Currents News Staff
The unprecedented assault on Ukraine comes following weeks of heightened tensions and rhetoric amid the build-up of Russian troops along the border.
The country’s president says Putin has begun a war not only against Ukraine.
“Putin began war against Ukraine, against the entire democratic world,” Volodymyr Zelensky said. “He wants to destroy my country, our country, everything that we’ve been building.”
Russian forces were seen advancing beyond the two Moscow-backed Separatist regions in Donbas in the east. Troops were reported in the southern port city of Odessa and near Kyiv, the country’s capital. Multiple explosions were also reported across the country.
“I have just passport, documents, and some money,” one local said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin claims there are no plans to occupy Ukraine with military actions meant only to protect the Russian-backed Separatist regions. But world leaders say the attacks prove otherwise and are demanding Russia to back down.
“The target is instability in Europe and the whole of the international peace order, and we will hold President Putin accountable for that,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
As Ukrainians flee from cities under siege, many are moving west in hopes of finding refuge from the Russian assault. Some are calling on the U.S. to take action.
“Right now the situation is in the Americans’ hands,” said Kyiv resident Alex Klymenok. “If Joe Biden will be tough with Putin, there will be more sanctions, there will be more pressure.”