Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Eastern Ukraine on Thursday (24/2). Shortly after the announcement was heard explosions in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv
The Interfax news agency reported citing local media that explosions could be heard in the distance from the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Meanwhile gunfire was heard near Boryspil Airport.
According to Interfax as reported by Reuters, rocket attacks occurred against military facilities throughout Ukraine. And Russian troops have landed in the Southern Ukrainian port cities of Odessa and Mariupol.
Al Jazeera's Andrew Simmons, reporting live from Kyiv, said at least seven "loud explosions" were heard in the Ukrainian capital. "It sounds like a bullet shot, but it could be an air strike," he said.
"Boryspil International Airport was attacked. We are not sure if it was blown up or if it was an explosion," he added. “We also heard sirens, so there must be a full-blown attack on the capital.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted that Russia had launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and targeted cities with gun attacks.
“Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under attack," Kuleba said, as quoted by Al Jazeera.
“This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time for action is now."
Putin said he had authorized special military operations in breakaway areas in eastern Ukraine, so clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces were only a matter of time.
"I have made a decision on military operations," he said in a surprise statement broadcast live on television just before 6 a.m. Moscow time.
