Ukraine and Russia: What you need to know right now
Here's what you need to know about the Ukraine crisis right now. General view of Kyiv after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a military operation in eastern Ukraine, February 24, 2022. Reuters
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowed to stay in Kyiv as his troops battled Russian invaders who are advancing toward the capital in the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two.
- A picture was emerging of fierce fighting across multiple fronts. Russian forces had captured the Chernobyl former nuclear power plant on the route between Belarus and Kyiv, a Ukrainian presidential adviser said.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin said his aim was to demilitarize and "denazify" Ukraine. He said any hindrance would be met by "such consequences that you have never encountered in your history".
US President Joe Biden said Putin's action was about naked aggression. He unveiled new sanctions on its banks and wealthy elite and sweeping export restrictions.
- Biden also said Washington was working with allies on a release of oil from strategic reserves after the price shot up.
- French President Emmanuel Macron said he held a "frank, direct and quick" phone call with Putin on Thursday to ask him to stop military operations because Zelenskiy had asked him to.
- Britain, Canada, the EU, Australia, Japan, Taiwan and others unveiled sanctions against Russia, targeting banks, military exports and members of Putin's inner circle.
- Putin "must and will fail," EU leaders said as they agreed new sanctions, saying he was trying to bring the continent back to the age of empires and confrontations.
- Thousands of Ukrainians sought to escape to neighboring countries. The UN refugee agency estimated that 100,000 had fled their homes.
- Ukraine basketballers got a standing ovation in Spain after an emotional loss.
- Stock markets tumbled and Russia's rouble hit an all-time low. US stocks turned positive as the West detailed its sanctions against Russia.
Quotes
"(The) enemy has marked me down as the number one target," Zelenskiy said. "They want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of state."
Coming events
- The UN Security Council is likely to vote on Friday on a draft resolution condemning Russia and requiring it to unconditionally withdraw, a US official said.
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