At least 40 Ukrainian soldiers killed as Russia invades country
What's the story
At least 40 soldiers and 10 civilians have been killed in Ukraine after Russia declared a full-fledged war on the country, news agency Reuters reported, citing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's advisor.
As per reports, dozens have been injured.
Huge explosions were heard in several cities of Ukraine, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa as world leaders decried the start of the Russian invasion.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Tensions between the two neighbors escalated on Thursday after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine.
The world's largest country has amassed tens of thousands of troops and advanced weaponry along the Ukraine-Russia border.
The conflict arose as Russia has been opposing Ukraine's efforts to join NATO, an international military alliance led by the United States.
Russia
Ukraine claims it has killed 50 Russian soldiers
On the other hand, Ukraine also claimed that it has killed around 50 Russian troops in "retaliation" to Moscow's military operations.
In a post on the General Staff's verified Facebook page, Ukraine said that it has shot down six Russian Air Force planes and two choppers, and also destroyed two tanks on a road near the eastern city of Kharkiv,
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Full-scale attack from multiple directions: Ukraine
"No, this is not a Russian invasion only in the east of Ukraine, but a full-scale attack from multiple directions," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted. "Ukraine stands with both feet on the ground & continues to defend itself," he added.
Weapons
"We'll give weapons to Ukrainians who want to fight"
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky has promised weapons to the citizens willing to defend the country, asking them to come to the Interior Ministry's assembly facilities.
"The future of the Ukrainian people depends on every Ukrainian," he said.
The President also urged everyone in Russia "who has not lost their conscience," to come out and protest against the war with Ukraine.
NATO
We stand with Ukraine: NATO
Expressing solidarity with Ukraine, NATO said that it continues to stand together condemning the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
"Our allies also stand together in sending a message that we will never accept the brutal violation of international order," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said.
"NATO allies are imposing severe costs on Russia for their reckless invasion of Ukraine," he added.
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No NATO soldiers inside Ukraine
"Today, we activated NATO's defense plans that give our military commanders more authority to deploy forces when needed. No NATO troops inside Ukraine. We are increasing the presence of NATO troops in the eastern part of all the alliance on NATO territory," Stoltenberg said.
Air Defenses
Ukrainian air defenses have been 'neutralized': Russia
Earlier in the day, Russia's defence ministry said that Ukrainian air defenses have been 'neutralized,' news agencies reported.
"Military infrastructure at Ukrainian army air bases has been rendered out of action," the agencies quoted the Russian defence ministry as saying.
The development came after Russia recognized the independence of two separatist states in eastern Ukraine and ordered troops to move in there.