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By Zoe Strozewski, Isabel van Brugen, Daniel Villarreal, Patricia McKnight, Lauren Giella, Natalie Colarossi, Alex Backus, ORhonde Chapman, Matt Cannon, Yevgeny Kuklychev, and Justin Klawans
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Feb 27, 2022 at 06:07 PM EST
U.S. to Send Anti-Aircraft Stinger Missiles to Ukraine
The U.S. will send powerful anti-aircraft Stinger missiles to Ukraine as part of a larger package approved by the White Hose earlier this week, marking the first time the nation has approved such a delivery.
Officials familiar with the matter told the Associated Press on Sunday that the exact timing of the shipment is not yet known, but that the U.S. is currently working to finalize logistics. The high-speed missiles will be used to shoot down helicopters and other aircraft as Ukrainian forces continue fighting against Russia's invasion.
The revelation comes on the same day that the European Union announced it will support the purchase and delivery of $500 million worth of weapons to Ukraine. A day earlier, Germany announced its own pledge to send 500 Stinger missiles and other anti-aircraft weapons to Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials have been pleading with Western nations to send more of the advanced weapons as the conflict reaches into its fourth day.
Feb 27, 2022 at 05:48 PM EST
Georgian Captain Refuses to Fuel Russian Ship: ‘Go F*** Yourself’
The assistant captain of a Georgian maintenance ship refused to help a stranded Russian ship with refueling amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, telling a crew member to "Go f**** yourself."
In footage shared widely on social media Sunday, the captain can be heard asking if the ship requesting assistance is Russian. When they respond with "yes," he replies, "We refuse your refueling."
The Russian ship then asked him to "leave politics aside," prompting the captain unleash profanities and state, "Glory to Ukraine." He then adds that the Russian ship "can always use oars, so row on."
A recording of the exchange was shared by former Ukrainian ambassador Olexander Scherba:
Feb 27, 2022 at 05:18 PM EST
U.N. Security Council to Hold Emergency Special Session on Monday
The U.N. Security Council voted to hold a rare emergency session of the 193-member General Assembly on Monday to discuss Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In a Sunday motion, 11 members voted in favor of the session, while Russia opposed and China, India and the United Arab Emirates abstained.
"This is not an ordinary moment. We need to take extraordinary action to meet this threat to our international system and to do everything we can to help Ukraine and its people," said U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
The meeting will take place at 3 p.m. on Monday afternoon, and the Security Council will put vote on a resolution that calls for an immediate end to hostilities in Ukraine, as well as protection for civilians and humanitarian aid, the New York Times reported.
Feb 27, 2022 at 04:54 PM EST
Russia Gains Control of Southern City Berdyansk: Mayor
Russian forces have taken control of the small Ukrainian city Berdyansk, located on the southern coast, according to acting mayor Oleksandr Svidlo.
Svidlo posted a message to Facebook on Sunday describing how armed soldiers with heavy military equipment successfully advanced on the city.
"Some time ago, armed soldiers entered the executive committee building and introduced themselves as soldiers of the Russian army, they informed us that all administrative buildings were under their control and that they were taking control of the executive committee building," he wrote in the message to residents, according to CNN.
Svidlo added that officials were asked to continue working "under the control of armed men," but that he considered the proposal to be unacceptable, so members of the operational headquarters instead chose to leave the building.
"Today Berdyansk was on the line of fire. I don't know what tomorrow will be like, but I think tonight will be very, very hard," Svidlo said at the end of his post.
Berdyansk has a small naval base and a residential population of around 100,000. Earlier on Sunday, Russia's defense ministry said that it had completely "blocked" Berdyansk and the nearby city Kherson, according to Reuters.
Feb 27, 2022 at 04:01 PM EST
Mayor Says Kyiv Nearing ‘Catastrophe,’ Spokesperson Walks Back ‘Encircled’ Claim
A spokesperson for Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko on Sunday said he "misspoke" during an interview in which he claimed that the city is "encircled" by Russian troops.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Klitschko said that "all ways are blocked" leaving the city, and that Kyiv is surrounded by Russian forces, drawing concerns that the capital is in a more vulnerable position than previously thought.
However, the spokesperson walked back on those claims.
"His spokesperson said that he misspoke, and that such information is 'a lie and a manipulation,'" the Kyiv Independent reported.
In the same AP interview, Klitschko also said that Kyiv is "at the border of a humanitarian catastrophe" and lacks the infrastructure necessary to receive food and medical deliveries.
However, Klitschko maintained optimism and offered a message of unity for Ukrainians. "We are strong," he said. "Every Ukrainian is proud to be independent, proud to be Ukrainian, and we are proud to have our own country."
Feb 27, 2022 at 03:29 PM EST
Ukraine Hospitals Are Running Out of Oxygen, WHO Warns
Hospitals in Ukraine are reaching dangerously low levels of oxygen amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned Sunday.
The organization said that the majority of hospitals in the country could exhaust their oxygen reserves "within the next 24 hours," while others have already run out.
"The oxygen supply situation is nearing a very dangerous point in Ukraine. Trucks are unable to transport oxygen supplies from plants to hospitals across the country, including the capital Kyiv," the organization said in a statement. "This puts thousands of lives at risk."
Oxygen reserves are needed to treat a variety of hospital patients, including nearly 1,700 people currently being treated for COVID-19 in Ukraine. The WHO said it is now working with the nation's health authorities to identify immediate supply needs and attempting to bring in more oxygen through regional networks, such as transporting supplies through neighboring Poland.
Feb 27, 2022 at 03:04 PM EST
African Migrants Reportedly Being Turned Away While Trying to Flee Ukraine
African migrants in Ukraine are reportedly being denied refuge as hundreds of thousands of citizens attempt to flee the nation amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Several social media videos have emerged in the past few days allegedly showing that Black people being turned away or blocked from boarding trains while white Ukrainians are able to pass through.
In one video, a social media user alleged that Black people attempting to reach Poland were unable to cross over and instead were met with armed soldiers who "threatened to shoot."
One Black man and father of three told The Independent that he and his family members were waved away from the border on Saturday after being told "No Blacks."
"In all of my years as an activist, I have never seen anything like this. When I look into the eyes of those who are turning us away, I see bloodshot racism; they want to save themselves and they are losing their humanity in the process," said Osarumen, a Nigerian national who has lived in Ukraine since 2009.
Feb 27, 2022 at 02:28 PM EST
Russian Billionaires Speak Out Against Ukraine Invasion: ‘Catastrophic’
Prominent Russian billionaires have spoken out against the war in Ukraine, with one telling reporters that the conflict will likely have "catastrophic" consequences.
"It is going to be catastrophic in all senses: for the economy, for relations with the rest of the world, for the political situation," a Moscow-based billionaire, who requested anonymity, told Reuters in an article published Sunday.
Two other Russian billionaires, Mikhail Fridman and Oleg Deripaska, similarly urged for an end to the conflict.
"Peace is very important," Deripaska said in a Telegram post, while calling for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to take place "as fast as possible."
Meanwhile, Fridman wrote in a letter that he was born in western Ukraine, where he lived until he was 17.
"My parents are Ukrainian citizens and live in Lviv, my favorite city, he stated. "But I have also spent much of my life as a citizen of Russia, building and growing businesses. I am deeply attached to the Ukrainian and Russian peoples and see the current conflict as a tragedy for them both."
Feb 27, 2022 at 02:05 PM EST
Zelenksyy Not Expecting Much From Talks With Russia: ‘Let Them Try’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday that he doesn't expect to reach much of a resolution in an upcoming talk with Russia at the Ukraine-Belarus border.
"I will say frankly, as always: I do not really believe in the result of this meeting, but let them try. So that no citizen of Ukraine would have any doubt that I, as president, did not try to stop the war when there was even a small chance," Zelesnkyy said during a televised meeting.
"And while our guys are there, the president is here, the chief of staff is here, the prime minister is here, the army is here, the commander-in-chief is here. We will all defend our state and our borders," he added.
Earlier on Sunday, Zelenskyy confirmed that talks would take place on Monday morning (local time) near the Pripyat River. He said Belarus has confirmed that all Russian "planes, helicopters and missiles" stationed on Belarusian territory will remain on the ground to ensure the safety of delegates.
Feb 27, 2022 at 01:23 PM EST
Ukraine Seeks Red Cross Help With Bodies of Fallen Russian Soldiers
Families of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine deserve the chance "to bury them with dignity," said a Ukrainian official.
Sergiy Kyslytsya, the country's ambassador to the United Nations, made the statement on Twitter while calling on the Red Cross to help with the "repatriation of thousands of bodies of Russian soldiers."
He included in his post Saturday a chart that reiterated Ukraine's claim that around 3,500 Russian soldiers have been killed during the invasion so far.
"Don't let Putin hide [the] scale of tragedy," he added.
Feb 27, 2022 at 12:38 PM EST
NATO Blasts Putin for “Dangerous Rhetoric” Over Nuclear Alert
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg criticized Vladimir Putin for using "dangerous rhetoric" after the Russian leader announced Sunday that his nuclear forces would be put on high alert.
"This is a behavior which is irresponsible. And of course, if you combine this rhetoric with what they're doing on the ground in Ukraine, waging war against an independent sovereign nation, conducting a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine, this adds to the seriousness of the situation," Stoltenberg said in an interview with CNN.
Putin said he is placing the country's nuclear deterrence forces on high alert and transferring them "to a special mode of combat duty" as a response to hefty sanctions and "aggressive statements" by NATO.
Stoltenberg and White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Putin's decision falls in a line with a pattern of aggressive and unnecessary action from Russia.
"It just highlights the importance of NATO allies standing together, America and Europe standing together, and that's exactly what we are doing," Stoltenberg added.
Feb 27, 2022 at 12:17 PM EST
European Union Unites in Banning All Russian Aircraft
The EU said Sunday that it will implement a united ban against all Russian aircraft after at least a dozen European countries already moved to suspend flights.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Union commission, made the announcement while listing a new round of actions against Russia. She said the EU will finance the donation of weapons to Ukraine, ban the Russian state-funded broadcaster RT and expand sanctions against Belarus.
The action comes as several more EU countries—including Germany, Italy and Belgium—on Sunday announced that they would block Russian air travel as fighting reaches its fourth day in Ukraine.
Feb 27, 2022 at 11:49 AM EST
EU Commissioner Warns There Could Be ‘Millions’ of Ukrainian Refugees
Ylva Johansson, the European Union Commissioner for Home Affairs, said Sunday that EU members should prepare for the possibility of millions of Ukrainian refugees.
"It's very difficult to guess how many, but I think we should be prepared for millions," Johansson said during an interview, according to CNN.
Previous estimates by the United Nations have predicted that number could reach as high as 5 million.
So far, around 300,000 Ukrainians have sought refuge in EU countries, Johansson added on Sunday. The EU is now preparing to launch a "solidarity platform" to coordinate support to member states as more Ukrainians are expected to arrive in the coming days.
Feb 27, 2022 at 11:07 AM EST
White House Slams Putin for Putting Nuclear Forces on High Alert
White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Sunday criticized Vladimir Putin for putting Russia's nuclear forces on high alert and said the move is part of a Russian "pattern" to "manufacture threats."
"This is really a pattern that we've seen from President Putin through the course of this conflict, which is manufacturing threats that don't exist in order to justify further aggression—and the global community and the American people should look at it through that prism," Psaki said during an interview with ABC News.
"We're going to stand up for it, we have the ability to defend ourselves, but we also need to call out what we're seeing here from President Putin," she added.
Earlier on Sunday, Putin said he would place Russia's nuclear forces on high alert in response to economic sanctions from the West and "aggressive statements" from senior NATO officials.
Feb 27, 2022 at 10:41 AM EST
Videos Show Long Lines at Russian ATMs as Panic Increases Over SWIFT Ban
Video footage on Sunday appeared to show Russians forming long lines at ATMs in Moscow amid fears that economic sanctions and the expulsion of some banks from the SWIFT system will make it difficult to withdrawal cash.
One video captured lines snaking throughout a building, while other footage appeared to show that some ATMs have already begun running out of money.
On Saturday evening, the U.S. and several European allies agreed to expel certain Russian banks from SWIFT, a high-security banking system that connects major banking systems all over the world.
"This will ensure that these banks are disconnected from the international financial system and harm their ability to operate globally," the White House said in a statement. "We stand with the Ukrainian people in this dark hour. Even beyond the measures we are announcing today, we are prepared to take further measures to hold Russia to account for its attack on Ukraine."
Feb 27, 2022 at 10:08 AM EST
U.K. Official Warns Russia May Use ‘Most Unsavory Means’ to Defeat Ukraine
Britain's foreign secretary warned Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin may use the most "unsavory" means—including the use of chemical or nuclear weapons—to win the war in Ukraine.
"This could well be the beginning of the end for Putin. I fear that he is prepared to use the most unsavory means in this war," Liz Truss told Sky News, adding that she fears the conflict "could be very, very bloody."
"I urge the Russians not to escalate this conflict but we do need to be prepared for Russia to seek to use even worse weapons. I think it would be hugely devastating. We need to avoid this at all costs," Truss said.
Truss' comments came just before Putin announced Sunday that Russia's nuclear forces would be placed on high alert. Putin said he made that decision in response to crippling economic sanctions and "aggressive statements" from senior NATO officials.
Feb 27, 2022 at 09:38 AM EST
U.S. Pledges $54M in Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine
The U.S. said Sunday that it is sending nearly $54 million in new humanitarian aid to assist Ukrainians as fighting against Russia continues.
"The U.S. is providing nearly $54 million in additional humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine. This assistance enables humanitarian organizations to support citizens of Ukraine already in need and those newly affected by Russia's unprovoked and unjustified attack," U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken tweeted.
Blinken added that the aid will be channeled through NGOs and includes "provision of food, safe drinking water, shelter, emergency health care, winterization and protection."
Feb 27, 2022 at 09:07 AM EST
Zelenskyy Announces Meeting Between Ukraine and Russia on Belarus Border
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Telegram Sunday that the country has agreed to meet with Russian delegations on the Ukraine-Belarus border.
"We agreed that the Ukrainian delegation would meet with the Russian delegation without preconditions on the Ukrainian-Belarusian border, near the Pripyat River," he wrote. "[Belarus President] Alexander Lukashenko has taken responsibility for ensuring that all planes, helicopters and missiles stationed on Belarusian territory remain on the ground during Ukrainian delegations travel, talks and return."
Zelenskyy's statement comes after he earlier rejected Belarus as a location for peace talks and accused the nation of being complicit in Russia's invasion. During a Sunday call between the two countries, Lukashenko denied that his troops were taking part in the conflict even though some Russian troops have accessed Ukraine through Belarus.
Feb 27, 2022 at 08:58 AM EST
Putin Places Russia’s Nuclear Forces on High Alert
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday ordered for the nation's nuclear deterrent forces to be put on high alert in response to sanctions and "aggressive statements" by leading NATO officials.
"Senior officials of the leading NATO countries also allow aggressive statements against our country, therefore I order the Minister of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff [of the Russian Armed Forces] to transfer the deterrence forces of the Russian army to a special mode of combat duty," Putin said in a televised statement, according to The Guardian.
The order means that Russia's nuclear weapons will be prepared for increased readiness to launch.
Andrew Roth, a Moscow-based reporter for The Guardian, tweeted Sunday that Putin's order is "a bluff until it isn't."
Feb 27, 2022 at 08:36 AM EST
More European Countries Announce Ban on Russian Airlines
Several more European countries on Sunday announced that Russian airlines will be banned from their airspace.
Germany, Italy, Belgium, Finland, and Denmark have joined a growing list of nations that have blocked Russian air travel as fighting continues in Ukraine. On Saturday, Estonia, Lithuania, Romania and Latvia also announced a ban on Russian airlines, while urging "all EU countries to do the same." Others that closed their airspace earlier include the U.K., Poland, and the Czech Republic.
Since at least a dozen European countries have already announced a halt on Russian flights, an EU official said Sunday that the EU may initiate a formal ban among all members as part of a new round of sanctions, according to Reuters.
Feb 27, 2022 at 08:10 AM EST
Ukraine Agreed to Talks in Belarus, Russia Claims
Moscow claimed on Sunday that Ukraine agreed to meet its delegation in the Belarusian city of Gomel.
It comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had a phone call with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, according to the Interfax news agency.
Earlier in the day, Zelenskyy rejected Belarus as a location for peace talks with Russia, but touted alternative locations. Zelenskyy this morning called Russia's decision to send a delegation to Belarus for talks "propaganda" and said Belarus was complicit in Russia's full-scale invasion against Ukraine.
Zelenskyy hasn't yet publicly commented on whether Ukraine has agreed to a meeting.
Russia earlier issued an ultimatum to Ukraine on the talks, saying Ukraine had until 3 p.m. Minsk time to decide whether to participate in negotiations in Gomel.
Feb 27, 2022 at 07:52 AM EST
Zelenskyy Says He Spoke With Belarusian Counterpart Lukashenko
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday afternoon that he has spoken with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a Putin-backed politician.
He made the announcement on his Telegram channel, without elaborating.
Zelenskyy has accused Belarus of taking part in Russia's full-scale invasion against Ukraine. Lukashenko has denied his country's troops were taking part, although some Russian troops accessed Ukraine through Belarus.
Feb 27, 2022 at 07:41 AM EST
9 Kyiv Civilians Killed, Including 1 Child, Mayor Says
At least nine civilians, including one child, have been killed in Ukraine's capital Kyiv since Russian forces invaded on February 24, mayor Vitaly Klitschko said Sunday.
Klitschko said a further 47 civilians have been injured, including three children.
The mayor claimed there are no Russian troops remaining in Kyiv.
"Our military, law enforcement and territorial defence continue to detect and neutralize saboteurs," Klitschko wrote on his Telegram channel.
Feb 27, 2022 at 07:27 AM EST
Kharkiv Under Ukrainian Control, Says Mayor
In an update Sunday, Kharkiv's mayor said Ukraine has taken back control of the city after Russian forces infiltrated earlier this morning.
"Control over Kharkiv is completely ours! The armed forces, the police, and the defense forces are working, and the city is being completely cleansed of the enemy," Kharkiv Governor Oleh Sinegubov said in a statement.
Earlier, Sinegubov asked residents to remain at home after Russian troops entered Ukraine's second largest city.
"Ukraine's armed forces are destroying the enemy," he said this morning.
Feb 27, 2022 at 06:50 AM EST
Germany Turns on Russia, Announces Huge Boost to Military Spending
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced the country will increase military spending by €100 billion ($113 bn), meaning that for the first time the country will be spending above NATO's target of 2% of GDP.
This, combined with Germany announcing it would send weapons directly to Ukraine and that it would build new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals to break free from the country's dependency on Russia's natural gas, all reveal a remarkable turnaround in Germany's attitude towards Russia since the invasion of Ukraine started.
Feb 27, 2022 at 06:27 AM EST
Putin Made ‘Strategic Mistake’ as Ukraine War Could Drag on For Years—U.K.
British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said Russia's Vladimir Putin made a "strategic mistake" by invading Ukraine and that the war could be the "beginning of the end" for him.
The conflict could go on for "a number of years," Truss said in an appearance on the Trevor Phillips On Sunday show.
Truss also said she feared that the fighting in Ukraine could be "very, very bloody" amid concerns that Russia could soon deploy themobaric weapons against Ukraine.
"I urge Russians not to escalate this conflict, but we do need to be prepared for Russia to seek to use even worse weapons," Truss said. "I think it would be hugely devastating."
Read the full story here.
Feb 27, 2022 at 06:21 AM EST
Russia Issues Ultimatum to Ukraine on Belarus Talks
Russia on Sunday issued an ultimatum on talks in Belarus, saying their Ukrainian counterparts have until 3 p.m. local time to decide whether to participate in negotiations in the Belarusian city of Gomel.
"The delegation of the Russian Federation, headed by Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, remains in Minsk and is ready to wait until 15:00 Belarusian time for the Ukrainian side to confirm its readiness to take part in the negotiations in Gomel," Leonid Slutsky, a member of the State Duma of Russia, wrote on his Telegram page on Sunday.
In a video address on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Belarus as a location for talks with Russia, but left the door open for talks elsewhere. He said Belarus was complicit in Russia's full-scale invasion against Ukraine.
"The sooner the negotiation process starts, the more lives will be saved," Slutsky wrote.
He warned that "in the event of another refusal and new excuses, the entire responsibility for the further development of events will lie with the current government of Ukraine."
Feb 27, 2022 at 05:54 AM EST
Ukraine Brings Lawsuit Against Russia to the International Court of Justice
Ukraine has filed a lawsuit against Russia in the UN International Court of Justice in The Hague, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Sunday.
"Ukraine has submitted its application against Russia to the ICJ," Zelenskyy tweeted Sunday afternoon. " The leader said Russia must be held accountable for "manipulating the notion of genocide to justify aggression."
"We request an urgent decision ordering Russia to cease military activity now and expect trials to start next week," he wrote.
The move comes four days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" against Ukraine.
Feb 27, 2022 at 05:36 AM EST
Ireland to Ban Russian Aircraft, Official Says
Ireland is moving to shut off its airspace to all Russian aircraft, Foreign Affairs minster Simon Coveney said Sunday morning.
"Shocking Russian attacks on Ukraine overnight. #Ireland will move to shut off Irish Airspace to all Russian Aircraft. We encourage other EU partners to do the same," he tweeted.
Coveney added, "We also support new wide-ranging sanctions to be agreed today at EU FAC & new assistance package for #Ukraine."
It comes after Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Lithuania and Romania announced similar measures on Saturday. The United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Poland and the Czech Republic have also imposed curbs closing their airspace to Russian flights.
Finland also said on Sunday officials would implement flight bans.
Russia has responded by closing its airspace to planes from Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Estonia, the Czech Republic, UK, Bulgaria, Poland, and Romania.
Feb 27, 2022 at 05:12 AM EST
Putin Ally: Zelenskyy Committing ‘Crime’ By Rejecting Belarus Talks
The speaker of Russia's lower house of parliament on Thursday accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of committing a "crime against the people of Ukraine, against the world community" for declining talks with his Russian counterparts in Belarus.
"In the current situation, in the interests of the citizens of Ukraine, Zelensky should look for any opportunity for negotiations. But instead of participating in them, he is looking for excuses," Vyacheslav Volodin, a senior lawmaker, wrote on his Telegram channel on Sunday.
Zelenskyy rejected Belarus as a location for negotiations with Russia, but left the door open for talks elsewhere. He said Belarus was complicit in Russia's massive military operation against Ukraine.
Feb 27, 2022 at 04:56 AM EST
Zelenskyy Declines Belarus as Location For Peace Talks With Russia
In a video address on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Belarus as a location for peace talks with Russia, but touted alternative locations.
A Kremlin spokesman said Sunday that a Russian delegation arrived in Belarus for "first negotiations" with Ukrainian counterparts, according to IFAX news agency.
Zelenskyy called Russia's decision to send a delegation to Belarus for talks "propaganda" and said Belarus was complicit in Russia's full-scale invasion against Ukraine.
He said Kyiv is prepared to engage in talks "in other locations."
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov hit back by claiming that Ukrainian officials chose the Belarusian city of Gomel as the location for negotiations, multiple Russian state-run media outlets reported Sunday.
Feb 27, 2022 at 04:45 AM EST
Zelenskyy Calls For Foreign fighters, Putin Thanks Russian Soldiers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday morning called for foreigners to come and fight against Russia.
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's foreign minister, urged prospective foreign fighters "willing to defend Ukraine and world order as part of the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine" to contact their foreign diplomatic missions of Ukraine in their respective countries.
"Anyone who wants to join in defending Europe and the world's security can come and stand side by side with Ukrainians against the invaders of the 21st century," Ukraine's Armed Forces added in a statement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin meanwhile thanked his soldiers on Sunday in a televised address. Russian forces are "heroically fulfilling their military duty" in Ukraine, Putin said.
Feb 27, 2022 at 04:36 AM EST
64 Civilian Deaths Confirmed So Far, UN Says
At least 64 civilians have been killed in Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, but the "real figures are considerably higher," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said late Saturday.
"Hundreds of thousands of people" have also been left without access to water or electricity in Ukraine due to damage to civilian infrastructure, the agency said.
Russian officials have repeatedly claimed that its forces are targeting only Ukrainian military infrastructure with prevision weapons in a mission ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24.
Feb 27, 2022 at 04:19 AM EST
Russian Forces Enter Ukraine’s Kharkiv
Russian troops entered Ukraine's second largest city, Kharkiv, on day four of Russian President Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion.
Ukrainian armed forces on Sunday clashed with Russian forces on the streets of the northeastern city, located 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Russian border.
"The Russian enemy's light vehicles have broken into Kharkiv, including the city center," Kharkiv Governor Oleh Sinegubov said in a statement. "Ukraine's armed forces are destroying the enemy. We ask civilians not to go out."
Anton Herashchenko, adviser to the interior minister, published videos showing light military entering the city. He urged Kharkiv's 1.4 million residents to remain at home.
The State Service of Special Communication and Information Protection said Russian forces blew up a gas pipeline in the city, warning that the explosion could cause an "environmental catastrophe."
Residents have been asked to cover their windows with a damp cloth and to drink plenty of fluids.
Ukrainians still hold all major cities in the country, government officials said Sunday, days after Putin announced a "special military operation" against Ukraine.
Feb 26, 2022 at 05:55 PM EST
Ukraine Official Announces ‘IT Army’ in Fight Against Russia
Ukraine's vice prime minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, said Saturday that the nation will launch an "IT Army" to protect itself from Russian cyberattacks and to conduct cyber spying missions, according to Reuters.
Several Ukrainian government agencies and banks have been attacked by malicious data-wiping software in the past week. The U.S. and U.K. have blamed such attacks on Russia, though the Kremlin has denied its involvement.
The European Union (EU) similarly announced this week that it will activate its Cyber Rapid Response Team to help Ukraine defend against vulnerabilities. The team includes experts from Croatia, Estonia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland and Romania and marks the first time it is being deployed.
Feb 26, 2022 at 05:30 PM EST
Zelenskyy Says U.K. Has Made ‘New Decisions’ to Enhance Ukraine Military
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that he spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and that the U.K. has made "new decisions" to enhance Ukraine's army.
"Had a phone conversation with @BorisJohnson. Grateful to the British Prime Minister for his position, new decisions to enhance the combat capabilities of the Ukrainian army. Agreed on further joint steps to counter the aggressor," he wrote on Twitter.
Earlier on Saturday, Germany announced that it will send 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 "Stinger" surface-to-air missiles to boost Ukraine's military.
"The world has seen Ukrainians are powerful, Ukrainians are brave," Zelenskyy said during a Saturday speech. "We will fight as long as it takes to liberate the country."
Feb 26, 2022 at 04:55 PM EST
Russian Artillery Reportedly Strikes Children’s Hospital in Kyiv
Russian artillery fire has reportedly struck a children's cancer hospital in Kyiv, killing at least one child and wounding two others, along with two adults, according to local Ukrainian news outlet TSN.
Throughout the day, Ukrainian forces largely remained successful at slowing the advancement of Russian troops in Kyiv and other cities, but reports in the evening indicated that the capital was again experiencing regular shelling.
"Eyewitnesses reported that the city is under fire from multiple-launch rocket systems," the Kyiv Independent added in a tweet on Saturday evening.
Also on Saturday, at least six people were injured after a Russian missile struck a residential apartment building on the outskirts of Kyiv. Videos and images of the attack showed a massive hole in the side of the building.
Ukraine's Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said in an afternoon statement that Russian forces have changed their tactics and are more often "firing on residential housing, hospitals, and schools."
Feb 26, 2022 at 04:24 PM EST
Pentagon Denies Claims U.S. Used Surveillance Drones to Help Ukraine Navy Attacks
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby on Saturday denied Russia's claims that the U.S. used surveillance drones to assist the Ukrainian Navy in attacking its vessels over the Black Sea.
"Russian claims that the United States was involved in any way with Ukrainian naval operations near the Zmiiny Island are false. We did not provide ISR or any other support. Chalk this up to just one more lie by the Russian Ministry of Defense," Kirby told CNN.
Earlier on Saturday, the Russian Ministry of Defense said it was "highly likely that it was American UAVs" that directed 16 Ukrainian boats to attack ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet near Zmiiny Island on Friday.
"During the attack by Ukrainian boats over the provocation area, U.S. strategic unmanned aerial vehicles RQ-4 'Global Hawk' and MQ-9A 'Reaper' were overhead," Russian defense ministry spokesperson Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov claimed in a statement.
Konashenkov also said that six boats of the Ukrainian navy were destroyed during the altercation, but that 82 Ukrainian servicemen from the island were not injured.
Feb 26, 2022 at 03:54 PM EST
Germany to Send Anti-Tank Weapons, Missiles to Ukraine After Push From Allies
Germany on Saturday announced that it will send 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 "Stinger" surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine after facing criticism from European leaders that it wasn't doing enough to help against Russia's invasion.
"The Russian invasion of Ukraine marks a turning point. It threatens our entire post-war order," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a statement, marking a significant shift in the country's policy. "In this situation, it is our duty to help Ukraine, to the best of our ability, to defend itself against Vladimir Putin's invading army," he added.
The German economy and climate ministry also said Germany is allowing the Netherlands to ship 400 German-made anti-tank weapons to Ukraine, according to the Associated Press.
The announcement comes after Germany previously said it would avoid exporting deadly weapons to Ukraine. The nation came under fire earlier on Saturday for contributing 5,000 helmets to Ukraine's defense, a move that Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki called "a joke."
Feb 26, 2022 at 03:30 PM EST
YouTube Blocks Ads From Russian State Media Outlets
YouTube on Saturday said that it would suspend the state-funded Russian media outlet RT and other Russian channels from selling advertisements on its platform.
The streaming service will also limit recommendations to videos posted by those channels, and said that such outlets would no longer be accessible in Ukraine due to "a government request," according to YouTube spokesperson Farshad Shadloo.
The move comes after other big tech companies, including Twitter and Meta (which owns Facebook), blocked Russian state media from generating ads on their social media platforms.
Feb 26, 2022 at 02:48 PM EST
Consensus Reached on Booting Russia From SWIFT, Claims Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed Saturday that the process has been put in place for Russia to be barred from the international payment system SWIFT by the European Union.
"It seems that Ukraine has gained the sincerity and attention of the whole normal, civilized world. And the practical result is here—SWIFT," Zelenskyy said, according to Ukrainian news outlet Ukrinform. "Our diplomats have been fighting around the clock for all countries in Europe to agree on a very strong and fair decision to cut Russia off from the international interbank network. We also have this important victory."
Zelenskyy noted that this will likely means billions in losses for Russia.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also claimed earlier on Saturday that the process has been put in place for Russia to be barred from SWIFT.
"The official decision has not yet been made, but the technical preparation for the decision and the implementation of this sanction has already begun. We gnawed and gnawed. The whole vartikalʹ [sic] of Ukrainian diplomacy worked - from the President of Ukraine to the atache [sic] in the Ukrainian embassy," Kuleba wrote on Facebook.
"This victory is dedicated to all defenders of Ukraine," he added.
Sources familiar with the process told the Ukrainian news agency LB.ua that Hungary, Cyprus and Germany—three countries that previously expressed skepticism in implementing the ban—have chosen to join the rest of the EU in their decision. In order to disconnect Russia from SWIFT, all 27 EU member states must unanimously agree to it.
The move would deal a significant blow to Russia's economy and its ability to trade with most of the world. SWIFT, which stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, is a high-security network that connects more than 11,000 financial institutions globally.
Feb 26, 2022 at 01:59 PM EST
Russia Threatened With Financial Exclusion as Support Grows for SWIFT Ban
Russia increasingly faces the threat of being banned from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) system, as European leaders continue weighing punishments for the nation's attack against Ukraine.
Italy on Saturday became one of the latest countries to support blocking Russia from the high-security network that connects over 11,000 financial institutions around the world.
Other leaders, including U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, have issued support for the ban, signaling that the European Union might soon implement the action. However, some countries, including Germany, have expressed hesitation. The move would make it harder to buy Russian oil and gas and would ultimately require support from all 27 members of the European Union.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted on Friday, "Russia is waging a horrific war of aggression in Europe. Here is your 'never again' test: BAN RUSSIA FROM SWIFT and kick it out of everywhere."
Feb 26, 2022 at 01:23 PM EST
Over 2,770 Detained for Anti-War Protests Across Russia
At least 2,776 people have been detained for participating in anti-war protests across Russia since Thursday, the independent protest-monitoring site OVD-Info reported on Saturday via Twitter.
Of those, at least 1,300 have been detained in Moscow alone and more than 300 were arrested on Saturday. Protests have been happening in dozens of cities throughout the country for days, with thousands of people urging the government to seek peace and put an end to the conflict.
Russia's Investigative Committee warned that such demonstrations were illegal and that those arrested may be left with criminal records and a "mark" on their future.
Feb 26, 2022 at 12:51 PM EST
Ukraine Denies Refusing Negotiations, But Won’t Allow ‘Unacceptable’ Conditions
A Ukrainian official on Saturday denied Russia's claim that Ukraine is refusing to negotiate a ceasefire, saying his country will not participate in talks with "unacceptable conditions."
"It was yesterday that the aggressive actions of the armed forces of the Russian Federation escalated, up to evening and night mass air and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. We consider such actions only an attempt to break Ukraine and force it to accept categorically unacceptable conditions," Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, told Reuters.
Earlier on Saturday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri S. Peskov claimed that Ukraine had "declined talks" and that Russian troops would continue to advance in the country.
Feb 26, 2022 at 12:25 PM EST
Ukrainians Dismantle Road Signs to Confuse Russian Troops
Road service employees and others in Ukraine are dismantling road signs in order to complicate navigation for Russian troops as they advance throughout the country.
"[The State Road Agency of Ukraine] Ukravtodor calls on all travel organizations, territorial communities, local governments to immediately begin dismantling road signs nearby," the agency said in a Saturday statement, according to Interfax-Ukraine.
"The enemy has a miserable connection, they do not navigate the terrain. Let's help them go straight to hell," the agency added.
Some Ukrainians have gone a step further and changed road signs to instead read "Go F*** Yourselves," journalist Christo Grozev tweeted on Saturday.
https://twitter.com/christogrozev/status/1497570179026403329
Feb 26, 2022 at 11:56 AM EST
Poland’s Prime Minister Slams Germany for ‘Selfishness,’ Demands More Action
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki accused Germany of "selfishness" on Saturday and urged the country to better assist Ukraine as it works to defend itself from Russia's invasion. His country is grappling with an influx of refugees as a result of the crisis.
"I came to Berlin to shake the conscience of Germany so that they would finally decide on truly harsh sanctions that will influence the Kremlin's decisions," Morawiecki said ahead of talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.
"All sanctions against Russia should be on the table," he continued, while noting that "we have no time to lose."
Morawiecki has also slammed Germany for not sending sufficient weapons and ammunition to Ukraine and urged the country to "cut reliance on raw materials, cut off Russian financial institutions from capital markets, confiscate assets of oligarchs, and close off SWIFT for Russia."
He noted Germany sent helmets to Ukraine, adding, "This must be a joke."
Feb 26, 2022 at 11:28 AM EST
‘Anonymous’ Hacking Group Claims Responsibility as Russian Government Websites Go Dark
The international hacking group Anonymous on Saturday claimed responsibility for "ongoing" attacks against Russian government websites.
"Anonymous has ongoing operations to keep .ru government websites offline, and to push information to the Russian people so they can be free of Putin's state censorship machine. We also have ongoing operations to keep the Ukrainian people online as best we can," the group tweeted.
Several notable websites that have have gone dark include the Kremlin, Russia's Ministry of Defense, and the State Duma, according to the network tracking tool NetBlocks, which added that the hacks appear to be "consistent with previous cyberattacks."
The Kremlin denied it was being attacked by Anonymous in a state-run media report on Friday, according to CNN. However, each of the government websites has been inaccessible for a period of time over the past three days
Feb 26, 2022 at 11:12 AM EST
Four More European Countries Ban Russian Airlines
At least four European countries on Saturday moved to ban Russian airlines from their airspace as fighting continues in Ukraine.
The governments of Estonia, Romania, Lithuania and Latvia each announced that they would temporarily ban Russian flights in an effort to stand with their Ukrainian allies.
"We invite all EU countries to do the same. There is no place for planes of the aggressor state in democratic skies. #StandWithUkraine," Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas tweeted Saturday.
The Romanian delegation to NATO also tweeted: "Unprovoked & unjustified Russia attack on Ukraine brings serious consequences," in announcing an airline ban.
The move comes after the U.K., Poland, Moldova and the Czech Republic closed their airspace to Russian airlines this week following the invasion.
Feb 26, 2022 at 10:47 AM EST
Ukraine’s Ex-President Poroshenko Claims 3,500 Russian Troops Killed in Conflict
Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko claimed Saturday that as many as 3,500 Russian troops have been killed as the country attempts to defend Kyiv and other cities from further invasion.
Poroshenko used those numbers on CNN, while giving a plea for the nation to receive more weapons, including anti-tank javelins and anti-aircraft weapons, in order to continue fighting.
Mikhail Podolyak, adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, also said Saturday that as many as 200 Russian soldiers have been taken prisoner, while 14 warplanes, eight helicopters, 102 tanks and 536 armored vehicles have been shot down.
Podolyak also stressed in a statement that as fighting continues, "the situation in Kyiv and Kyiv region is under control," according to Anadolu Agency.
However, Poroshenko noted that those who remain in Kyiv are aware that they face the possibility of death.
"When you are protecting your nation, there is a unique opportunity to be above your fear," Poshenko told CNN. "I hate the idea to bid my country goodbye. But we should protect the nation."
"I am proud of these people, I am proud of this country. and I am proud to be Ukrainian," he added.
Ukrainian Health Minister Viktor Liashko said that 198 Ukrainians, including three children, have been killed during the Russian invasion.
Feb 26, 2022 at 10:02 AM EST
Russian Lawmaker Criticizes Invasion, Demands End to War “Immediately”
A Russian lawmaker is speaking out against the ongoing conflict, stating defiantly that the war in Ukraine must be "stopped immediately." Mikhail Matveev, a member of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF), said this weekend that he voted for the independence of two rebel-backed regions in eastern Ukraine, but that he has not condoned the advancement of Russian troops or the bombing of cities.
"I think that the war should be stopped immediately. Voting for the recognition of the DNR/LNR, I voted for peace, not for war. For Russia to become a shield, so that Donbass is not bombed, and not for Kyiv being bombed," according to Moscow Times reporter Felix Light.
Matveev's statement makes him the first federal-level Russian lawmaker to oppose the ongoing invasion, Light noted.
Feb 26, 2022 at 09:31 AM EST
Russia Accuses Ukraine of Rejecting Negotiations, Will Continue to Advance Troops
The Kremlin on Saturday claimed that Ukraine is rejecting talks just one day after Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would be ready to pause military efforts for possible negotiations.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitri S. Peskov told reporters on Saturday that Russian troops would continue to advance in the country "since the Ukrainian side has essentially declined talks," according to The New York Times.
Ukraine has not confirmed whether it's rejected such negotiations, leading many to suspect Russia is presenting a false narrative about the ongoing conflict.
During Saturday's call, Peskov continued to claim that Russian troops are advancing in order to fight "nationalists and Banderovites." Banderovites is a pejorative term that refers to World War II–era Ukrainian nationalist leader Stepan Bandera, according to the Times.
Feb 26, 2022 at 09:01 AM EST
Russian Authorities Threaten to Censor Journalists for Spreading “False” Information
Russia's government-run communications and media regulator, Roskomnadzor, is censoring independent journalists and media outlets for reporting on Ukraine in ways that conflict from "official Russian sources," according to the International Presse Institute.
The department has stated that any reporter who is going against the government and "disseminating false information" could be threatened with a fine of up to 5 million rubles ($59,650).
At least three Russian journalists with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty have so far been detained in Moscow for covering anti-war protests, according to the IPI. Others have been ordered to remove reports about strikes against Ukrainian cities, with Roskomnadzor deeming them to be "false reports about acts of terrorism."
"IPI strongly condemns the cynical efforts by Russian authorities to suppress and censor independent reporting on Russia's invasion of Ukraine," IPI Deputy Director Scott Griffen said in a statement on Friday.
"We strongly oppose the attempts by the government and security forces to threaten media outlets into silence with fines or stifle independent journalism which threatens to puncture the Kremlin's narrative. The arrest of clearly identifiable journalists who were simply covering a peaceful anti-war demonstration is a worrying sign of the increasing censorship likely to follow."
Feb 26, 2022 at 08:34 AM EST
US State Department Authorizes $350M in Military Aid to Ukraine
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Saturday that the Biden administration has authorized up to $350 million in immediate military aid to Ukraine.
Blinken said he has "authorized, pursuant to a delegation by the President, an unprecedented third Presidential Drawdown of up to $350 million for immediate support to Ukraine's defense."
"This brings the total security assistance the United States has committed to Ukraine over the past year to more than $1 billion," he added. " The funds will include additional lethal defensive assistance for Ukraine."
"It is another clear signal that the United States stands with the people of Ukraine as they defend their sovereign, courageous, and proud nation," Blinken said.
Feb 26, 2022 at 08:11 AM EST
Russia Changing Tactics After Failure, Says Ukraine’s Defense Minister
Russia is changing its military tactics after encountering setbacks, Ukraine's Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov claimed in a statement Saturday afternoon.
"The enemy is trying to change its tactics. Russian troops are firing on residential housing, hospitals, and schools," Reznikov said on his Facebook page.
The defense minister said that Russian forces have switched to sabotage and paratroop assaults "since their plan for a quick offensive fell flat."
Reznikov said more than 200 Russian soldiers had been taken prisoner since February 24 "and their number continues to increase."
"They did not expect us to fight back and are surrendering," he added.
Feb 26, 2022 at 07:55 AM EST
Ukraine Withstood and Repelled Attacks, Says Zelenskyy, as Moscow Pushes Fleeing Claims
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a video address Saturday said his armed forces have successfully withstood and repelled attacks from Russian forces.
"We successfully fought off enemy attacks," he said. "We are defending our country, our land, the future of our children. Kyiv and key locations near the capital are under our control."
The Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, Vyacheslav Volodin, meanwhile claimed on Saturday that Zelenskyy had left Kyiv, for the city of Lviv.
He provided no concrete evidence to support his claims but said deputies from the State Duma had attempted to meet him in Kyiv.
"Zelenskyy hastily left Kyiv. He wasn't in the capital of Ukraine yesterday. Together with his entourage, he fled to the city of Lviv, where he and his assistants were equipped with a place to live," Volodin wrote on his Telegram channel.
Volodin also sought to claim that Zelenskyy's recent video addresses were pre-recorded.Zelenskyy turned down an offer from the U.S. to evacuate on Friday, saying: "The fight is here."
Feb 26, 2022 at 07:38 AM EST
Appeasing Dictators Does Not Work – Former Nato Chief
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Former Nato Secretary General, has written for Newsweek arguing:
"We cannot just throw an iron ring around NATO and leave Kyiv to its fate. Doing so would not only sell out 44 million Ukrainians; it would leave the entire world less secure."
Feb 26, 2022 at 07:08 AM EST
Kyiv Mayor Imposes Stricter Curfew as Clashes Intensify
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko on Saturday afternoon imposed a stricter curfew on the capital's residents, as clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces intensified.
Effective Saturday, Klitschko said a 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. curfew would be in place, "for a more effective defense of the capital and the security of its residents."
The mayor said the curfew would be enforced until the morning of February 28.
It replaces a 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew that was rolled out on February 24—when Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" against Ukraine.
"All civilians on the street during the curfew will be considered members of the enemy's sabotage and reconnaissance groups," Klitschko said. "Please treat the situation with understanding and do not go outside."
Feb 26, 2022 at 06:53 AM EST
Russian Aircrafts Scattering Explosives Disguised as Toys, Valuables, Officials Warn
Russian aircrafts are scattering children's toys, mobile phones and valuables filled with explosives in Ukraine's Sumy province, officials with the Ukrainian Rada—its parliament—said in an alert on Saturday.
Ukraine's parliament issued its warning on Twitter, a day after residents of the Odesa province were warned that explosives can be scattered in the city disguised as toys and mobile phones.
"These items can be filled with explosives. Never touch or lift these things. Warn children and loved ones," the Odesa Regional State Administration said on Facebook Friday.
Feb 26, 2022 at 06:29 AM EST
6 Injured in Russian Strike on Apartment Building: Officials
At least six people were injured after a Russian missile struck an apartment building on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukrainian government's emergency services said in an update early Saturday, the New York Times reported.
A Russian rocket hit the residential building in the early hours on Saturday morning, prompting Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba to issue a list of demands in a statement condemning the attack.
"I demand the world: fully isolate Russia, expel ambassadors, oil embargo, ruin its economy. Stop Russian war criminals!" Kuleba tweeted this morning.
Kyiv's Mayor Vitali Klitschko shared an image of the building after the missile strike, showing a gaping hole on one side of the apartment complex.
Feb 26, 2022 at 06:26 AM EST
Kyiv Mayor: ‘Don’t Go Out’
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents on Saturday not to leave their homes or shelters, and to avoid going into the city.
"For safety's sake, stay at home or in shelters as much as possible! Leave your home just to go to the shelter. We are defending our city!" he said on Twitter.
Feb 26, 2022 at 05:59 AM EST
Russia Claims Full Control of Ukrainian City of Melitopol
The southeastern Ukrainian city of Melitopol was captured by Russian forces on Saturday, the Russian Defense Ministry said, according to the Interfax news agency.
"Units of the Russian Armed Forces have established full control over the city of Melitopol," Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov was quoted as saying on Saturday.
"Russian servicemen are taking all measures to ensure the safety of civilians and exclude provocations from the Ukrainian special services and nationalists," he added.
Ukrainian officials have yet to comment on the reports.
Meanwhile, the mayor of Kherson, Igor Kolykhaiev, said in a statement on Saturday that the city, located in the south, remains under Ukrainian control.
Russian forces established attack lines overnight into Kherson, as well as into Ukraine's capital city, Kyiv, and the country's second-largest city, Kharkiv.
Feb 26, 2022 at 05:46 AM EST
More Than 120,000 Ukrainians Have Fled Country, UN Says
Over Ukrainian refugees have fled the country since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion against Kyiv on February 24, according to the UN refugee agency.
"We now see over 120,000 people that have gone to all of the neighboring countries," the UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, Kelly Clements, told CNN in an interview.
"The reception that they are receiving from local communities, from local authorities, is tremendous. But it's a dynamic situation. We are really quite devastated, obviously, with what's to come," she added, noting that the majority of Ukrainians are seeking refuge in Poland, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary.
The Polish border service said Saturday that roughly 47,500 people crossed the Ukrainian border with Poland on February 25.
Feb 26, 2022 at 05:41 AM EST
Sean Penn Urges U.S. to Fight
Sean Penn, who is currently in Ukraine filming a documentary, has called on America to join the fight against Russia or risk losing its soul.
Penn arrived in Ukraine this week to continue filming a documentary about Russian aggression towards Ukraine. In a statement sent to Newsweek on Friday night, Penn said, "Already a brutal mistake of lives taken and hearts broken, and If he doesn't relent, I believe Mr. Putin will have made a most horrible mistake for all of humankind."
Read the full Newsweek story here.
Feb 26, 2022 at 05:19 AM EST
Death Toll Continues to Rise, Says Ukrainian Health Minister
At least 198 people have been killed and more than 1,000 others have been wounded since Russia launched a full-scale invasion against Ukraine, the Ukrainian health minister said on Saturday.
Three children were among those killed, and 33 children have been injured in the Russian offensive since February 24, health minister Viktor Lyashko said in a statement.
Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said early Friday that at least 137 people had been killed and 316 wounded as a result of clashes with Russian forces.
Feb 26, 2022 at 04:50 AM EST
Ukrainian Forces Still in Control of Kyiv, Says Mayor
In a video address, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said Russian troops were present throughout the capital, but said Ukrainian forces were still in control.
"Ukraine's troops are repelling air strikes, they destroyed military transport aircraft carrying Russia's paratroopers, continue to carry out systematic fighting," the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on Facebook.
The mayor also announced on Saturday morning that Kyiv's metro stations will be used as shelters. Metro trains will no longer be running in the city, he said.
"There will be no transport," Klitschko wrote on his Telegram channel.
The Kiev City State Administration earlier on Saturday asked residents to remain at home, and to hide in a shelter should they hear a siren.
A 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew has been in place in Kyiv since February 24, when Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" against Ukraine.
Feb 26, 2022 at 04:21 AM EST
35 People Wounded, Including 2 Children as Clashes Intensify in Kyiv
Clashes between Russian forces and Ukrainian military intensified overnight as Moscow established attack lines into Ukraine's capital city, Kyiv, the country's second-largest city, Kharkiv, and Kherson in the south.
As Ukrainian defense forces sought to maintain control of the capital, explosions and gunfire were heard as Moscow launched coordinated strikes on the third day of the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
In Kyiv, 35 people were injured, including two children, due to street clashes with sabotage groups, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
"Unfortunately, sabotage groups operate in Kyiv. As of 06:00, there were several clashes, skirmishes, 35 people were injured, including two children," Klitschko said on Telegram on Saturday.
Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba on Saturday morning condemned a missile strike on an apartment building in southwestern Kyiv, located near Sikorsky Memorial Airport.
"Kyiv, our splendid, peaceful city, survived another night under attacks by Russian ground forces, missiles. One of them has hit a residential apartment in Kyiv. I demand the world: fully isolate Russia, expel ambassadors, oil embargo, ruin its economy. Stop Russian war criminals!" Kuleba said in a statement.
No casualties have been reported at this stage.
Feb 25, 2022 at 11:50 PM EST
Explosions Rock Kyiv as Invasion Enters Day Three
As the sun begins to come up signalling the third day of the Russian invasion in Ukraine, fighting continues in Ukraine's capital city, Kyiv.
Internet access has faced disruption in both Kyiv and the country's second-largest city, Kharkiv. While access has been mostly restored, connections are intermittent throughout parts of the country.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has alleged that the Ukrainian government is full of "drug addicts" and "neo-Nazis" without evidence. Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy has fought back against these claims, saying, "You are told we are Nazis, but how can a people support Nazis that gave more than 8 million lives for the victory over Nazism? How can I be a Nazi? Tell my grandpa, who went through the whole war in the infantry of the Soviet Army and died as a colonel in independent Ukraine," according to a translation from GZERO Media CEO Ian Bremmer.
Zelenskyy is himself Jewish, and has spoken in the past about family members killed in the Holocaust, including his great-grandparents.
Feb 25, 2022 at 11:37 PM EST
Eiffel Tower Lights Up Blue and Yellow for Ukraine
Paris, France has lit up its iconic Eiffel Tower in blue and yellow in solidarity with Ukraine.
The special lighting was done at the request of Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, according to the fact-checking site Snopes.com. Images of the tower have been shared numerous times on social media.
France has pledged to provide defensive equipment and 300 million Euros (roughly $338.2 million) to Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron said in a Friday speech.
"Sanctions toward Russia will be on the level of the aggressions it is itself guilty of," Macron said in a Thursday speech. "On the military and economic level, as well as the field of energy, we will be without weakness," he added.
The Eiffel Tower isn't the only landmark to be lit up in the colors of the Ukrainian flag since Russia's invasion.
The Empire State Building in New York City, the London Eye Ferris wheel in England, St Andrew's House in Scotland, the medieval capital of Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria, the Brandenburg Gate in Germany, the Fisherman's Bastion in Hungary and the Colosseum and Mole Antonelliana temple spire in Italy have all also been lit up in blue and yellow.
Feb 25, 2022 at 11:22 PM EST
Major Ukraine Internet Provider Disrupted Amid Fighting
Data from NetBlocks, an organization that monitors cybersecurity and the governance of the internet, shows a major disruption to Ukraine's internet service in Kharkiv, the second-largest city.
"Significant internet disruption registered in Ukraine-controlled city of Kharkiv shortly after huge explosions heard; users report loss of fixed-line service on provider Triolan while cellphones continue to work," NetBlocks posted on Twitter.
NetBlocks said users reported losses of fixed-line service, which is wired networks that support fixed broadband and telephone services. The organization noted that the disruption began when there were reports of huge explosions in the area.
On Saturday morning, local time, another internet provider, GigaTrans, reported a major disruption. GigaTrans supplies connectivity to several other networks as well.
Though some connectivity returned to GigaTrans roughly an hour ago, NetBlocks says the service is still intermittent.
"Work is ongoing to assess the incidents and their contexts. Telecoms disruptions in Ukraine have so far been attributed to power outages, cyberattacks, sabotage, and kinetic impacts," NetBlocks said.
Feb 25, 2022 at 11:19 PM EST
Facebook Bans Russian State Media From Advertising
Facebook is now prohibiting Russian state media from running ads or monetizing any content worldwide, Facebook's head of security policy Nathaniel Gleicher announced Friday night.
"We also continue to apply labels to additional Russian state media," Gleicher's announcement continued. "These changes have already begun rolling out and will continue into the weekend."
He said Facebook will continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine and will publicly share its steps to protect Facebook users.
Russian officials have recently said they would partially restrict its citizens' access to Facebook to "protect Russian media" and protest the platforms "violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms."
In actuality, Russia has opposed Facebook's fact-checking of numerous Russian government and state media accounts. Facebook is also an organizing tool of Russian dissidents who are most likely to oppose Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Earlier on Friday, Twitter announced it would not be serving advertising to users in both Russia and Ukraine.
Feb 25, 2022 at 11:06 PM EST
Putin Calls Ukrainian Government ‘Drug Addicts and Neo-Nazis’
During a speech to Russia's security council, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the Ukrainian government "drug addicts and neo-Nazis" and urged the Ukrainian military to overthrow them.
"I am addressing the servicemen of Ukraine's Armed Forces once again: Do not let neo-Nazi and Bandera supporters use your children, your wives, and seniors as a human shield. Take matters into your own hands" Putin said, according to Russian state news agency TASS.
"It seems that you and I will have a better chance of reaching an agreement than with that gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis that are holed up in Kyiv and are holding the entire Ukrainian nation hostage."
Putin and Russian media have tried to cast Ukraine's government as illegitimate, corrupt and anti-Semitic.
Military experts, including former NATO Commander Wesley Clark, believe that Putin's chief military objective in the invasion is to oust the current Ukrainian government and replace officials with individuals who will bend to Putin's desire, The Denver Gazette reported.
In response to Putin's claims, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, "You are told we are Nazis, but how can a people support Nazis that gave more than 8 million lives for the victory over Nazism? How can I be a Nazi? Tell my grandpa, who went through the whole war in the infantry of the Soviet Army and died as a colonel in independent Ukraine," he said, according to a translation from GZERO Media CEO Ian Bremmer.
In response to Putin's remarks Friday, Ukraine's government posted an image on Twitter showing a small version of Putin being affectionately patted by Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.
Feb 25, 2022 at 10:58 PM EST
4-Mile Long Line of Vehicles Trying to Leave Ukraine
Satellite images taken Friday evening show a 4-mile long traffic jam of vehicles attempting to leave Ukraine.
Images were released by U.S.-based company Maxar Technologies, which has been tracking the Russian military's movement for weeks.
Maxar says the images show a 4.3-mile long "traffic jam of people, cars and trucks trying to leave Ukraine and cross into Romania near the Siret border crossing."
Early Friday afternoon Maxar released additional satellite images revealing "several large deployments of ground forces, ground attack and transport helicopters (nearly 150) and support equipment in southern Belarus, approximately 20 miles from the border with Ukraine and less than 100 miles from Kyiv."
Maxar noted a deployment of more than 90 helicopters parked on a road extending for more than five miles. The satellite images also showed an additional 50 helicopters at the V.D. Bokov airfield near Mazyr, Belarus.
Feb 25, 2022 at 10:40 PM EST
Schumer Says Sanctions Will Make Russia ‘Weaker and Weaker’
As Russian officials continue to mock western allied sanctions, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says the economic punishments will make Russia "weaker and weaker."
"I believe that the sanctions that [President Joe Biden] has put in will constrict Russia's ability to function as a strong economy. It will restrict it and make them weaker and weaker," Schumer said in a Friday night interview on MSNBC.
However, Schumer also acknowledged that it would take some time for the sanctions to start to squeeze Russia's economy. In the meanwhile, he said that Russian troops should expect extreme resistance from Ukrainians fighting against another Russian occupation, the likes of which last occurred during World War II.
"These are people who don't want the Russians to do what they have done to Ukraine in the past, as recently as the '30s, with Stalin's horrible tactics of starving millions of Ukrainians," Schumer said. "There is going to be fierce resistance. Putin will come to regret this."
"Look," Schumer added, he's a bully. He's a thug. He has a monomaniacal desire to restore the Soviet Empire. But he will ultimately fail."
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the sanctions so far have demonstrated the West's "absolute impotence" with foreign policy.
The White House has so far issued sanctions against major Russian banks and oligarchs as well as the Nord Stream 2 oil pipeline and the import of U.S. technologies into the country.
On Friday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he has spoken with U.S. President Joe Biden about "strengthening sanctions" on Russia. His plea echoed bipartisan calls in the U.S. to do the same.
Feb 25, 2022 at 10:18 PM EST
Zelenskyy Asks Israel, Ally to Russia and U.S., To Mediate Negotiations
Ukraine President Zelenskyy has asked Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to serve as a mediator for potential negotiation with Russia due to the country's close ties to both the U.S. and Russia, according to the Jerusalem Post.
"Whatever we can do to stop the bloodshed we must do," Ukraine's Ambassador to Israel Yevgen Korniychuk said. Ukraine wants "Putin to stop, to sit over the table and to speak instead of killing our people," he added.
Zelenskyy is hoping Israel can use its close ties with Moscow to help sway Russian President Putin to stop the invasion. Israel has been in a tough position choosing sides of the conflict.
Although Israeli leaders condemn Russia's attack on Ukraine, Israel has a standing relationship with Moscow that lets the country use the airspace in Syria, which is controlled by Russia. Israel sees a need to continue the relationship with Russia to combat the smuggling of weapons," according to Times of Israel.
"We are more looking for the Israeli diplomatic effort, as an intermediary," Korniychuk said. "We always look to Israel as one of the most prominent possible intermediaries for Mr. Putin."
Feb 25, 2022 at 10:12 PM EST
Over 500 Russian Protesters Detained By Police
Russian police detained over 500 protesters demonstrating against the invasion of Ukraine, according to journalist Anna Nemtsova.
The number is in addition to the nearly 1,800 anti-invasion protesters who have already been arrested in 54 different Russian cities over the last 36 hours, according to The Guardian.
Russia has tried to justify its invasion to the Russian public and the world by claiming that it's necessary to stop ethnic Russians under attack in the eastern Ukrainian territories of Donetsk and Luhansk. However, Russia has also cracked down on any public protests challenging this narrative. Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelenskyy of being a Neo-Nazi, despite Zelenskyy being both Jewish and the grandchild of holocaust survivors.
Some older Russians have been sympathetic to the invasion, wanting to restore the prestige and wealth of the former Soviet Union, according to The New York Times. Other Russians oppose the war, in part because millions of them have friends and relatives in Ukraine.
A poll conducted by the independent, nongovernmental Russian polling agency Levada last year found that more than half of Russians supported Russia's laying claim to the eastern Ukrainian territories.
"We know that millions of Russians do not want war," European Union President Ursula von der Leyen wrote in a public statement on Thursday. "President Putin is trying to turn back the clock to the times of the Russian empire. But in doing so, he is putting at risk the future of the Russian people."
Feb 25, 2022 at 09:54 PM EST
Explosions, Gunfire Rock Kyiv as Russian Troops Close In
Heavy battles have been reported in the cities of Vasylkiv and Kyiv early Saturday morning, local time.
Rapid gunfire and explosions can be heard outside the Ukrainian capital from a live stream video on Youtube.
The latest update from the Ministry of Defense Ukraine says Russia attempted to attack a military unit on Victory Avenue in Kyiv but repelled the ambush.
"Our anti-air defense forces demonstrate true military skill by destroying modern opponent's aircraft and helicopters by firing winged missiles in the sky," the Ukraine Armed Forces posted on Facebook. "There are hundreds of lives saved."
Ukrainian Member of Parliament Kira Rudik spoke to CNN on Friday and said the Ukraine military has done a good job keeping Russians from the capital.
"So it's intensifying and there are Russian forces on in the north and the south of the city, but they're not moving and making great progress," Rudik said.
Rudik also reported "thousands" of Russian army casualties over the past two days.
Feb 25, 2022 at 09:34 PM EST
Large Crowd Turns out to Protest Putin in Times Square
Protests in New York City's Times Square entered their second night as hundreds of people demonstrated against Russian President Vladimir Putin and his invasion of Ukraine.
Protesters waved yellow and blue Ukrainian flags, a large blue and yellow banner held above the street as well as numerous hand-painted signs.
They also chanted "Stand with Ukraine", "Stop Russia now", "Stop Putin, stop war," "Hands off Ukraine," as well as "F*** Putin, not okay. Ukraine is not for you to take."
Temperatures during the protest dropped to below freezing. Also on Friday, protesters gathered outside of the Russian mission to the United Nations. New York City has the largest Ukrainian community in the U.S., according to Reuters.
On Thursday, a protest occurred outside Russia's embassy in Washington D.C. around 1 a.m. EST, shortly after Russia's declaration of war against Ukraine.
Protests occurred worldwide on Thursday and Friday in Russian embassies in Tokyo and Tel Aviv as well as outside of government offices in cities like London, Paris, Berlin, Beirut, Tel Aviv, Dublin and Prague, Reuters added.
Feb 25, 2022 at 09:02 PM EST
Kazakhstan Will Not Send Troops to Ukraine in Support of Russia
Russian ally Kazakhstan has said that it will not deploy troops to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to NBC News.
Kazakhstan has said that it will not officially recognize the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, the two Russian-controlled territories in east Ukraine that Russia used as a pretext for its invasion.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin talked with Kazakh President Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev on Friday to discuss "joint efforts to prevent the decrease of trade volume between the two nations" amid international sanctions against Russia for its invasion, according to Radio Free Europe.
Russia claimed the east Ukrainian territories were essentially part of its country since many ethnic Russians reside there. Russia has armed, financed and politically controlled separatist factions in the regions since 2014, according to The Guardian.
Russia sent its military on a so-called peacekeeping mission to those territories and announced its intention to occupy them as well after claiming that Ukrainians had committed genocide against its ethnically Russian residents. The claim of genocide has been disregarded as fake by the U.S. intelligence agencies and other international intelligence agencies.
Feb 25, 2022 at 09:02 PM EST
Russian Paratroopers Land in Vasylkiv, 25 Miles from Capital
Ukraine news organizations are reporting that Russian paratroopers have landed in Vasylkiv, which is about 25 miles away from the capital city, Kyiv. Ukrainian forces are reportedly fighting the paratroopers in the area.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said on Twitter that it shot down a Russian plane carrying paratroopers towards Kyiv.
"At around midnight, two enemy targets, a helicopter and a Su-25 attack aircraft of the Russian occupation forces were shot down by the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the area of the Joint Forces operation," the ministry said on Twitter.
Ukraine's Armed Forces have continuously updated their Twitter with updates on the battle while keeping morale high.
"More than 40 hours of repulse to the Russian occupiers proved that we have the most powerful army in Europe and a fearless people," said Oleksii Reznikov, minister of Defense of Ukraine.
Feb 25, 2022 at 08:42 PM EST
Chef Jose Andres Feeding Refugees in Poland
Spanish-American chef José Andrés has announced that he and his organization, World Central Kitchen (WCK), will provide food to Ukrainian refugees who have fled to Poland to escape the Russian invasion.
"People of the World...Like you, I am distraught watching Ukraine under attack," the Washington D.C.-based chef wrote in a Friday tweet. "We must come together as a force for good! @WCKitchen is on Poland border delivering meals tonight—Romania soon. In addition to your donations...I am committing support from the Bezos award to Ukraine."
The award refers to a $100 million "Courage and Civility Award" that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos gave to Andrés in mid-2021.
In a video accompanying his tweet, Andrés announced that he would donate between $5 and $10 million to local chefs and organizations in Poland who are already helping feed refugees. The funding will help them continue.
"A very hard situation, obviously, and many of you are thinking, 'What can I do?'" Andrés said in his video.
"Here is a fight and we're going to make sure that nobody's going hungry and they're shown the respect that they deserve," he continued. "There's no more of allowing people that they think they are top of the world, that they are bad people bringing the worst out of humanity. We need to be a force of good. And you know how we do this? By believing in longer tables. Not to start bombing. Food at the center of communities, this is how we will create a better world.
The United Nations estimates that nearly 100,000 refugees have already left Ukraine. These refugees will need food, clothing, shelter, possibly "formal pathways to legal status," education, and healthcare and other needs, according to Vox.
Founded by Andrés in 2010, WCK has distributed over 60 million fresh meals to people affected by natural and man-made disasters, according to its website.
A documentary about the organization, We Feed People, will premier at the South by Southwest film festival in Austin, Texas on March 19. The documentary was directed by Ron Howard.
Feb 25, 2022 at 08:42 PM EST
Kinzinger: ‘Too Dangerous to Hope’ Putin Ends Attacks With Ukraine
U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) took to Twitter Friday posting a grim warning saying Russian President Putin is "too dangerous to hope he is satisfied with 'just Ukraine.'"
Kinzinger hints that Putin may also invade other countries if he is not stopped. Kinzinger suggested leaders declare a "no fly zone" over Ukraine skies—if Ukrainian leaders agree to it in order to give Ukraine "a fair fight."
"History teaches that taking a stand is inevitable and gets more costly with time," Kinzinger said. "We own the skies, Russia cannot hold a candle to our air power."
The Representative also made a grim declaration. He said Ukraine's fate will also determine the West's.
"The fate of Ukraine is being decided tonight, but also the fate of the west," he said.
Feb 25, 2022 at 08:17 PM EST
Twitter Suspends Ads in Ukraine, Russia
Twitter announced that it is temporarily suspending ads in Russia and Ukraine while the conflict continues.
Twitter said the pause in ads is "to ensure critical public safety information is elevated and ads don't detract from it." Twitter says its top priority is keeping people on the platform safe.
That includes limiting ads from hindering important information from officials like Ukraine President Zelenskyy who has been very active on Twitter. Ukraine's Ministry of Defense has also posted daily updating citizens on their movement.
Twitter has blocked "Tweet Recommendations" for users in Russia and Ukraine. The pause doesn't allow tweets from people a user doesn't follow to be recommended to "reduce the spread of abusive content."
Feb 25, 2022 at 08:07 PM EST
Russian Woman Who Hung ‘No to War’ Banner From Balcony Charged
A Moscow woman has been charged with "participating in an unsanctioned protest" for hanging a homemade banner from her balcony that said, "No to war," according to the Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta.
The woman reportedly violated part 5 of article 20.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.
Nearly 1,800 anti-invasion protesters have been arrested in 54 different Russian cities over the last 36 hours, according to The Guardian. The Russian government, which controls most mainstream national media, regularly cracks down against any protests criticizing the government.
However, international observers have said the number of Russian protesters would have to dramatically increase in order to genuinely destabilize and challenge the government.
Feb 25, 2022 at 07:47 PM EST
Georgia—Invaded in 2008—Rallies Against Russia
Roughly 30,000 people attended a Ukraine solidarity rally on Friday night rally in Tbilisi, Georgia's capital city. Russia invaded the country of Georgia in 2008.
The rally was partly in reaction to Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili's Friday announcement that Georgia won't issue sanctions against Russia for its invasion.
Attendees waved the Ukrainian and Georgian flags, singing both countries' national anthems and chanted anti-Russian slogans, Agence France Presse reported. Others demanded that Garibashvili resign.
Government critics including opposition parties the United National Movement (UNM), Lelo, Girchi—More Freedom, the Labour Party, and European Georgia, have criticized the government for not more forcefully opposing Russia's invasion, according to east European news website OC Media.
Elsewhere, protesters assembled outside of the Ukrainian Embassy in the city.
Feb 25, 2022 at 07:45 PM EST
Russian Ambassador Denies Ukraine Bombing
During the United Nations Security Council meeting, Russian Ambassador
Vasily Nebenzya denied Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Nebenzya said there was no way to confirm Ukrainian citizens are dying.
"Russian troops are not bombing Ukrainian cities and we said that they are not threatened by anything," said Nebenzya. "There is no verifiable confirmation whatsoever about the deaths of civilians."
Nebenzya went on to cite videos that have gone viral on the internet of tanks and armored trucks paving through Ukraine's territory. He said the tanks in the video aren't Russia's because they don't have that kind of technology.
"The Russian military does not have this kind of equipment," Nebenzya said. "They are obsolete. This is the kind of fake information that you are using."
Russia's denying of the invasion shook the internet. Twitter users accused Nebenzya of gaslighting the situation and asked if not Russia then who is invading Ukraine.
Feb 25, 2022 at 07:26 PM EST
Most Americans Think Putin Wouldn’t Have Invaded Ukraine Under Trump: Poll
Approximately 62 percent of American voters believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin wouldn't have invaded Ukraine if former President Donald Trump had remained in office, according to Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll survey released on Friday.
Approximately 85 percent of Republicans and 38 percent of Democrats shared this opinion.
Additionally, 59 percent said they believed Putin invaded Ukraine because he saw weakness in President Joe Biden. Alternately, 41 percent said that Biden's weakness wasn't a factor in Putin's decision to invade.
The poll echoes sentiments voiced by Trump and other U.S. Republican Congress members like Florida Senator Marco Rubio, Wyoming Senator John Barrasso, Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton.
Opponents of this viewpoint state that Trump repeatedly permissive towards Putin throughout his presidency.
During his campaign, Trump suggested that he was OK with Russia keeping the Ukrainian territory of Crimea, which Russia aggressively seized under Putin in 2014. Trump also opposed U.S. involvement in NATO. Putin also opposes NATO, an organization specifically formed to challenge Russia's military expansion.
Feb 25, 2022 at 07:15 PM EST
Photo Appears to Show 80-Year-Old Ukrainian Trying to Join Army
A bone-chilling photo is circulating on Twitter of what appears to be an elderly man speaking to Ukrainian soldiers. The caption claims the man wanted to enlist in the army to fight for his country.
Shared on Twitter by Kateryna Yushchenko, former first lady of Ukraine, the picture shows the man holding a small suitcase, containing "2 t-shirts, a pair of extra pants, a toothbrush and a few sandwiches for lunch."
When asked why he wanted to sign up, the post claims he said he was doing it for his grandkids.
This is just another heartbreaking visual of Ukrainian citizens being shared. A viral video on Thursday showed a couple saying their goodbye at a subway station in Ukraine.
The father and daughter were both crying and embracing each other. The picture was devastating. The video concluded with the mother and daughter on a bus, likely leaving town for safety. The father then puts his hand on the window.
Feb 25, 2022 at 06:47 PM EST
NATO States May Give Sanctuary to Fleeing Ukraine Forces
Countries of the 30-state NATO military alliance may offer safe haven for Ukrainian troops as they flee advancing Russian forces that threaten to take the capital Kyiv, Newsweek has learned after speaking with a number of the bloc's officials.
A spokesperson for Estonia's Foreign Ministry told Newsweek that all Ukrainians—whether in civilian clothes or in uniform—will be allowed to enter the country under its existing visa waiver program. The spokesperson said Estonia has decided to extend the allowed period of stay for Ukrainian citizens beyond the 90 days enshrined in law.
Feb 25, 2022 at 06:47 PM EST
‘Miracle’ Baby Born in Kyiv Metro Station Amid Airstrikes
A baby was miraculously born on Friday afternoon in one of Kyiv's metro stations as Russian forces attacked above ground, according to Ukraine's Centre for Strategic Communications and Information Security. The center is part of Ukraine's Ministry of Culture and Information Policy.
Thousands of Kyiv residents have spent their night in metro stations and bomb shelters around the city—sometimes bringing children, pets and a small allotment of food and supplies—as rocket attacks and explosions occur above ground, the BBC reported.
Some people staying in metro stations said they will stay underground until the fighting stops, though they're unsure how long that might be.
Ukraine's metro stations were built deep underground and designed to double as bomb shelters in case of enemy attack, according to journalist Camille Squires. The Kyiv city government's map of nearly 3,000 designated bomb shelters includes 47 of the city's 52 subway stations, she wrote.
Ukraine foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said, "Last time our capital experienced anything like this was in 1941 when it was attacked by Nazi Germany."
Feb 25, 2022 at 06:46 PM EST
Russia Vetoes UN Resolution Condemning Ukraine Invasion
The United Nations Security Council is holding a meeting as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues.
Russia vetoed a draft UN resolution that would have deplored Moscow's attack on Ukraine, making troops withdraw immediately. The 11-1 vote—with China, India and the United Arab Emirates abstaining—showed the majority of UN allies in opposition of the war.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield spoke against Russia's decision.
"Not surprisingly, Russia exercised its veto power today in an effort to protect Russia's premeditated, unprovoked, unjustified and unconscionable war in Ukraine. But let me make one thing clear, Russia you can veto this resolution, but you cannot veto our voices," Thomas-Greenfield said.
"You cannot veto the truth," she continued. "You cannot veto our principles. You cannot veto the Ukrainian people."
Ukraine President Zelenskyy echoed Thomas-Greenfield's stance saying Russia is the minority in the UN, voting to veto the resolution.
"As Russia continues to attack Kyiv, the draft resolution is co-sponsored by an unprecedented number of UN Member States. This proves: the world is with us, the truth is with us, the victory will be ours," Zelenskyy wrote on Twitter after the meeting.
Feb 25, 2022 at 06:18 PM EST
Russian Plane With Paratroopers Shot Down, Ukraine Military Says
Ukraine's military says it has shot down a large Russian plane carrying paratroopers, according to the Netherlands-based BNO News Agency.
Ukrainian Armed Forces Chief of General Staff Serhiy Shaptala says his country's air defenses shot down a Russian Ilyushin II-76 aircraft carrying Russian forces. The plane was reportedly shot down near Vasylkiv, a region south of Kyiv.
The aircraft is over 152 feet long, has a wingspan of 165 feet and weighs about 79 tons.
Feb 25, 2022 at 05:55 PM EST
Zelenskyy warns Russia may attack Kyiv Friday
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Russian forces will likely storm Kyiv Friday night.
"Tonight we must endure! The fate of the country decides right now," Zelenskyy said in an address late Friday.
Several Ukrainian cities are now under attack, but Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine "can't lose the capital." He called on Ukrainians to stop Russian forces where possible.
"The enemy will use all the forces at his disposal to break our resistance," he said. "Vile, harsh and not human. That night they will storm Kyiv. We all need to understand what awaits us. Tonight we must endure! The fate of the country decides right now."
Zelenskyy was on the ground with other government officials in Ukraine earlier Friday, vowing to fight for the country. He posted the below video on his Facebook page, writing "it was a tough but courageous day!"
Це був важкий, але сміливий день!
Feb 25, 2022 at 05:38 PM EST
The message the White House has for Ukrainians
During a press briefing Friday, Jen Psaki was asked what the White House's message is to the Ukrainian people, who are fighting back against Vladimir Putin even as Russian airstrikes threaten civilian lives.
"We are amazed by your courage, your remarkable courage in standing up against what President Putin is doing," the White House press secretary said.
"It is not easy to protest in many scenarios, but it's certainly not easy to protest against the actions of an autocratic leader. And that's exactly what these protesters are doing."
Psaki said it was "horrific" and "heart-wrenching" to watch the scenes coming out of Ukraine as Russia attacks major cities and attempts to overtake the capital of Kyiv.
"Our message to the Ukrainian people continues to be that we stand with you, we support you," Psaki said.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden will have a meeting with his national security team members in Delaware tomorrow, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters.
Psaki noted that Biden is traveling to Delaware to attend the memorial service of a family member and will still be able to take secure calls there as the White House monitors developments in Ukraine.
"Every president can work from anywhere they are because that is how presidencies are equipped," Psaki said. "The president has the capacity to make a secure call from anywhere."
Feb 25, 2022 at 05:20 PM EST
Up to 12,000 U.S. troops now on heightened alert
Thousands more U.S. troops have been placed on prepare to deploy orders as the NATO Response Force (NRF) is activated for the first time, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said Friday.
Some 8,500 U.S. troops were placed on 'heightened alert' in late January. During a press conference Friday, Kirby said that number is now between 10,000 and 12,000. U.S. troops will be earmarked for NATO territory, he said, adding "some" will be earmarked for the NRF.
How the NRF works:
NATO approves a defense plan, then activates the force (which happened Friday), contributing nations then fill those needs. Therefore, no specific details are available as of Friday in terms of units, timelines or schedules as it relates to U.S. troops.
Kirby said the activation acts as an "additional notice" or warning order to allies who contribute to the NRF. He called the activation "historic."
Russia had some setbacks:
Friday marked the second day of Russia's invasion into Ukraine. Kirby said Russia "experienced some setbacks" in its initial attack.
"We see clear indications that Ukrainian forces are fighting back and bravely defending their country," Kirby said.
What's next?
Kirby said the U.S. will continue to provide additional security assistance to Ukraine.
"How that is going to be done is still being worked out," he said, noting the contested airspace over Ukraine.
The U.S. has provided several shipments of aid to Ukraine, but Kirby did not detail each due to the current situation.
Kirby acknowledged that Putin's future intentions remain unclear, saying the goal is to continue to reassure NATO allies and bolster capabilities.
"It's not entirely clear if Mr. Putin has designs beyond Ukraine," Kirby said.
Feb 25, 2022 at 04:40 PM EST
U.S. Will Continue Work With Russia on Iran
The State Department said there are areas where the U.S. will engage with Russia to fulfill its national security priorities despite the ongoing invasion in Ukraine.
For example, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said the U.S. will continue to work with Russia regarding the Iran Nuclear Deal.
"It remains in our interests to see to it that Iran is never able to acquire a nuclear weapon," Price said. "The fact that Russia has now invaded Ukraine should not give Iran the green light to develop a nuclear weapon."
While Russia's "brutal" and "unprovoked" invasion into Ukraine has changed the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Russia, the United States "will not stop caring about our own wellbeing.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said diplomacy requires the U.S. to work with countries with which it disagrees.
"Diplomacy around the world requires us to engage with countries even where we have strong disagreements, strong oppositions, strong condemnations," Psaki said.
Psaki added that it is the responsibility of the U.S. government to act in the best interest of the American people, which includes working with Russia to reduce Iran's capacity and ability to have a nuclear weapon.
"There's no question that the achievement of [the Iran Nuclear Deal] would make the world safer," she said.
Feb 25, 2022 at 04:20 PM EST
U.S. to Sanction Putin, Lavrov
The U.S will join the European Union and United Kingdom in placing sanctions on Russia President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said these direct sanctions on Putin comes in united step with U.S. allies to send "a clear message about the strength of the opposition to the actions by [Putin]."
Psaki said the sanctions on Putin have been on the table for sometime and the White House will release more details later today.
A travel ban from the Unites States may be included in the sanction package on Putin and Lavrov.
Feb 25, 2022 at 03:56 PM EST
Moldova airspace closed as refugees arrive
Moldova closed its airspace Thursday as Russian forces began to attack Ukraine.
"In order to avoid putting at risk civilian flights, in the context of actions near the border, the Republic of Moldova, through the Civil Aviation Authority, ordered the closure of the airspace," the Moldova government tweeted. "Flights to Chisinau will be redirected to Iasi."
The Canadian government shared the closure Friday, saying "if you need to take a flight, you may travel to Romania by land."
Ukraine closed its airspace to civilian flights after Russia began attacking the country. Airspace has also been closed in parts of Russia and Belarus.
A state of emergency was declared in Moldova, as the country expects tens of thousands of refugees from Ukraine, its neighboring country.
Moldova's President Maia Sandu welcomed the first Ukrainian citizens arriving in her country, reporting 4,000 crossings Thursday.
Sandu tweeted a picture showing temporary placement centers near Palanca and Ocnița.
Feb 25, 2022 at 03:40 PM EST
“All options on table'” when it comes to more sanctions
Friday, in a press briefing, a reporter asked State Department spokesperson Ned Price if the United States plans to impose additional sanctions on Russian President Putin.
Price stated that "all options are on the table," adding that Washington is looking closely at additional options that may apply appropriate pressure on Russia, Putin, and those around him.
Feb 25, 2022 at 03:15 PM EST
Price says Russia “plans to kill families of soldiers”
During a press briefing Friday, U.S. State Dept Spokesperson Ned Price revealed that the US is following reports that the Russian Federation plans to kill family members of Ukrainian soldiers if they do not surrender.
"These tactics are classic intimidation. They are synonymous with the Kremlin. They are unacceptable," Price said.
Price continued stating, "this is not the outcome we wanted."
"Both are a tragedy for Ukraine; Putin has decided for the people of Russia, not by them," Price added.
Feb 25, 2022 at 02:57 PM EST
WATCH: UN Security Council, White House briefings
The United Nations Security Council is set to meet and the White House will hold its daily briefing Friday afternoon amid Russia's invasion into Ukraine.
The UN Security Council meeting is set to begin at 3 p.m. ET, watch live here or below:
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki will hold the daily press briefing, also scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. ET.
Watch live on the White House YouTube page or below:
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