Explosions in Kyiv as Russian forces attack Ukraine

The Russia-Ukraine crisis is eventually leading to a full scale invasion as Russian forces unleashed attacks on the neighbouring country in the early hours of Thursday, February 24, 2022. 

Ukraine was attacked shortly after Russian President, Vladimir Putin in a televised address announced a “special military operation” in the country. 

Explosions are reported to have been heard near major Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv.

Putin has also threatened world leaders against interfering in the crisis saying they would face the consequence if they do. 

‘To anyone who would consider interfering from the outside — if you do, you will face consequences greater than any you have faced in history,’ Putin said in his address. 

Major Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mariupol and Dnipro are reported to have been attacked.

According to TheGuardian, shelling began near Mariupol with artillery rockets lighting up the night sky.

'Hundreds' of Ukrainian troops have reportedly been killed as bombs rained from the sky.

However, despite Putin's threat, the government of Taiwan has announced its support for Ukraine.

World leaders react

The Vice President of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te in a tweet on Thursday said his country would stand with Ukraine.

Ching-te tweeted: "The people and government of Taiwan stand with Ukraine. The principle of self-determination cannot be erased by brute force."

The President of the United States of America, Joe Biden has also condemned 'the unprovoked and unjustified attack' on Ukraine by Russian forces.

He said, "President Zelenskyy reached out to me tonight and we just finished speaking. I condemned this unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces. I briefed him on the steps we are taking to rally international condemnation, including tonight at the UN Security Council."

France President, Emmanuel Macron while condemning the war on Ukraine asked Russia to immediately end its military operations in the country.

Also, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, the European Union’s executive branch has also condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine describing it as barbaric.

She also said the E.U. leaders would meet on Thursday to present fresh sanctions targeting “strategic sectors” of the Russian economy.