive explanation of the reasons and circumstances" surrounding the invasion, according to a Kremlin statement.
Putin has also spoken with other foreign leaders, meeting with the prime minister of Pakistan in Moscow and speaking with the leaders of Iran and India by phone.
Earlier, a senior US official said the UN Security Council is expected to vote today on a resolution condemning Russia in the strongest terms possible for attacking Ukraine and demanding the immediate withdrawal of all Russian forces, knowing that the legally binding measure will be vetoed by Russia.
The United States believes it is important to put the resolution to a vote to underscore Russia's international isolation and emphasises that the expected veto will be followed quickly by a resolution in the 193-member General Assembly where there are no vetoes, the official said.
The official was not authorised to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
The official said the action is part of a broader, coordinated response that includes steps the Biden administration and its allies are taking.
The resolution is drafted under Article 7 of the UN Charter, which can be enforced militarily, and "condemns in the strongest terms possible Russia's aggression" and violations of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and "requires the Russian Federation to immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its forces" from Ukraine, according to the official.
People try to get on a bus as they leave Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo / AP
Condemnation rained down not only from the US and Europe, but from New Zealand, Australia and beyond — and many governments readied new sanctions.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a televised address to the nation condemning the Russian attack on Ukraine sharply and vowed Putin "will not win".
Scholz said "we will not accept this violation of Ukraine's sovereignty by Russia" and vowed to imply severe sanctions together with Germany's allies.
First refugees from Ukraine, who arrived to Poland are leaving the train station in Przemyl. Photo / Getty Images
Regarding the military attack on Ukraine, Scholz stressed Putin "is on his own. It was not the Russian people who decided to go to war. He alone bears full responsibility for it. This war is Putin's war."
The chancellor said "Putin should not underestimate NATO's determination to defend all its members. That applies explicitly to our NATO partners in the Baltic States, in Poland and in Romania, in Bulgaria and in Slovakia. Without ifs and buts. Germany and its allies know how to protect themselves."
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would aim to cut Russia off from the UK's financial markets as he announced a new set of sanctions.
The sanctions include freezing the assets of all major Russian banks, including VTB Bank, the nation's second-biggest bank, Johnson said Thursday. Britain also plans to bar Russian companies and the Russian government from raising money on UK markets.
Britain will also ban the export of a wide range of high-tech products, including semiconductors, to Russia and bar the nation's flagship airline, Aeroflot, from landing at UK airports.
Johnson said of Putin: "Now we see him for what he is — a bloodstained aggressor who believes in imperial conquest."
Even friendly leaders like Hungary's Viktor Orban sought to distance themselves from Putin.
China 'on the fence', says academic
John Hopkins University Distinguished Professor Sergey Radchenko says Russia will face "massive" sanctions from the west, with the Russian economy already tanking.
Speaking to Newstalk ZB, Radchenko said there are questions around whether the west will accept this - but he feels the international community will simply not recognise this Russian action against Ukraine.
Asked where China fits into this situation, he said it was taking a careful stance at the moment.
"The Chinese are sitting on a fence," he said, saying they had made very careful statements up to this point.
Radchenko said China and Russia had a close relationship, but acknowledged the Chinese was not necessarily up for the risk that Putin was up for - particularly in regards to China's economic interests.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark this morning had a simple message to Putin.
"My message is pretty much like that to the protesters in front of Parliament - go home," she told Three's AM Show.
She said while New Zealand's position had traditionally followed the United Nations when it came to broader sanctions, we should also make up our own mind on how to deal with the unfolding crisis.
"No-one is under any illusion about what New Zealand thinks about this," said Clark.
"New Zealand is appalled by it because in a democracy we respect people's right to choose their sovereignty.
"This is just an appalling, shocking step backwards we're seeing play out in Eastern Europe.
"We've seen him dig in over the years of his view that the greatest tragedy of the 20th century was the demise of the Soviet Union and in a sense he's tried to recreate that in the Ukraine.
"There's a game plan here and this is without doubt the boldest and most ruthless of these moves to recreate the old order."
Clark said anything could happen in coming days, including wholesale destruction of Ukraine's military hardware by Russian forces, sea routes blocked and even neighbouring territories come under attack.
Protesters gathered outside the Russian embassy in Wellington. Photo / Michael Neilson
In New Zealand, about 50 people have gathered for a protest outside the Russian embassy in Wellington.
The US and its NATO partners mobilised troops and equipment around Ukraine's western flank — as Ukraine pleaded for defence assistance and help protecting its airspace.
In Washington, Biden convened a meeting of the National Security Council to discuss Ukraine as the US prepares new sanctions.
Biden administration officials signalled two of the measures they were considering most strongly include hitting Russia's biggest banks and slapping on new export controls meant to starve Russia's industries and military of US semiconductors and other high-tech components.
Later Ukrainian authorities described ground invasions in multiple regions, and border guards released footage showing a line of Russian military vehicles crossing into Ukraine's government-held territory.
Russia's formal confirmation
Russia later gave its first formal confirmation that its ground forces had moved in, saying troops entered from Crimea.
The ministry said it had destroyed a total of 83 Ukrainian military facilities. Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov confirmed Russian ground troops advanced toward the city of Kherson northwest of the Crimea peninsula.
A woman and child peer out of the window of a bus as they leave Sievierodonetsk, the Luhansk region, eastern Ukraine. Photo / AP
Kherson sits on a water reservoir used in the past to provide the bulk of fresh water for Crimea until Ukraine cut it with a dam in 2017 in response to Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Konashenkov said Thursday's move allows the resumption of the water supply to Crimea.
European authorities declared the country's airspace an active conflict zone.
Ugh. Awful development. "After a fierce battle, Ukrainian control over the Chernobyl site was lost. The condition of the former Chernobyl nuclear power plant, confinement, and nuclear waste storage facilities is unknown," said Mykhailo Podoliak, adviser to head of Chernobyl plant
After weeks of denying plans to invade, Putin launched the operation on a country that has increasingly tilted toward the democratic West and away from Moscow's sway.
The autocratic leader made clear earlier this week that he sees no reason for Ukraine to exist, raising fears of possible broader conflict in the vast space that the Soviet Union once ruled.
Putin denied plans to occupy Ukraine, but his ultimate goals remain hazy.
Ukrainians who had long braced for the prospect of an assault were urged to shelter in place and not to panic despite the dire warnings.
"We are facing a war and horror. What could be worse?" 64-year-old Liudmila Gireyeva said in Kyiv.
Putin "will be damned by history, and Ukrainians are damning him."
She planned to flee the city and try to eventually get to Poland to join her daughter.
"Until the very last moment, I didn't believe it would happen. I just pushed away these thoughts," said a terrified Anna Dovnya in Kyiv, watching soldiers and police remove shrapnel from an exploded shell.
"We have lost all faith."
With social media amplifying a torrent of military claims and counter-claims, it was difficult to determine exactly what was happening on the ground.
Ukraine's military chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi said his troops were fighting Russian forces just 7km from the capital — in Hostomel, which is home to the Antonov aircraft maker and has a runway that is long enough to handle even the biggest cargo planes.
Russian officials said separatist forces backed by Russia in the east have taken a new strip of territory from Ukrainian forces, but have not acknowledged ground troops elsewhere in the country.
Police officers inspect area after an apparent Russian strike in Kyiv Ukraine. Photo / AP
Associated Press reporters saw or confirmed explosions in the capital, in Mariupol on the Azov Sea, Kharkiv in the east and beyond.
AP confirmed video showing Russian military vehicles crossing into Ukrainian-held territory in the north from Belarus and from Russian-annexed Crimea in the south.
Russian and Ukrainian authorities made competing claims about damage they had inflicted.
Russia's Defence Ministry said it had destroyed scores of Ukrainian air bases, military facilities and drones, and confirmed the loss of a Su-25 attack jet, blaming it on "pilot error".
It said it was not targeting cities, but using precision weapons and claimed that "there is no threat to civilian population".
Ukraine's armed forces reported at least 40 soldiers dead, and said a military plane carrying 14 people crashed south of Kyiv.
Poland's military increased its readiness level, and Lithuania and Moldova moved toward doing the same. Border crossings increased from Ukraine to Poland, which has prepared centres for refugees.
Putin justified his actions in an overnight televised address, asserting that the attack was needed to protect civilians in eastern Ukraine — a false claim the US had predicted he would make as a pretext for an invasion.
He accused the US and its allies of ignoring Russia's demands to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and for security guarantees.
The consequences of the conflict and resulting sanctions on Russia reverberated throughout the world.
World stock markets plunged and oil prices on both sides of the Atlantic surged toward or above $100 per barrel, on unease about possible disruption of Russian supplies. The ruble sank.
Anticipating international condemnation and countermeasures, Putin issued a stark warning to other countries not to meddle.
In a reminder of Russia's nuclear power, he warned that "no one should have any doubts that a direct attack on our country will lead to the destruction and horrible consequences for any potential aggressor".
Among Putin's pledges was to "denazify" Ukraine. World War II looms large in Russia, after the Soviet Union suffered more deaths than any country while fighting Adolf Hitler's forces.
Kremlin propaganda paints members of Ukrainian right-wing groups as neo-Nazis, exploiting their admiration for WWII-era Ukrainian nationalist leaders who sided with the Nazis.
Ukraine is now led by a Jewish president who lost relatives in the Holocaust and angrily dismissed the Russian claims.
Russian President Vladimir Putin addressees the nation in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022. Photo / AP
Putin's announcement came just hours after the Ukrainian president rejected Moscow's claims his country poses a threat to Russia and made a passionate, last-minute plea for peace.
Zelenskyy said he asked to arrange a call with Putin late Wednesday, but the Kremlin did not respond.
The attack began even as the UN Security Council was meeting to hold off an invasion.
