Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has begun his attack on the Ukraine. Minutes after announcing his military invasion, several Ukranian cities have fallen under attack.
Speaking to media on Wednesday, Putin said, “We signed treaties yesterday, and these treaties with the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic contain relevant clauses that say that we will provide these republics with appropriate assistance, including military. Since there is an ongoing conflict there, we make it clear by this decision that, if need be, we plan to fulfil our obligations.”
US President Joe Biden said the world will hold Russia accountable for its attack on the Ukraine.
As reported by Al-Jazeera, Kramatorsk region was hit by several air and missile raids in the early hours of this morning.
“Minutes after President Vladimir Putin of Russia announced a military operation in eastern Ukraine, explosions were visible near the city of Kharkiv. By early Thursday morning, several Ukrainian cities were under attack.
Putin reiterated that he strongly against NATO encroaching on Ukraine.
“We have spoken about this publicly many times and, in effect, this is the subject of our sharpest dispute with Washington and NATO. We are categorically opposed to Ukraine joining NATO because this poses a threat to us and we have arguments to support this,” Putin said.
Meanwhile, thousands of Ukrainians were trying to leave their homes before the attacks.
Highways, trains and bus stations were packed as people fled for safety. While there have been no reports of casualties from the blasts yet, one of the missiles hit an apartment block.
Ukraine has deployed military forces to combat Russia.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the war a disaster with a high price.
Since the attack on Ukraine, the Rand has fallen by 30c to the Dollar while Brent Crude oil prices surged over $100 a barrel for the first time since 2014.