137 killed as Russian missiles rain down on Ukraine
Russia on Thursday launched a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine, leading to one of the worst crises in Europe after World War II. As many as 137 Ukrainians were killed in the attacks, including soldiers, while at least 316 have been wounded, according to preliminary numbers. Multiple explosions were heard in Ukraine's capital Kyiv on Friday morning, news agency AFP reported.
Ukraine left alone to fight Russia: Zelensky
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed dissatisfaction over the West's efforts against Moscow. In a video message on his Facebook account, Zelensky said other countries were "afraid" to support Ukraine's accession to NATO. He added that Ukraine has been left alone to fight Russia. Zelensky also rejected Moscow's claim that it is attacking only military targets, saying that civilian sites also have been struck.
"Who is ready to fight with us?"
"No matter how many conversations I had with foreign leaders, I heard a few things. The first is that we are supported. I am grateful to each state that helps us concretely, not just in words," Zelensky said. "But there is a second—we are left alone to defend our state. Who is ready to fight with us? Honestly—I do not see," he added.
Will stay in Kyiv: Zelensky
Zelensky said he'll stay in Kyiv as his troops fought Russian invaders who are moving toward the capital. "They want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of state. I will stay in the capital. My family is also in Ukraine," he said.
EU to impose more sanctions on Russia
Meanwhile, members of the European Union (EU) have decided to impose more economic and financial sanctions on Russia. Following a six-hour-long meeting, the EU Council president said Russia is using "fake pretexts and bad excuses" for justifying its invasion of Ukraine. The legal texts for the sanctions are expected to be submitted for approval to EU foreign affairs ministers on Friday.
Putin is the aggressor: Joe Biden
The United States also hit Russia with fresh sanctions that will restrict Russia's ability to do business in dollars, euros, pounds, and yen. Describing Putin as "sinister vision of the world" with a misguided dream of recreating the Soviet Union, US President Joe Biden said, "Putin is the aggressor. Putin chose this war. And now he and his country will bear the consequences."
Ukraine loses control of Chernobyl
Russia has also seized control of the Chernobyl Power Plant in Ukraine, the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster. The US has claimed that it has credible reports of hostages being held at the nuclear power plant.
PM Modi dials Putin
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Putin on Thursday and appealed for an immediate cessation of violence due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Modi called for "concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue," a statement from the PMO read. He also highlighted India's concerns for the safe return of its citizens from Ukraine.
Achieved goals for Day 1: Russia
On the other hand, after attacking and capturing several parts of Ukraine, Russia claimed that its military had achieved its goals set out for the first day of the invasion. "All of the tasks assigned to the groups of troops of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for the day were successfully completed," AFP quoted Defence Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov as saying.
