As Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Wednesday night a “special military operation” and reportedly launched a major attack on neighboring Ukraine, President Joe Biden responded that the Russian government would be held accountable for “catastrophic loss of life and human suffering.”
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Russia attacks Ukraine as defiant Putin warns US, NATO
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a military operation in Ukraine, claiming it’s intended to protect civilians.
By HowardAltman
With reports surfacing from sources on the ground, Twitter is abuzz with live updates. Military Times will continue to update this report with the latest accounts from the social media platform.
11:25 a.m. EST
A senior U.S. defense official gave a background briefing on the invasion, the Washington Post reported. “They’re making a move on Kyiv,” the defense official said. “What they’re doing with Kyiv is hard to say.”
The official went on to further say that U.S. estimates suggest that around 75 Russian fixed-wing aircraft, including bombers, were involved in the initial strikes Wednesday night.
11:10 a.m. EST
“National Guard troops responsible for protecting the storage unit for dangerous radioactive waste are putting up fierce resistance,” Anton Herashchenko, an adviser to the interior minister reportedly said. If an artillery shell were to hit the storage unit, “radioactive dust could cover the territory of Ukraine, Belarus and the countries of the European Union.”
Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are each slated to receive support from U.S. F-35s, as the neighboring countries grow increasingly concerned that Russia will turn its eyes to them next.
10:55 a.m. EST
President Biden spoke with leaders Thursday morning from the G7, including Germany, Britain, Canada and France.
10:32 a.m. EST
10:15 a.m. EST
Russian forces, who have previously claimed they are only striking Ukrainian military targets, have struck a civilian hospital in Vuhledar, killing at least four and wounding more than a dozen. U.S. Air Force F-35s are deploying to the Baltic Sea and Black Sea regions following Russian naval strikes.
9:46 a.m. EST
The Washington Post has reported that U.S. javelin anti-tank missiles are being used by Ukrainian troops.
9:41 a.m. EST
Recently released footage from the New York Times shows a Russian attack on Kyiv, with at least six Russian helicopters spotted flying over the Dnieper river toward Hostomel and the town’s airport.
9:28 a.m. EST
8:40 a.m. EST
U.S. tankers and a B-52 bomber are on the move in Poland.
8:34 a.m. EST
8:26 a.m. EST
Air raid sirens are sounding off again in Kyiv, Fox News reports.
8:20 a.m. EST
The Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister confirmed that Ukraine has cut all diplomatic ties with Russia.
7:35 a.m. EST
An advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the military death toll is already in the dozens following Russian strikes during the night.
7:30 a.m. EST
U.S. forces on the ground in Europe are headed to the Polish and Ukrainian border to help Ukrainian refugees.
4:23 a.m. EST
A map tracking Russian military attacks on the Ukraine shows strikes along the coast, and in and around major cities Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv and Odesa.
3:09 a.m. EST
Footage shows a Ukrainian military arms depot was struck in Kalynivka, Vinnytsia.
Belarusian troops are actively aiding Russia in their attack on Ukraine, while also allowing Russian military efforts to launch from their borders.
1:20 a.m. EST
Ukrainian President reports that he has spoken with world leaders, including President Joe Biden, and is putting together an “anti-Putin” coalition.
The Washington Post reports NATO members to assess military strategy.
Buzzfeed reports Russian aircraft downed in eastern Ukraine.
Reuters reports a major cyber attack in addition to attacks on Ukraine’s military.
Ukrainian Armed Forces release a statement on the state of the invasion.
12:45 a.m. EST
Reuters confirms Crimean involvement.
CNN reports civilians praying in a public square.
12:30 a.m. EST
NPR reports public panic and attempts to flee.
Buzzfeed correspondent Christopher Miller confirms Belarusian troops are involved in the invasion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with Biden about the condemnation of Putin and galvanizing an international community response.
Reuters reports Ukrainian defence minister confirmation of heavy shelling against its military forces by Russian troops.
Ukrainian correspondent Olga Tokariuk shares outspoken criticism about Putin’s invasion.
Reuters reports explosions in Mariupol, the city south of the Donetsk Oblast.
12:10 a.m. EST
Phil Stewart, military and intelligence correspondent with Reuters, reports on military action from Russian forces.
Biden’s press secretary Jen Psaki confirms that the president was informed of the attack on Ukraine.
The United Nations spokesperson account relays words from U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
CNN’s Natasha Bertrand relays confimation from correspondent Matthew Chance that Ukraine is under attack.
About SarahSicard and RachelNostrant
Sarah Sicard is a Senior Editor with Military Times. She previously served as the Digitial Editor of Military Times and the Army Times Editor. Other work can be found at National Defense Magazine, Task & Purpose, and Defense News.
Rachel is a Marine Corps veteran and a master's candidate at New York University's Business & Economic Reporting program.
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