Invasion of Ukraine Developments

Kyiv under attack 

Gunfire has been heard in central Kyiv and there are reports of heavy fighting in the city's northern suburbs after Ukraine said it expected a Russian armoured attack on the capital and its outskirts. The defence ministry urged citizens to resist when Russian forces entered Kyiv, telling residents to inform authorities of all troop movements, and "make molotov cocktails and neutralise the enemy". Explosions rocked Kyiv in the early hours in preparations for the Russian advance, with Ukraine claiming it had shot down a Russian military aircraft flying over the capital. Officials said a tower block had been set on fire.

Russian military gains

Russia has "eliminated" Ukraine's air defences and has complete air superiority but Ukraine is putting up stiff resistance, according to a senior Western intelligence officer. However British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said Russian army failed to deliver on the first day of its invasion. Moscow's defence ministry said its military has destroyed over 70 Ukrainian military targets, including 11 airfields. Earlier Russian forces captured Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Moscow also claimed to take Gostomel airfield and key Hostomel airfield near Kyiv.

Sanctions but no troops

EU leaders agree to punish Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine with "severe" sanctions targeting its financial, energy and transport sectors. US President Joe Biden had earlier announced new sanctions on Russia, including freezing assets of major banks and cutting off high-tech exports to the country. He says excluding Moscow from the SWIFT international banking system is also an "option". Biden says he will not send US troops but will "defend every inch of Nato territory".

Anti-war protests and arrests

Anti-war protests have attracted thousands of people in cities across Russia, with local authorities swiftly cracking down on the unsanctioned rallies. Police had made at least 1,702 arrests in 53 Russian cities. Protests against the Russian aggression have been held around the globe demanding end of war.

Signs of diplomatic solution

China's foreign ministry said Putin told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in a call that Russia is willing to hold high level talks with Ukraine. China has refused to call Russia's action in Ukraine an "invasion" or criticise Moscow despite intensifying assaults from Russia's military. Putin also held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emanuel Macron, who called for cessation of hostilities. However Putin got support from Iran and Myanmar leaders who said the offensive was justified against western aggression.

5m to flee abroad: UN

Fuel, cash and medical supplies are running low in parts of Ukraine after Russia's invasion, which could drive up to 5 million people to flee abroad, UN aid agencies said. At least 100,000 people are uprooted in Ukraine after fleeing their homes since Russia launched its assault on Thursday, while several thousand have already crossed into neighbouring countries including Moldova, Romania and Poland, UN refugee agency spokesperson Shabia Mantoo said.