Shashwat Mishra – Mumbai Uncensored, 26th February 2022
In an unprecedented development on Thursday, 24th February, Russian President Vladimir Putin formally announced Russian invasion of Ukraine. It has been learned that Russian forces have attacked Ukraine from three sides, by using air, ground and sea routes to give effect to the invasion. Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine reported huge explosions due to the missile attacks from the Russian forces and sirens being heard in the city indicating the emergency situation. Ukraine has already imposed martial law in the country considering the fact that it is at war with Russia.
As far as casualties are concerned, till now 137 people have been reported to be dead following the Russian invasion and heavy shelling and artillery fire from the Russian military. Ukrainian forces in retaliation claim to have destroyed 2 Su-25 attack aircraft of Russia and 50 Russian soldiers, without providing any detailed insight.
Reaction From the West
US has announced various rigid sanctions against Russia, which includes cutting off Russia’s largest banks and preventing the country from importing any US technology which would be crucial and critical to Russia’s defence, aerospace and maritime capabilities. British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson on the other hand announced sanctions on over 100 Russian individuals and entities after the Russian invasion. Johnson said, “This includes all the major manufacturers that support (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s war machine. Furthermore, we are also banning Aeroflot from the UK.”
The Indian Response
PM Narendra Modi had called up Vladimir Putin over a telephonic conversation urging an immediate cessation of violence. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, is closely monitoring the situation and Ministry of External Affair’s first priority is to evacuate Indian citizens stranded in Ukraine. India plans to operate two flights to the Romanian capital Bucharest to evacuate Indians stranded in the war affected country. As per the officials from the foreign ministry 20,000 Indians are said to be stranded in Ukraine.
The Russian military in the early hours of Friday, February 25, 2022, had entered the capital, Kyiv, after capturing the strategic Hostomel Aerodrome by launching missiles and heavy artillery. However, the Russian forces have assured that they will not strike the residential area and have also urged the Ukrainian nationals to remain inside their homes.
