Russia-Ukraine crisis: Top developments till now

On Thursday, Russian troops launched their much-anticipated attack on Ukraine, ignoring international censure and sanctions while threatening other countries that any attempt to intervene would result in “consequences you have never seen.”

Amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine on Thursday, claiming it will defend civilians in the country’s east.

Many countries around the world, including the United States and the European Union, have harshly criticised Russia.

Top developments to know

1. Big explosions were heard before dawn in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa in Ukraine.
2. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduces martial law, saying Russia has targeted Ukraine’s military infrastructure and explosions are heard across the country.
3. The U.S. pledges new sanctions meant to punish Russia for an act of aggression.
4. In a televised address Mr Putin justifies his action, asserting the attack was needed to protect civilians in eastern Ukraine. He accuses the U.S. and its allies of ignoring Russia’s demand to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and offer Moscow security guarantees.
5. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba describes the action as a “full-scale invasion of Ukraine” and a “war of aggression,” adding, “Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Mr Putin. The time to act is now.”
6. The Russian military says it has struck Ukrainian air bases and other military assets and hasn’t targeted populated areas. The Russian Defense Ministry statement said the military is using precision weapons to target Ukrainian air bases, air defence assets and other military infrastructure. It claimed that “there is no threat to the civilian population.”
7. Asian stock markets plunged, and oil prices surged after the military action got underway. Earlier, Wall Street’s benchmark S&P 500 index fell 1.8% to an eight-month low after the Kremlin said rebels in eastern Ukraine asked for military assistance.
8. At an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council called by Ukraine because of the imminent threat of a Russian invasion, members still unaware of Putin’s announcement appealed to him to stop an attack.
9. India calls for an immediate de-escalation. India’s Permanent Representative to United Nations, T.S. Trimurti says” … the situation is in danger of spiralling into a major crisis. If not handled carefully, it may undermine security. The security of all parties should be taken into account.”
10. U.S. President Joe Biden will meet with his counterparts from the Group of Seven allies early Thursday to map out more severe measures against Russia after President Vladimir Putin launched what Mr. Biden called “a premeditated war” against Ukraine.
11. Australia hit Russia with a “second phase” of sanctions on Thursday over its assault on Ukraine, the first salvo in an expected battery of new international measures to punish Moscow.
12. Air India plane en route to Kyiv, Ukraine, to bring back Indians turns back mid-way and returns to Delhi after Ukraine closed its airspace for commercial flights, says airline spokesperson.
13. The embassy has asked Indian students stuck in Ukraine to leave the country immediately and not wait for official confirmation from their universities.
14. At least eight people have been killed and nine were wounded by the Russian shelling, an advisor to the Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs said as Russia has launched massive air and ground assault on the neighbouring country.