The Russian columns marching towards Kiev. Forces sent from Moscow arrived in the suburbs of the Ukrainian capital about 24 hours after the invasion began. Western intelligence sources make it known to Adnkronos, underlining that for the moment the troops have not entered the city but so far they have found little or no resistance. In particular, a landing by helicopter of airborne troops at Hostomel airport was reported in the capital area and now the airport is under Russian control.
Russian departments landed near Mariupol, these sources still point out, they are encountering strong resistance while in Odessa the Moscow forces control the airport and do not intend to enter the town, at least for the moment. A column tries to make its way up the coast towards Mariupol to rejoin the disembarked troops. The same sources point out that the Ukrainian air defense assets have been substantially annihilated. No radar activity has been reported since 2pm on 24 February. The Russian columns that entered the Donbass are met with resistance from the Ukrainian troops deployed on the former line of contact.
The columns coming from the North East have passed Kharkiv and are moving to get behind the defense line with the trenches. The operations take place in a context characterized by the substantial absence of the Ukrainian air force, destroyed on the ground: it has ceased to exist as an effective fighting force, the sources conclude, stating that the Russians have total control of the airspace.
ZELENSKY – I remain “in the seat of government”, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video message, informing in the night that some “groups of Russian saboteurs” are “entering Kiev” with the main objective of “destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of state“.” According to our information the enemy has me as my number one goal, my family as my second goal“.” For the defense of the state “he adds, signing a new mobilization order,” male citizens between 16 and 60 years of age are prohibited from leaving the borders of Ukraine “. A measure that” will remain in effect for the period in question. martial law will be in force. “President Zelensky complains that Ukraine has been” left alone “in front of the Russian army.” Who is ready to fight with us? I don’t see anyone, “said the Ukrainian president in a video released last night.” Who is ready to give Ukraine the guarantee of NATO membership? Everyone is afraid “.” Strong economic and financial sanctions must be immediately adopted against the aggressor to deprive him of the means to continue the attack, “he said, also addressing the leaders of the European Union and asking them to” stand alongside Ukraine, ” our people are dying for the freedom of Ukraine and Europe. “
On the first day of the Russian invasion, the Ukrainian president says in the video, “137 heroes, non-citizens” died, while 316 were wounded.
BLINKEN – “All the evidence suggests that Russia wants to surround and threaten Kiev and we believe that Moscow has developed plans to commit vast human rights abuses, or even worse, on the Ukrainian population,” said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement. speech during a special meeting of the OSCE.
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