Russia Launches Massive Military Operation in Ukraine - Reports of Multiple Explosions, Attacks on Military Targets From Donbass to Kiev

RT
Thu, 24 Feb 2022 04:01 UTC

Holy Smokes!

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.

Comment: So it's 'pre-emptive war' - only here, it's justified. No 'sexed-up Downing Street dossiers' needed...

Putin announces 'special operation' in Donbass

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that he ordered his country's military to conduct a special operation in the Donbass region after the leaders of the breakaway republics asked Moscow for military assistance in response to what they claim is an increase in "Ukrainian aggression."

"Circumstances require us to take decisive and immediate action," the order reads. "The People's Republics of Donbass turned to Russia with a request for help. In this regard, in accordance with Article 51, part 7 of the UN Charter, with the sanction of the Federation Council and in pursuance of the friendship treaties ratified by the Federal Assembly and mutual assistance with the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, I have decided to conduct a special military operation," Putin stated.

At the same time, in an address to the public, the Russian president said he wanted to "demilitarize" and "de-Nazify" Ukraine. According to him, "we have no plans to occupy Ukrainian territory." Within moments of the speech, a series of explosions were reported in cities across Ukraine, with CNN, CBC and a number of Ukrainian media outlets reporting a blast in the capital, Kiev.

In a statement, US President Joe Biden said that "the prayers of the world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by the Russian military forces."

The decision comes days after Moscow recognized the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk breakaway republics in the Donbass, alleging Kiev had not lived up to its obligations under the Minsk agreements struck in 2014 and 2015 to resolve conflict between separatists and the Ukrainian government.

Officials later authorized what they described as a "peacekeeping operation" in the region. Western leaders for months had predicted a looming incursion, claiming Russia has amassed troops near its border with Ukraine and in neighboring Belarus, where Moscow has conducted joint drills in recent weeks.

Russia has so far denied plans for an attack, however, and maintains its actions in the Donbass will be defensive in nature. The US and its European partners have already imposed sanctions on a series of Russian financial institutions, officials and lawmakers following the recognition of the break-away states, vowing to bring more penalties should Moscow "further invade" Ukraine.

Comment: It's early morning in western Europe and we're seeing reports of explosions heard in Kiev, Kharkov, Mariupol, Slavyansk, Odessa, Vasilokovy, NovayaKakhovka, Borispol, etc. - right across Ukraine, from west to east, north to south...

These are the places in Ukraine where explosions have been reported so far.

As background to the timing of the launch of this massive military op, South Front writes: When it became apparent that Western sanctions that followed failed to meet the promised level; of "Sanctions from Hell" as promised, the UAF began bombarding the territories east of the LOC in increasing intensity. This military escalation intensified against the backdrop of contradictory statements by Russian Foreign Ministry officials which began at approximately noon on February 22. Russian President Vladimir Putin later delivered a statement unequivocally clarifying the official Russian position regarding the sovereign borders of the two republics and the nature of the new treaties.

The tempo of bombardment on the part of the UAF then intensified up until the late evening and early morning hours of February 23. By the afternoon of that same day, units of the UAF attempted to breakthrough the front in several locations with the assistance of preparatory artillery bombardment with some success. This occurred prior to Russian military units being able to advance to defensive positions. By the early evening, the Ukrainian forces that has attempted to entrench themselves were dislodged and forced to retreat, apparently with the assistance of advanced Russian military units. Following these events, Ukrainian president Zelensky addressed the nation and enacted the closure of a number of airports as described. There are unconfirmed reports that the entire Ukrainian navy and air force have been been effectively eliminated, and navy bases taken control of.

Russian troops have reportedly landed in Mariupol and Odessa. The U.S. and allies will impose "full-scale sanctions" tomorrow. IF they do de-list Russia from the SWIFT system of international payments, Russia will take that as a declaration of war by the US.

UPDATE 08:00 CET

Zelensky called a security council meeting (2 hours after the attacks started) to declare martial law. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Russian armed forces are using precision weapons to destroy Ukraine's military infrastructure, air defense sites, military airfields and aircraft - not cities.

UPDATE 18:00 CET

The Russian MOD reports that its airstrikes targeted 74 Ukrainian military sites. There are lots of videos on social media showing fighter jets and attack helicopters as far inland as Kiev itself. Some Ukrainian military forces have opened fire, downing at least two choppers, but for the most part the Ukrainian military appears demoralized - it is downing weapons and providing little resistance.

UPDATE: Ukraine MPs want Zelensky to begin talks with Putin: A group of Ukrainian MPs have called on their president to start negotiations with Moscow. Any further escalation of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine might turn into a "real catastrophe" for all sides that would see "no winners," seven MPs said in an open letter to Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday.

"Millions of our fellow citizens strive for a peaceful ... life," said the group, led by Vadim Novinsky - a Ukrainian billionaire and one of the co-leaders of the Opposition Bloc - an association of more than a dozen political parties. The MPs have said they "insist on [Zelensky] using all options" to protect human life and de-escalate the situation.

"We believe that a new compromise is still possible," the MPs have said, adding that a diplomatic option should still be explored even if it has "one chance in a hundred" to be successful. The MPs have not outlined any specific ideas for a potential agreement with Russia.

Novinsky is said to be close to Viktor Medvedchuk, another Ukrainian MP and one of the leaders of the Opposition Platform - For Life party. Medvedchuk is known for his anti-NATO views and for siding with Moscow when Crimea rejoined Russia back in 2014. UPDATE 05:00 CET (Feb. 25)

Russia's allies/friendly nations have commented on the attack: both Iran and China see the crisis as a response to NATO provocations. China called for restraint, and Iran for an immediate ceasefire. NATO member Turkey's Erdogan expressed regret, condemning the attack as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.

Macron called Putin to urge an end to the military operations, the two agreeing to stay in contact. It was reportedly the first call between Putin and a Western leader since the attacks. Zelensky, who has ordered a mass mobilization for Ukraine, has expressed a willingness to negotiate with Russia, even a neutral status for Ukraine, provided there are security guarantees. He accused the West of leaving Ukraine to face Russia alone (a fair appraisal of Washington and NATO's priorities). "I asked them - are you with us?" Zelensky said. "They answered that they are with us, but they don't want to take us into the alliance. I've asked 27 leaders of Europe, if Ukraine will be in NATO, I've asked them directly — all are afraid and did not respond"

"We were left by ourselves. Who is ready to go to war for us? Honestly, I don't see anybody. Who is ready to give Ukraine guarantees of NATO membership? Honestly, everybody is afraid," the Ukrainian president added. Russia, for its part, is willing to discuss Ukraine's surrender. Anonymous has announced an all-out cyberwar against Russia, with reports that several government websites experienced outages (as well as RT).

After the barrage of missile attacks last night and small unit battles today, the Russian air force is now engaging in strikes on additional targets in Ukraine. Explosions were reported in the government district in Kiev. A Russian cruise missile (first reported as an aircraft - CNN reports it was a Ukrainian Su-27 downed by a Russian missile) was reportedly downed over the city, landing in a residential area.

UPDATE 18:55 CET: RT reports Ukraine reneging on the offer of negotiations: Ukraine had agreed to negotiate with Russia, picking the Polish capital of Warsaw as the site for talks, then "ghosted" Moscow as it began deploying rocket artillery inside civilian neighborhoods of major cities, the Kremlin claimed on Friday.

"The Ukrainian side said it had reconsidered the idea of holding talks in Minsk, chose Warsaw instead, and then disappeared," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday evening.

Peskov pointed out that the sudden pause came as "nationalist elements" began deploying multiple rocket launcher systems in residential areas of major Ukrainian cities, which Russia warned could lead to civilian casualties that Moscow has been trying to avoid.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said earlier that it had prepared a delegation for peace talks with Kiev, which President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko agreed to host in Minsk. Dialogue depended on the "responsible behavior of Kiev," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova cautioned.

Moving the talks to Warsaw would present a problem, as Poland announced on Friday it would close its airspace to all Russian flights.

Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin called on the Ukrainian military to take control and not allow the nationalists in Kiev to use their families as human shields. Most likely Zelensky really did want to bring and end to the hostilities, but then was read his marching orders from his NATo/US handlers.

UPDATE 05:50 CET (Feb. 26): After Lavrov stating at a presser that the time for negotiations with Zelensky on security guarantees are over, Zelensky has reportedly agreed once more to talks with the Kremlin. His spokesman said Kiev has been in touch with Moscow about a venue and date for ceasefire negotiations. The Ukrainians have reportedly requested Tel Aviv to act as mediator, as they have good relations with both nations. An unconfirmed social media post claims that Russian demands include the following: disbanding all nationalist and neo-Nazi formations, recognition as Crimea as Russian territory, DPR and LPR as independent republics, neutral status and perpetual refusal of NATO aspirations, Russian as official second language, and complete demilitarization.

Soft authoritarian leader Justin Trudeau has sanctioned Putin and Lavrov, accusing Russia of waging a "war on freedom" (seriously). The German spy chief was evacuated from Ukraine to Poland. The U.S. offered to evacuate Zelensky, who refused. Moscow vetoed a UN proposal on Russian withdrawal from Ukraine.

As for the state of the war, there are reports of gunfire and explosions on the streets of Kiev. While there were reports of gunfire before Russians entered the city (and seem to have been the result of infighting after the government/military handed out arms to civilians), there are also reports that Russian special forces have entered the city. (Update - Feb. 26 - there's still no confirmation that Russians have entered Kiev, so these seem to all be the result of infighting, looting, etc., or cases of mistaking armed civilians for "Russian saboteurs".)

UPDATE 20:00 CET (Feb. 27): After much back and forth and mutual refusals, it looks like Kiev and the Kremlin have finally agreed to ceasefire talks, to be held on the border of Ukraine and Belarus, in Gomel. (Zelensky had also reportedly welcomed offers from Azerbaijan and Turkey to mediate talks.) However, as with all these reports, the proof will be in the pudding. (Zelensky's advisor is already saying that Gomel was never approved as the negotiation site.) Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba has said that Ukraine will not "surrender, we will not capitulate, we will not give up a single inch of our territory." The fact is, Ukraine is most likely being pressured not to negotiate, and the Russians have an interest in staving off talks for the time being, to avoid stranding their troops prior to achieving their military objectives. On which, reports today suggest that Kiev is now surrounded.

Russian nuclear forces have been placed on special alert:

The decision applies to various weapons, both nuclear and conventional, that can be used for defense and offense alike. According to Moscow's military definition, they are designed to "to deter aggression against Russia and its allies, as well as to defeat the aggressor, including in a war with the use of nuclear weapons."

"Western countries are not only taking unfriendly actions against our country in the economic area. I'm speaking about the illegitimate sanctions that everyone is well aware of," Putin insisted. "However, the top officials of the leading NATO countries also make aggressive statements against our country as well."

UPDATE 04:00 CET (Feb. 28): News from the front is sparse today. However, the EU is posturing, claiming they will send fighter jets to the Ukraine. Believe it when it happens. Kiev's mayor, Klitschko, who announced the Russian encirclement of Kiev, is now calling his own statement (at least, his statement as recorded by the AP) "Russian disinformation." The Russian military has claimed a "small number" of their soldiers have been killed or captured by Ukrainian forces:

"Since the launch of the operation, [Russian military] has destroyed 254 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 31 aircraft on the ground, 46 multiple launch rocket systems, 103 pieces of artillery and mortars, 164 pieces of special military vehicles," Konashenkov stated. "Russian soldiers are showing courage and heroism as they carry out combat missions of the special military operation. Unfortunately, there are killed and wounded among our comrades."

The official did not specify the number of casualties among Russian troops, stating only that they are "many times less than the number of eliminated nationalists," as well as casualties suffered by Ukraine's regular military forces.

A small number of Russian servicemen have been taken prisoner by Ukrainian troops, Konashenkov admitted, condemning the treatment they've received at the hands of the opposing force.

"We know how the Ukrainian Nazis treat the few captured Russian servicemen," he said. "And we see that the abuse and torture are the same as those of the German Nazis and their henchmen in the Great Patriotic War."

The Russian military has been closely monitoring footage purportedly showing the abuse of the country's soldiers at the hands of Ukrainian nationalists, the official warned, promising to bring those involved in such behavior to justice.

"This applies to the leaders of the Kiev regime and their minions, who directly call for abuse of Russian military personnel in violation of the convention on the treatment of prisoners of war," Konashenkov said. "All of you will be found and will inevitably face severe retribution."

Any Ukrainian soldiers who ended up captured by Russian troops, however, are - and will be - treated "decently," the official stressed. "All who laid down their arms and ceased resistance will be returned to their families," Konashenkov added.

UPDATE 00:30 CET (Feb. 29): Brazil will remain neutral and not take sides in the conflict. Finland will debate joining NATO, further inflaming tensions in the region. Zelensky says Ukraine "deserves" emergency EU accession, immediately. He signed a formal membership bid Monday. Surely that wasn't part of the first round of negotiations with Russia that wound up today - unless they're trying to create conditions for meaningless concessions at future rounds. The EU doesn't sound very receptive. (As for the negotiations, while details haven't been released, apparently things were decided, and the parties went back to their respective capitals to discuss the results.) UN envoy Nabenzia reiterated that Russia does not plan on occupying Ukraine.

As for the fighting itself, here's the neo-Nazi Azov battalion dipping their bullets in pig fat so that the Russian Muslims they hope to kill in battle don't go to heaven. In addition to Chernobyl, the Russians took control of another key nuclear plant in Zaporozhskaya, thus forestalling the possibility of nuclear sabotage.

Zelensky has authorized the release of all prison convicts with combat experience to fight on the frontlines. That includes hardened criminals. Not the most intelligent move, and certainly not the move of a leader who is 'winning'. Similarly, after the idiotic decision to hand out military rifles to random people on the streets of Kiev (a move which led to looting, infighting, and probable gang warfare on the streets), Kiev has issued "harsh warnings" against looting. Geniuses. Law enforcement has authorization to shoot on the spot. Kiev is also suspending entry requirements for foreign mercenaries. (Zelensky obviously hasn't read his Machiavelli.)

For further updates, see here.