Satellite images capture a Russian convoy 60 kilometers from Kyiv. The three-mile-long convoy is compose3d of fuel tanks, infantry vehicles, and artillery. There were also logistical trucks spotted.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Interior reports 1,684 people including 116 children were injured during the invasion. So far, there were 352 civilians including 14 children killed.

The world’s largest aircraft, the Mriya (Antonov AN-225) was destroyed by Russian attacks. Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs tweeted “Russia may have destroyed our ‘Mriya’, but they will never be able to destroy our dream of a strong, free, and democratic European state.”

As the US, UK, and EU continue to sanction Russia to deter the invasion, United Nations Assembly is also voting on additional sanctions for Russia. Australia is the most recent country to slap Russia with sanctions. Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed in a statement Monday.

“From midnight last night, Australian targeted financial sanctions and travel bans came into effect on the Russian President and remaining permanent members of Russia’s Security Council: Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and Internal Affairs Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev. It is exceedingly rare to designate a head of state and reflects the depth of our concerns. President Putin joins a very small group that includes Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Mu’ammar Gaddafi of Libya, and Bashar al-Assad of Syria.”

Russia and Ukraine delegations will take place on Monday. President Zelensky agreed to meet President Putin at the Ukraine-Belarus border. Meanwhile, Moscow is on high alert including its nuclear forces.

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Video from eyewitnesses earlier Saturday showed explosions in a location northwest of Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. In the region, there is a military base. Meanwhile, the severe battle was reported outside Vasylkiv, around 30 kilometers southwest of Kyiv, by Ukrainian military troops. “Heavy fighting is currently underway in the town of Vasylkiv in the Kyiv region, where the occupiers are trying to land a landing party.”

Russian soldiers are approaching Kyiv from the north and east, according to Zelensky’s statement, after capturing control of an airbase just north of the city on Thursday. “Ukrainians resist the Russian aggression heroically,” he said.

Russian reconnaissance forces have penetrated the Obolon neighborhood of northern Kyiv, just a few kilometers from the city center, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. Civilians rushed to shelter from small weapons fire in chaotic scenes seen on video from the region.

According to the Ukrainian envoy to the United States, 92 employees working at the Chernobyl power plant, the site of the world’s worst-ever nuclear accident, have been kidnapped. On Thursday, Russian soldiers grabbed control of the complex, raising concerns that the conflict may disrupt the operation of nuclear waste facilities.

According to intelligence information, the city will fall in a few days. As Russia encircles, the capital, President Zelensky has acknowledged that he is target number 1. He is aware that when Russia reaches the city, they will replace him with a new leader.

Follow us and be updated on the battle for Kyiv

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Russia invades Ukraine just a few hours ago. Citizens of Kyiv and Kharkiv awoke to the sounds of sirens warning them to take cover. Then reports began to flood in that the Russian army has begun its invasion. Many rushed to the subway, others made a last-ditch effort to withdraw money from ATMs and buy gasoline. The stark reality of war has come down on the people of Ukraine.

Countries like the US, the UK, and members of the EU have condemned the attack made by President Putin. Most of them have slapped economic sanctions against Moscow. Everyone was asking to stop the violence.

President Vladimir Putin has addressed Ukrainians and asked them to lay down their arms and go home. Russian Government Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov says that the goal of the “special mission” regarding Ukraine is the “demilitarization and denazification” of the country.

“Ideally, Ukraine should be liberated, cleansed of Nazis, of pro-Nazi people and ideology,” he said. “The operation has its goals, they should be reached. The president has said that all the decisions have been made and all the goals will be reached,” Peskov said. “It all depends on the decision of supreme commander-in-chief.”

World Response

There were mixed responses to his move. Below are a few announcements made by governments across the world.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen – “We will freeze Russian assets in the European Union and stop the access of Russian banks to European financial markets,” she said.

“We condemn this barbaric attack and the cynical arguments that are being used to justify it.”

“These sanctions are designed to take a heavy toll on the Kremlin’s interests and their ability to finance the war. And we know that millions of Russians do not want war,” she added.

“We will not allow President Putin to replace the rule of law, by the rule of force, and ruthlessness, Ukraine will prevail.”

Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida – “We strongly criticize Russia’s actions and will cooperate with the United States and the international community to respond swiftly.”

Japan has also imposed sanctions against Russia. The sanctions include the issuance of visas and freezing of assets of people involved in the Donetsk and Luhansk declaration of independence. Import and exports to the regions are also banned.

Chinese Embassy has issued a warning to Chinese nationals in Ukraine

“The situation in Ukraine has deteriorated dramatically. There have been bombings in multiple cities, and the military operations are underway.” The statement also asked citizens to stay at home and away from windows or glass. They also added that for those Chinese nationals traveling on the roads, “the Chinese flag can be affixed to the visible part of the body.”

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Russia announces military operation in Eastern Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged the “special military operation” in the Donbas region. This has come after US, UK, and other European nations have announced their sanctions to deter the Russian invasion.

A few signs have pointed to the beginning of the attacks. The first one was President Putin allegedly not answering the calls of President Zelensky. The second sign was Russia announcing the Ukraine region as a no-fly zone. Finally, the Russian President has responded.

A few days ago, President Putin declared the eastern separatist-held regions of Ukraine independent. While Ukraine’s president did not acknowledge any of it, Putin is beginning his operations in the region.

United Nations

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns Moscow to give peace a chance and to stop attacking Ukraine. “The day was full of rumors and indications of an offensive against Ukraine was imminent. In the recent past, there were several situations with similar indications, similar rumors. And I never believed in them, convinced that nothing serious would happen,” Guterres told the council. “I was wrong. And I would like not to be wrong again today.”

US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield has also expressed her thoughts.

“We are here tonight because we believe, along with Ukraine, that a full-scale, further invasion into Ukraine by Russia is imminent,” Linda Thomas-Greenfield said at an emergency UN Security Council meeting.

“Tonight, we’re seeing the Russians close airspace, move troops into Donbas, and move forces into combat-ready positions,” she added, calling this “a perilous moment.”

“And we are here for one reason and one reason only: to ask Russia to stop. Return to your border. Send your troops, and your tanks, and your planes back to their barracks and hangars. And send your diplomats to the negotiating table,” she said.

Reports are coming in of explosions in Kyiv and the second largest city of the country Kharkiv.

President Putin addressed Ukrainian soldiers and advised them to lay down their arms and go home. He also warned that any military aggression will be on the conscience of the Ukrainian government.

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Just a few days ago, President Vladimir Putin has made his speech regarding the independence of east Ukraine. He also deployed Russian troops to these “independent” states for “peacekeeping” missions. However, the Ukrainian President did not acknowledge any of it saying their borders stay the same.

President Joe Biden announced its “first tranche” of sanctions. This includes two large financial institutions, Russian sovereign debt, and Russian elites and family members. They will be “cut off Russia’s government from Western finance.”

Additional US troops will also be deployed to strengthen the US allies on the Baltic nations. He did clarify that the troops will not be there to fight Russia.

“The United States and our allies and partners remain open to diplomacy if it is serious,” he said. “When all is said and done, we’re going to judge Russia by its actions, not its words.”
President Biden would still like to proceed with diplomatic solutions to the ongoing issues. He was also open to sharing his perspective regarding the acknowledgment of independence. He believes that Moscow was planning to redraw borders which violates international laws.

“Who in the Lord’s name does Putin think gives him the right to declare new so-called countries on territory that belonged to his neighbors? This is a flagrant violation of international law and demands a firm response from the international community,” Biden said.

He viewed it as a beginning of an invasion so de does believe it is also the right time to give a response. There has been no additional response from Russia after President Putin’s speech.

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Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin agree to meet if Russia does not attack Ukraine. The White House announced that the US president will attend the French-brokered summit. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will meet on February 24. They will be discussing the details in advance.

“We are always ready for diplomacy. We are also ready to impose swift and severe consequences should Russia instead choose war. And currently, Russia appears to be continuing preparations for a full-scale assault on Ukraine very soon,” Press Secretary John Psaki said.

The summit was proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron. He talked to both President Joe Biden and President Vladimir Putin back-to-back. His efforts are towards exploring every available pathway to avoid conflict.

“President Biden is prepared to engage President Putin at any time, in any format, if that can help prevent a war,” according to Blinken.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed his opinion. He said that Russia is planning “the biggest war in Europe since 1945.”

“I’m afraid to say, that the plan that we’re seeing, is for something that could be really the biggest war in Europe since 1945,” he said. He added that “people need to understand that the sheer cost in human life that could entail not just for Ukrainians, but also for, for Russians and for young Russians.”

Satellite Images

Maxar has also released additional satellite photos showing that Russian troops are mounting and moving into position. “Multiple new field deployments of armored equipment and troops have been observed northwest of Belgorod and near Soloti and Valuyki, Russia “. These are places 35 kilometers away from the border.

“This new activity represents a change in the pattern of the previously observed deployments of battle groups (tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery, and support equipment). Until recently, most of the deployments had been seen primarily positioned at or near existing military garrisons and training areas. Today (Sunday) most of the combat units and support equipment at Soloti have departed and extensive vehicle tracks and some convoys of armored equipment are seen throughout the area. Some equipment has also been deployed east of nearby Valuyki, Russia in a field approximately 15 kilometers north of the Ukraine border,” Maxar noted.

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Interior Minister Denys Monastyrskiy reported several mortar fires on Sunday. He was on tour on the front lines and was giving interviews shortly prior to the bombing.

“We have information about the advance of the Russian army along with our territory,” he said. “There is also information that certain units of the Wagner PMC have entered our territory. The purpose of the stay is to organize sabotage in our territory.”

Munich Security Conference

Munich Security Conference

President Zelensky asked for the sanctions against Russia to be made public. The Munich Security Conference initially decided not to publicize the sanctions until Russia has invaded.

“The question of just making it public … just the list of sanctions, for them, for us, to know what will happen if they start the war — even that question does not have the support,” he said.

He argued that what use is the sanctions to them after their economy has collapsed due to invasion. He urged the members to make it public before applying pressure to Russia not to invade. He was asking for sanctions that can provide or he also suggested that Ukraine can provide a list.

“If you can’t even disclose what will happen to whom if the war starts … I doubt it will be triggered after it happens,” he added.

Russia has been amassing troops at the Ukrainian border. There were satellite images of about 150,000 soldiers. There were also additional reports of troops gathering in Crimea and other points of the border.

“Ukraine needs security guarantees,” Zelensky said. “We are smart people, we are not narrow-minded. We understand there are lots of different risks because of NATO, there is no consensus around other allies, everyone is saying there is some distance that we need to go between Ukraine and NATO that we need to walk. All we are saying is tell us how much time does it take to complete this distance?”

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Joe Biden says Russia will invade. “As of this moment, I am convinced he’s made the decision,” Biden said during his speech at the White House. He also added that they believe they will attack “in the coming week” or sooner. The target will be the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. He did emphasize that there is still room for diplomacy.

Biden will gather the national security team over the weekend and monitor any progress during the weekend. He will also remain in close contact with world leaders. His administration has disclosed several intelligence details on Russian troop movements. The reason he chose to do it is to say it “loudly and repeatedly, to remove any reason that Russia may give to justify invading Ukraine and prevent them from moving.”

Russia Refutes the Claims

“Make no mistake. If Russia pursues its plans, it will be responsible for a catastrophic and needless war of choice,” he added.

Mara Zakharova, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson denied the claims Biden made. “The American president also repeated the unsubstantiated thesis about Russia’s alleged attempts to ‘attack’ Ukraine, threatening Moscow with sanctions in the event of an escalation. The Russian Federation categorically denies such statements and escalation plans attributed to it,” the Russian news agency said.

It is up to Ukraine

Biden stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky must decide whether or not to attend the security summit in Germany this weekend. On Saturday, Vice President Kamala Harris is slated to meet with Zelensky at the conference.

The US also released a statement regarding the recent cyber attacks on the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and two banks. “We believe that the Russian government is responsible for widescale cyberattacks on Ukrainian banks this week. We have technical information that links the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate, or GRU, as known GRU infrastructure was seen transmitting high volumes of communication to Ukraine based IP addresses and domains,” said Anne Neuberger, deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology.

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A senior US administration official said that Russia’s claims of withdrawal were “false” and warned that these diplomatic claims were a farce.

“Every indication we have now is they mean only to publicly offer to talk. They make claims about de-escalation, while privately mobilizing for war,” the official said.

President Joe Biden mentioned during a televised speech that the estimate of Russian troops on the border is at 150,000. “Our analysts indicate that they remain very much in a threatening position,” Biden said. “And the fact remains right now Russia has more than 150,000 troops encircling Ukraine and Belarus and along Ukraine’s border.”

A senior diplomat cautioned that Russia may attack under a false pretext. This includes claiming NATO activities or an incursion into Russian territory. Or claiming atrocities were taking place in the eastern Donbas area, which has been under Russian-backed rebel rule since 2014.

“We should expect more false reports from Russian state media over the coming days,” an official said. “We don’t know what form the false pretext will take. But we hope the world is ready.”

“We will continue to pursue diplomacy over the coming days while being prepared to respond swiftly and decisively,” the official said. “Russia keeps saying it wants to pursue a diplomatic solution; their actions indicate otherwise. We hope they will change course before starting a war that will bring catastrophic death and destruction.”

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance had not yet seen “any sign of de-escalation on the ground,” but added that “signs from Moscow that diplomacy should continue” were grounds for cautious optimism.

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The Russian military advances are closer to Ukraine. Social Media posts show submarines and amphibious landing ships in the Black Sea. They also reveal short-range ballistic missiles, tanks, and howitzers around Ukraine’s northeastern edges. Some of the videos come from official sources; most are from TikTok or YouTube. They are being analyzed by online observers and often complement satellite imagery.

There’s plenty of other evidence of the military build-up in the Belgorod region. Russian forces are also moving at night in the area showing tanks off-loaded from trains. The area around Voronezh also appears to be getting pretty crowded. A large collection of tanks and infantry fighting vehicles was filmed in the last couple of days from a passing train. Social media videos also featured the arrival of helicopters near the Ukrainian border.

Michael Kofman, the Russia analyst at CNA, notes that troops in Kursk “appear to be moving up to Belgorod with district-level artillery support. He says the 1st Guards Tank Army has started to move too — “presumably to a final staging area.” Of particular concern is the movement of convoys of Iskander-M short-range ballistic missiles. They have a range of up to 250 miles (402 km) and have been spotted in recent satellite imagery.

Belarus

Russian and Belarusian troops began sizeable joint exercises last week near the Polish border, but some Russian forces are on the move many miles from where the exercises are taking place and have taken up positions close to where the borders of Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus meet. Russian weaponry — and ships — continue to close in on the Ukrainian border. Sites, where equipment had been pre-positioned more than 100 miles (161 kilometers) from the border, have been progressively emptied as units have moved forward.

The Russian military movement is concerning and it is even more frightening not knowing what the next move is.

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Pentagon spokesperson announced  “The United States has taken steps to heighten the readiness of its forces at home and abroad, so they are prepared to respond to a range of contingencies, including support to the NATO response force if it is activated.” The current NATO response is composed of 40,000 multi-national troops. They also added that “in the event of NATO’s activation of the NRF or a deteriorating security environment, the United States would be in a position to rapidly deploy additional brigade combat teams, logistics, medical, aviation, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, transportation and additional capabilities into Europe,”

A meeting was held by the US, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the European Union leaders. After the meeting, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced, “We agree that any further aggression by Russia against Ukraine will have severe costs.”

UK and US continue to reduce staff from their respective embassies in Kyiv. This is a precaution in case Russia plans to invade the country. Both sides are currently on a stand-off. They are both waiting for the first one to move. It is noted that this has been the closest the EU and USA have been to war with Russia in decades.

Stay tuned for updates on USA troops’ status in Ukraine.

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The USA has recently decreased its staff in Ukraine urging embassy members’ families to leave the country. This is part of the precautions they are taking as tensions arise. This has been the first time in decades that countries are close to war.

Recent intel from both UK and USA suggests that Russia is planning to install an ally in power. The current government’s decision to join NATO does not bid well for Russia. As a former part of the Soviet Union, Ukraine is looking to be independent. At the moment there is no confirmation on what are the actual plans of President Vladimir Putin. Currently, there are 127,000 troops and equipment at the border.

Whitehouse spokesperson said “If Russia chooses further escalation, then the security conditions, particularly along Ukraine’s borders, in Russia-occupied Crimea, in Russian controlled eastern Ukraine, are unpredictable and can deteriorate with little notice. We are taking this action now because of Russia’s aggressive actions towards Ukraine.”

US flights to Ukraine are currently suspended. The Biden administration also encourages citizens of Ukraine to leave and secure themselves. The tensions grow day by day. As of the moment, the US is also preparing a military response. The UK also promises to support the USA with ammunition and equipment.

Stay tuned for USA vs Russia Update

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