Russia-Ukraine war LIVE: Ukraine says killed ‘around 50 Russian occupiers’

Reports say that weapons are to be distributed to military veterans in Ukraine. All Ukrainians are being encouraged to join the country’s territorial defence units.

Military tanks move into the city after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a military operation in eastern Ukraine.

Lithuania declares state of emergency after Russian forces invade Ukraine, Reuters quotes Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda.

All civilian flights in Ukraine have been suspended

With Ukrainians awaking to a war, queues have formed in large numbers outside ATMs and petrol stations.

European stocks fall sharply after Russia attacks Ukraine

WATCH: Ukraine residential buildings shelled.

People living in territories which are part of today’s Ukraine were not asked how they want to build their lives when the USSR was created or after WW2. People living in today’s Ukraine, anyone who want to do this, must be able to enjoy this right to make a free choice: Putin.

The current events have nothing to do with a desire to infringe on the interests of Ukraine & Ukrainian people. They are connected with defending Russia from those who have taken Ukraine hostage & are trying to use it against our country: Russian Pres Vladimir Putin

An explosion has been reported at the airport in Mariupol, the second largest city in the Donetsk region in Eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine says killed ‘around 50 Russian occupiers’, reports AFP

Russia Ukraine war

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison termed Putin’s call of Ukraine invasion as brutal and unprovoked. He also announced new sanctions on 25 more individuals and four financial institutions.

Kerala CM writes to EAM S Jaishankar to intervene and ensure the safety of 2,320 students from the state in Ukraine; requests EAM to make necessary arrangements for their return by arranging special flights.

Indian Embassy in Kyviv: In view of closure of Ukrainian air space, schedule of special flights stands cancelled. Alternative arrangements are being made for evacuation of Indian nationals.

We have first civilian casualties even on outskirts of capital. There’s fighting in some areas. According to info of our Ministry of Defence, Ukrainian side shot down 5 Russian fighter planes, 2 helicopters, we destroyed 2 tanks and several trucks: Ambassador of Ukraine to India

Some attacks happened on outskirts of capital. Some attacks happened deep inside the territory of Ukraine. We’re getting the first information about casualties among our soldiers & among civilian population: Dr Igor Polikha, Ambassador of Ukraine to India.

It is a case of blatant aggression which started at 5 o’clock in the morning. We have confirmed information that a lot of Ukrainian aerodromes, military airports, military installations were attacked by bombs & missile attacks: Dr Igor Polikha, Ambassador of Ukraine to India.

In a statement that comes amid Russia’s wide-ranging attack on Ukraine that began early Thursday, Zelenskyy said that Russia “has unleased a war with Ukraine and the entire democratic world”. He asked for world leaders to provide large-scale defence support and to protect Ukraine’s airspace from the aggressor.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is urging global leaders to provide defense assistance to Ukraine and help protect its airspace from Russia.

Russia’s attack on Ukraine Thursday ranked among the “darkest hours for Europe” in nearly 80 years, the European Union’s foreign policy chief was quoted saying by CNN.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has convened a meeting of NATO ambassadors to assess the invasion of Ukraine, which borders several NATO members. The meeting Thursday morning will address the situation in Ukraine and the consequences of Russia’s unprovoked attack.

MEA control room in Delhi being expanded and made operational on a 24×7 basis to assist Indians in Ukraine.

India has a special relationship with Russia and New Delhi can play a more active role in controlling the situation (Russia-Ukraine crisis). We urge PM Narendra Modi to immediately contact Russian President Vladimir Putin and our President Volodymyr Zelensky,” said Ukrainian Ambassador Igor Polikha.

Ukraine’s Ambassador to India Igor Polikha urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene given the ‘special’ ties between Moscow and New Delhi.

Ukraine Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov says anyone who is ready and able to hold a weapon can join the ranks of the Territorial Defence Forces, news agency Reuters reports.

“France strongly condemns Russia’s decision to wage war on Ukraine. Russia must end its military operations immediately,” Marcon tweets. “France stands in solidarity with Ukraine. It stands with Ukrainians and is working with its partners and allies to end the war,” he added.

French President Emmanuel Macron says Russia must immediately end war against Ukraine.

Ukraine’s central bank governor says they have limited cash withdrawals from accounts to 100,000 Hryvnia (Ukranian currency) per day.