WW3? Russia launches "special military operation" in Ukraine; Several killed

Smoke rising as seen in Kyiv, Ukraine

On Thursday 24th February, 2022, the worst fear came true as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation in Ukraine and warned other countries of Russian action which would lead to "consequences they had never seen" if anyone attempted to interfere.

Putin has also asked Ukrainian troops to put down their arms.

In a televised address, Putin accused the U.S. and it allies of ignoring Russia's demand to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and offer Moscow security guarantees. He said Russia's goal was not to occupy Ukraine.

Ukrainian leaders have labelled it as a "full scale invasion" of their country, the biggest since World War Two.

• In the early morning hours, Russia launced missiles at more than a dozen of Ukrainian cities including the capital, Kyiv targeting air defence facilities and military infrastructures. Huge explosions were heard in various cities.

City administration in Kyiv issued an airstrike warning as loud sirens were heard hours after the city's airport were struck.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called on all citizens who were ready to defend the country from Russian forces to come forward, saying Kyiv will issues weapons to whoever wants them. He also informed that Ukraine has cut down all diplomatic ties with Russia.

Hours later huge traffic jams was reported from the city of Kyiv as people left the city for safety. Huge queues were also seen near ATMs, Gas Stations and markets.

Hours after Russian troops launched an attack on Ukraine, long lines of traffic could be seen on a road leading out of the capital Kyiv. pic.twitter.com/elNyh4hNFF

— DW News (@dwnews) February 24, 2022

As per reports from AFP, Ukraine claims to have killed "around 50 Russian occupiers". However no further detail has been provided at the moment. More than 40 Ukrainian soldiers and 10 citizens have been killed as well.

UN Security General Antonio Guterres once again applead to Putin to bring his troops back to Russia in the name of humanity.

Under the present circumstances, I must change my appeal:

President Putin, in the name of humanity, bring your troops back to Russia.

This conflict must stop now.

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 24, 2022

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg have informed that the NATO leaders will meet tomorrow to discuss the way forward.

"NATO condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine in the strongest terms. We call on Russia to immediately sieze its military action and withdraw from Ukraine," Jens Stoltenberg said.

As per AFP, a Ukrainian military plane with as many as 14 onboard has crashed due to an attack by Russian troops in Kyiv.

More updates to follow.