Military operations, closures of air spaces, rupture of diplomatic relations, collapse of the stock markets and, above all, the strongest condemnations of a large part of the international community, which is preparing to tighten sanctions against Russia, have occurred as a result of that the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, announced in the early hours of this Thursday the beginning of the invasion of his troops in Ukraine.
Latest: France and Germany on Thursday called for an urgent NATO summit to discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
But many things have happened on this turbulent morning for Europe and the rest of the world: this is a summary with the most important “leads”
FIGHTS
– The pro-Russian militias of Donetsk and Lugansk launch a counteroffensive, according to Moscow.
– More than 40 Ukrainian soldiers killed in Russian attacks
– Ukraine calls the Territorial Defense Units to arms.
– Zelensky orders to cause “the greatest losses” to the Russian invader.
– Lukashenko says that Belarus is not participating in the Russian military operation.
– Ukraine denounces entry of columns of Russian tanks in Lugansk.
– Ukraine assures that it recovered city in Lugansk and killed 50 Russian soldiers.
– Russian troops enter Ukrainian territory through Crimea.
– Russia claims to have “neutralized” Ukraine’s anti-aircraft defense.
– Ukraine says Belarusian military is involved in Russian operation.
– Ukraine closes the airspace after the start of Russia’s military operation.
– Russia closes the airspace over the western border and Belarus.
– Zelensky imposes martial law in Ukraine for Russian military operation.
– The European Aviation Agency classifies Ukraine as a zone of active conflict.
REFUGEES
– Traffic jams on the roads of Kiev to get out of the city to the west of the country.
– About 2,000 Ukrainian refugees cross the border with Moldova.
– Germany offers “massive support” hosting refugees to Poland and neighbors.
– Hundreds of Ukrainians cross the border to take refuge in Romania.
– Ukraine recommends civilians to evacuate Donbas after Russian and separatist attack.
DIPLOMACY
– NATO have invoked Article 4 of the Alliance, which is activated when one of the allies feels threatened.
– Ukraine breaks diplomatic relations with Russia.
– Ukraine asks Turkey to close the Bosporus to Russian ships.
MARKETS
– The Russian stock market resumes its operations with a fall of 45.2%.
– All European stock markets open with sharp falls due to the Russian invasion.
– Ukraine says that the banking system is operating normally.
– The price of Brent soars above 102 dollars.
– The stock markets of China and Taiwan collapse before the Russian attack on Ukraine.
CONVICTIONS
– Von der Leyen condemns the “barbaric attack” on Ukraine and announces more sanctions.
– Macron speaks with Zelensky and reaffirms France’s support.
– Poland urges a joint NATO response and convenes the Polish Security Council.
– India avoids condemning the Russian attack on Ukraine and focuses on its nationals.
– EU leaders will discuss and “quickly” adopt more sanctions on Russia.
– Johnson says “the West will not stand by” in Ukraine.
– China says a peaceful solution in Ukraine “is still possible”.
– Biden promises Zelensky international condemnation and sanctions against Russia.
– The UN asks Russia to back down and says that “this war has no meaning”.
– NATO condemns Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
– Iran blames NATO for the crisis in Ukraine and calls for a ceasefire. EFE