A lightning offensive has crippled the Ukrainian military, Moscow claims.
Russia has taken out Ukraine’s air defenses and airforce with a series of precision attacks, the country’s Defense Ministry has said in a statement, after airports and runways across the country were rocked by explosions.
Officials also claimed on Thursday morning that Ukrainian border guards are not resisting advancing Russian troops, who have moved in after President Vladimir Putin signed an order to begin a “special operation” in the Donbass. At the same time, officials denied claims made by Kiev’s defense chiefs that Russia had lost at least one military plane over the country during the offensive.
In an earlier statement, Moscow reported that it was carrying out strikes at elements of Ukraine’s military infrastructure.
Russia launched the offensive against Ukraine on Thursday morning on the orders of President Vladimir Putin, who said the goal of the operation was to demilitarize and “de-Nazify” Ukraine.
The Russian leader claimed military action was necessary to stop Ukrainian attacks on the two breakaway regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, which Moscow recognized as sovereign states on Monday. He claimed Russia could come under attack by Ukrainian radicals, unless their influence in the country is diminished, and accused Western nations of arming Kiev against Russia.
Putin has said he does not intend to occupy Ukraine.
It is NATO who will decide whether there will be a conflagration or not.
NATO and Ukraine pushed the envelope too far. Not that I agree with Russias actions, but they have been made to feel their security was under threat.
Isn’t this the same reasoning Israel uses for it’s attacks on neighbouring countries, or if it’s the USA, parties that threaten their interests.
Whats good for the goose…..
Putin stated that Russia can’t develop and flourish with the threat of a NATO backed Ukraine on its doorstep. The US flourished with Russian backed Cuba on its doorstep. He must be insecure despite all that military capability he’s let loose.
Extremely insecure and what sort of advisors does he have around him?
A small island 75 miles away is a little different don’t ya think or are you a paid shill.
Ad hominem.
If you are in Wellington get to the protest at the Russian embassy at lunchtime.
See you there.
To show support for mighty Putin and Rissian glory? He’s a genius. Trump said so.
Go Vlad, clean out the swamp in Ukraine that was installed by the neo-cons.
https://youtu.be/nW7lNABfDVk
You trying to justify murder and mayhem?
When necessary yes.