- 'Putin chose this war,' President Joe Biden said on Thursday afternoon.
- Ukraine says Russian troops have taken control of Chernobyl nuclear site.
- Clinton, Bush condemn Putin's actions against Ukraine.
President Joe Biden unveiled a new raft of economic sanctions against Moscow Thursday as part of an international rallying cry to respond to Russia's ongoing assault on Ukraine.
"(Vladimir) Putin is the aggressor. Putin chose this war. And now he and his country will bear the consequences," Biden said in remarks at the White House.
The U.S. and western allies will block the assets of four of Russia's largest banks – in addition to U.S. sanctions on two financial institutions earlier this week – and impose sanctions on Russian elites and new export controls. The latest measures also targeted Belarus' defense and security industries along with 24 Belarusian individuals and entities for the country's role in the attack on Ukraine.
Biden said the new economic measures would "limit Russia's ability to do business in dollars, euros, pounds and yen to be part of the global economy."
The president also announced the U.S. would deploy additional forces to Germany to help bolster the NATO alliance along the eastern flank. Following Biden's remarks, the Pentagon the ordered 7,000 more troops to Europe.
Why is Russia invading Ukraine?:Could it be the start of WWIII? Here's what we know
Financial fallout:Stock markets, energy prices shaken by Russian attack
“This aggression cannot go unanswered,” Biden said. “America stands up to bullies. We stand up for freedom.”
But the president stopped short of blocking Russian financial institutions' access to SWIFT, the global financial system which ties together banks across the world. Biden insisted the latest measures "exceed SWIFT" and suggested it was a move that European allies were hesitant to make.
The president said additional Russian oligarchs and their families would face new sanctions but he declined to say why he has yet to sanction Putin personally, only adding that "it's on the table."
Biden also issued a chilling warning that he believes Putin "has much larger ambitions" that extend beyond Ukraine's borders.
Transcript of Biden's speech:President Joe Biden addresses Russia's 'brutal assault' on Ukraine
"He wants to, in fact, re-establish the former Soviet Union," Biden said. "His ambitions are completely contrary to the place where the rest of the world has arrived."
Russia's military operation has the goal of overtaking the Ukrainian government and installing a Kremlin-backed one, according to a senior U.S. military official who was not authorized to speak publicly.
Here's what to know about the attack on Ukraine:
- WHEN DID THE INVASION START? At roughly 9:30 p.m. ET (4:30 a.m. in Ukraine), Russian forces began a military operation in eastern Ukraine.
- WHERE IS THE FIGHTING? Ukraine’s military chief says Ukrainian troops are fighting the Russian army in in the north and the south.
- WHAT HAS RUSSIA'S IMPACT BEEN? A Ukrainian official says the Chernobyl nuclear site north of Kyiv has been taken by Russia after a fierce battle. Early reports listed 40 casualties.
- G-7 LEADERS RESPOND: "This has fundamentally changed the Euro-Atlantic security situation," the Group of Seven said in a statement issued at midday.
- MOUNTING DEATH TOLL: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that 137 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians have been killed with hundreds more wounded.
The Russian attack began around 4:30 a.m. in Ukraine, with a barrage of over 100 ballistic, cruise and surface-to-air missiles and included 75 medium and heavy bombers, the official said, adding the invasion is the largest in Europe since World War II. The fighting, described as being in an initial phase, has the potential to be very bloody and very costly.
International condemnation of Putin's actions came as swiftly as the invasion.
"This is a brutal act of war," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday.
Explosions were heard in major cities, including the capital of Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa. Oleksii Arestovich, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said at least 40 people had been killed and dozens others wounded in the attack so far. Ukrainian authorities said Russian forces had hit military assets and other defense facilities, while footage shared by Ukrainian border guards showed Russian military vehicles moving across the border from Crimea.
What we know:Why is Russia invading Ukraine? Could it be the start of WWIII?
Zelenskyy announced Ukraine had cut diplomatic ties with Russia, declaring martial law and offering to issue weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country. Despite pleas to stay home, people in Kyiv were jamming roads to leave.
Global markets plunged and oil prices skyrocketed on news of the invasion, a dramatic escalation after weeks of diplomacy talks failed to defuse the months-long standoff between Moscow and NATO countries over Ukraine's sovereignty.
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Russian troops appear to be advancing on Ukrainian capital
Russian troops appeared to be advancing on the capital city of Kyiv at the start of the second day of the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Amid a fast-moving and difficult-to-verify situation, Ukraine's Defense Ministry tweeted early Friday that some Russian troops had broken through to several northern districts on the outskirts of the capital. However, Ukraine's military also said it was resisting the advance on multiple fronts.
The apparent development comes as thousands of civilians spent the night in bomb shelters, typically underground subway stations and Zelenskyy urged his citizens to do all they can to resist Russia's assault. Zelenskyy has vowed to remain in Kyiv with his family and he appealed to Russia for a ceasefire.
Some 137 Ukrainians, a mixture of soldiers and civilians, died Thursday. Britain's Defense Secretary told his country's media Friday that Russia has lost about 450 military personnel.
Uncorroborated reports in Ukrainian media claimed Russian troops are aiming Friday to seize Kyiv's main airport to allow thousands of troops to land, take control of government buildings, sabotage key infrastructure and cause panic and a refugee exodus.
The U.S., Europe and Japan have all unveiled sanctions on key Russian banks, airlines and associates of Putin.
- Kim Hjelmgaard
Russia stripped of Champions League final as UEFA shifts match to Paris
LONDON - Russia was stripped of hosting the Champions League final by UEFA on Friday with St. Petersburg replaced by Paris after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The men's final will still be held on May 28 but now at the 80,000-seat Stade de France after the decision by UEFA's executive committee.
"UEFA wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to French Republic President Emmanuel Macron for his personal support and commitment to have European club football’s most prestigious game moved to France at a time of unparalleled crisis,” European football's governing body said in a statement. "Together with the French government, UEFA will fully support multi-stakeholder efforts to ensure the provision of rescue for football players and their families in Ukraine who face dire human suffering, destruction and displacement."
The meeting also decided that Russian and Ukrainian clubs and national teams in UEFA competitions will have to play at neutral venues until further notice.
The Stade de France last hosted the Champions League final 16 years ago, when Barcelona beat Arsenal in the 2006 final.
- Associated Press
Zelenskyy: 137 'heroes' killed, hundreds more wounded in conflict
Zelenskyy said 137 Ukrainians have been killed so far in the Russian invasion of his country.
He calls them "heroes" in a video address released early Friday in which he also says hundreds more have been wounded.
Zelenskyy says that despite Russia’s claim it is attacking only military targets, civilian sites also have been struck. In his words: “They’re killing people and turning peaceful cities into military targets. It’s foul and will never be forgiven.”
In addition, he said 316 others have been wounded since Russian launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Each of the Ukrainians who have died will be posthumously awarded the title “hero of Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.
“This is the sound of a new iron curtain, which has come down and is closing Russia off from the civilized world,” he said. “Our national task is to make sure this curtain does not fall."
- Associated Press
Ukraine president orders general military mobilization amid invasion
Zelenskyy ordered a “general mobilization” of the Ukraine population Thursday to support military efforts as Russia attacks Ukraine.
A decree signed by the president orders conscripts and military reservists to mobilize within 90 days to assist the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy ordered the mobilization “in connection with the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and in order to ensure the state’s defense, maintain combat, and mobilization of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” the decree reads.
The move comes as Ukraine has banned all males between the ages of 18 to 60 from leaving the country, according to Ukraine’s State Border Service, CNN reported.
- Joey Garrison
White House 'outraged' over reports Chernobyl workers being held hostage
White House press secretary Jen Psaki condemned Thursday what she said are “credible reports” that Russian soldiers are holding hostage staff at the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear plant facility in Ukraine.
The facility, scene of the worst nuclear disaster in history, was taken over by Russians during their invasion of Ukraine, the Associated Press reported.
“We're outraged by credit credible reports that Russian soldiers are currently holding the staff of the Chernobyl facilities hostage,” Psaki said. “This unlawful and dangerous hostage-taking – which could upend the routine civil service efforts required to maintain and protect the nuclear waste facility – is obviously incredibly alarming and greatly concerning. We condemn it and we request their release.”
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister raised concerns on Twitter about Chernobyl, which is located about 80 miles north of the Ukraine capital of Kyiv.
“In 1986, the world saw the biggest technological disaster in Chornobyl,” he said. Russia’s attack on Ukraine may cause another ecological disaster moving its military forces to Chornobyl. If Russia continues the war, Chornobyl can happen again in 2022."
- Joey Garrison
Ukraine president: Russia has marked him ‘target No. 1’
Zelenskyy said Thursday he remains in the Ukraine capital of Kyiv, and intends to stay there, even as Russia has made him its top quarry.
“The enemy has marked me as target No. 1, my family as target No. 2,” Zelenskyy said in an address to Ukrainians. “They want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of state.”
Asked about Zelenskyy’s safety, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the U.S. is in touch with him and are working to provide him support.
- Joey Garrison
Russia facing 'most impactful, significant sanctions' ever from U.S.
Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh said the sanctions Biden announced Thursday "will isolate Russia from the global financial system, shut down its access to cutting-edge technology and undercut Putin's strategic ambitions to diversify and modernize his economy."
Singh called the actions “the most impactful and significant sanctions” the U.S. has ever taken.
He said the export restrictions -- developed in coordination with other Western allies -- would work to impair Russia’s military capabilities, denying Russia “sensitive cutting-edge technology” that will primarily target Russia's defense, aerospace and maritime sectors.
“You will begin to see a chilling effect take hold in Russia as those imports are denied,” he said.
- Joey Garrison
Obama: Russia ‘illegal invasion’ of Ukraine threatens international order
Former President Barack Obama on Thursday condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine, saying Moscow’s “reckless actions extend beyond Ukraine’s borders.”
“This illegal invasion in the heart of Europe also threatens the foundation of the international order and security,” he said.
Obama called on the world to “loudly and clearly condemn Russia’s actions and offer support for the Ukrainian people.”
“And every American, regardless of party, should support President Biden’s efforts, in coordination with our closest allies, to impose hard-hitting sanctions on Russia – sanctions that impose a real price on Russia’s autocratic elites,” he said.
Obama warned that there may be economic consequences at home to sanctions against Russia, but “that’s a price we should be willing to pay to take a stand on the side of freedom.”
“For over the long term, we all face a choice, between a world in which might makes right and autocrats are free to impose their will through force, or a world in which free people everywhere have the power to determine their own future,” Obama said.
– Rebecca Morin
US hits Belarus with sanctions targeting banks, defense industry
New sanctions imposed by Biden also target Belarus for its role in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with a focus on the country’s defense sector and financial institutions.
The penalties include sanctions on 24 Belarusian individuals and entities, according to the Treasury Department. The U.S. is sanctioning two Belarusian-owned banks along with several actions targeting Belarus’s defense and security industries.
– Joey Garrison
Biden has 'no idea' if Putin is threatening nuclear war
The president said he doesn’t know whether Putin’s warning that countries trying to stop him would face historic consequences is a reference to Russia’s nuclear weapons.
“I have no idea what he is threatening,” Biden said.
But Simon Miles, a Russia expert at Duke University, called Putin’s remarks a very thinly-veiled nuclear threat that “need to be taken very seriously given his present state of mind.”
“Right now we’re seeing a Russian leader who is making strategic decisions in an extremely emotive, extremely grievance-fueled way,” Miles said.
– Maureen Groppe
Austin: 7,000 U.S. troops deploying to Europe after Russian invades Ukraine
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment Thursday of 7,000 more troops to Europe after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Pentagon announced. The troops include an armored brigade combat team. It will be sent to German to reassure allies.
The U.S. already has about 90,000 troops in Europe and has deployed more to the continent as tensions simmered in the weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this month, about 5,000 U.S.-based forces were sent to Europe, and U.S. military personnel already there have been shifting to help bolster NATO’s eastern flank.
– Tom Vanden Brook and Rick Rouan
Biden announces new sanctions against Russia: 'Putin chose this war'
In his first remarks after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, President Joe Biden condemned what he called an attack made “without provocation, without justification, without necessity.”
“This a premediated attack. Vladimir Putin has been planning this for months, as we’ve been saying all along,” Biden said, accusing Putting of “rejecting all good-faith efforts” to address mutual concerns. “For weeks we’ve been saying this would happen.
“Putin is the aggressor. Putin chose this war.”
Biden said Russia’s attack on Ukraine is unfolding as officials predicted and that Russia "rejected every good faith effort the United States and our allies."
Biden said members of the European Union including France, Germany, Italy as well as the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and others have joined a global coaliton to amplify a united response.
Biden said G-7 leaders agreed to limit Russia's ability to do business in dollars, euros, pounds and yen. The president said the US would block four more major banks in addition to the sanctions imposed on VTB and Russia's military bank.
Biden said the United States is taking steps to defend NATO allies. The organization will convene a summit Friday, which will “bring together the leaders of 30 allied nations and close partners to affirm our solidarity and to map out the next steps we will take to further strengthen all aspects of our NATO Alliance.”
Biden said he’s spoken to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Gen. Mark Milley about preparations for “additional moves” of troops if it becomes necessary to protect NATO allies.
“This aggression cannot go unanswered,” Biden said. “America stands up to bullies. We stand up for freedom.”
Biden said his administration is going to use “every tool” to protect Americans and business from rising gas prices.
He called on American oil and gas companies to “not exploit this moment to hike their prices to raise profits.”
“Our sanctions package is specifically designed to allow energy payments to continue,” he said. “We are closely monitoring energy supplies for any disruption.”
Biden warns of Russian cyberattacks on U.S. companies
The president repeated a warning of possible Russian cyberattacks on U.S. companies and critical infrastructure.
Biden, who said he has "no plans" to talk to Putin, added the U.S. is prepared to respond and working closely with the private sector to "harden their cyber defenses" and "sharpen our ability to respond to Russian cyberattacks as well."
The White House sounded the alarm last week to prepare the country for potential cyberattacks on U.S. companies or key parts of U.S. critical infrastructure including pipelines, banks, commercial aviation and hospitals.
Biden added that NATO will provide forces to eastern European nations that are NATO members to ensure the conflict in the region does not grow.
“This was never about a genuine security concerns on their part,” Biden said of Russia. “It was always about naked aggression, about Putin's desire for empire by any means necessary, by bullying Russia's neighbors to cores and corruption by changing borders by force, and ultimately by choosing a war without a cause.”
– Joey Garrison, Rebecca Morin, Courtney Subramanian
Clinton condemns 'unprovoked and unjustified' Russian attack on Ukraine
Former President Bill Clinton on Thursday condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, joining world leaders past and present in rebuking Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Putin’s war of choice has unraveled 30 years of diplomacy, with the potential for mass civilian casualties in and huge displacements both within Ukraine’s borders and beyond,” Clinton said in a prepared statement posted to his Twitter account.
Clinton called the invasion “unprovoked and unjustified” and a “brazen violation of international law.”
“The world will hold Russia and Russia alone accountable, both economically and politically,” he said.
The former president’s statement echoed similar sentiments as that of former first lady and 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
- Rick Rouan
Ukraine: Russia takes control of Chernobyl site in battle
KYIV, Ukraine — A presidential adviser says Ukraine lost control of the Chernobyl nuclear site, where Ukranian forces had waged a fierce battle with Russian troops.
Adviser Myhailo Podolyak told The Associated Press that Ukrainian authorities did not know the current condition of the facilities at Chernobyl, the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster.
“After the absolutely senseless attack of the Russians in this direction, it is impossible to say that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe,” he said.
More:What happened at Chernobyl? What to know about nuclear disaster
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had announced several hours earlier Thursday that Russian forces were trying to seize the Chernobyl nuclear plant.
A nuclear reactor at the plant 80 miles north of Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, exploded in April 1986, spewing radioactive waste across Europe.
– Associated Press
US Homeland Security monitoring Ukraine refugee situation
As Ukrainians are fleeing their country following attacks from Russia, it’s unclear whether Ukrainians already in the United States will be offered temporary protected status that would protect them from being deported to their home country.
The Department of Homeland Security is monitoring conditions but has “no announcements to share or preview at this time.”
"As is always the case, we continue to closely monitor conditions in various countries across the globe,” DHS said in a statement.
Temporary Protected Status is designated by DHS to individuals from a foreign country whose home country may be experiencing an ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster or other extraordinary conditions that would prevent citizens from returning safely to their home, according to DHS.
– Rebecca Morin
UK’s Johnson outlines ‘severe’ sanctions on Russia, Belarus
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the United Kingdom is imposing “the largest and most severe package of economic sanctions that Russia has ever seen” and that sanctions will also apply to Belarus for its role in Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
In coordination with the U.S., Johnson said the United Kingdom is imposing a “full asset freeze” on the Russian-owned bank VTB that will effectively exclude Russian banks from U.K.’s financial system.
“I’m pleased to tell the House that the United States is taking similar measures,” Johnson told the House of Commons.
He said the U.K. will implement new trade and export restrictions similar to what the U.S. will also impose. President Joe Biden is expected to outline “severe sanctions” during a speech Thursday afternoon.
The prime minister said Russian companies, both private and state-owned, will be prohibited from raising funds in the U.K., taking loans out of the U.K. and making securities transactions in the U.K.
“This includes all the major manufacturers that support Putin’s war machine,” Johnson said.
– Joey Garrison
Fact check:Video shows Russian military's Moscow flyover in 2020, not Ukraine in 2022
Protesters gather in London, other cities
LONDON — Hundreds of protesters have gathered in London to urge Britain and other democracies to step up action against Russia.
Ukrainians living in the U.K. and activists gathered outside Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Downing Street office Thursday, singing the Ukrainian national anthem.
Natalia Ravlyuk, who helped organize the protest, said they wanted the “toughest sanctions and total isolation of Russia now.”
“We ... feel betrayed by democratic states because we have been talking about this war for eight years,” she said. “They just need to wake up and stop Putin now.”
Demonstrations were held in other European cities, including Sofia, Bulgaria, and Cophenhagen.
– Associated Press
G-7 leaders: Putin 'has put himself on the wrong side of history'
Following a virtual meeting Thursday morning, the leaders of the G-7 issued a joint statement announcing they would bring forward "severe and coordinated economic and financial sanctions" and calling on the global community to condemn the attack in the strongest possible terms.
The leaders of the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada along with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg called the unfolding conflict "a serious threat to the rules-based international order, with ramifications well beyond Europe."
The leaders called on Moscow to end the bloodshed and condemned Belarus' involvement in Russia's aggression in Ukraine.
"This has fundamentally changed the Euro-Atlantic security situation," the statement read. "President Putin has re-introduced war to the European continent. He has put himself on the wrong side of history."
– Courtney Subramanian
Biden meets with advisers, G-7
As explosions continued across Ukraine, Biden met with his National Security Council in the White House Situation Room to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine, according to a White House official.
The president later held a virtual meeting with G-7 leaders and spoke with foreign leaders for about an hour and 10 minutes about a coordinated plan to impose "severe sanctions" on Moscow, according to the White House.
Biden is expected to detail the sanctions in remarks at the White House on Thursday afternoon.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participated in the virtual meeting.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will also attend the G-7 meeting.
– Courtney Subramanian
US military official: Russia wants to replace Ukraine government
Russian ground forces have advanced toward Kyiv from Belarus on Thursday morning with the apparent goal of decapitating the Ukrainian government and installing their own, according to a senior Defense official.
The Russian attack began at about 9:30 p.m. ET Wednesday with a barrage of more than 100 ballistic, cruise and surface-to-air missiles, said the official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity. The assault also included 75 medium and heavy bombers. The official described the attack as the initial phase of the invasion.
The Russian objective appears to be seizing key population centers, including the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, the official said. The primary targets have been military: barracks, ammunition warehouses, nearly 10 airfields.
There were no reliable estimates of casualties or damage, the official said.
The heaviest fighting has occurred in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, the official said. An air assault by Russian paratroopers is under way there. Ukrainian forces are fighting back.
– Tom Vanden Brook
White House spokesman: Putin, Trump are 'fearful pigs'
A top White House spokesman on Thursday called former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin “two nauseating, fearful pigs who hate what America stands for.”
In a tweet, Andrew Bates, a deputy press secretary, said that every action by the two men is “driven by their their own weakness and insecurity, rubbing their snouts together and celebrating as innocent people lose their lives.”
Bates' scathing remark appeared to be in response to a report that Trump called Putin “pretty smart” for “taking over a country for $2 worth of sanctions.”
The New York Times reported Trump's comments, which he made during a fundraising event Wednesday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, according to the Times.
– Maureen Groppe
Ukraine, Russia give military updates
Ukraine’s military chief says Ukrainian troops are fighting the Russian army in in the north and the south.
Valerii Zaluzhnyi said a battle was raging Thursday near the Hostomel air base, less than 5 miles northwest of the capital, Kyiv. He said that in the south, fighting was going on near Henichesk, Skadovsk and Chaplynka.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry said the Russian military has destroyed 74 Ukrainian military facilities, including 11 air bases.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu ordered that Ukrainian servicemen be treated “with respect” and those who lay down their weapons offered safe corridors.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the loss of a Su-25 attack jet due to “pilot error.”
– Associated Press
George W. Bush: Invasion ‘unprovoked and unjustified’
Former President George W. Bush condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine as “the gravest security crisis on the European continent since World War II.”
The invasion was “unprovoked and unjustified,” Bush said in a statement.
Bush, who once described Putin as “very straightforward and trustworthy," said the U.S. government and the American people must stand in solidarity with Ukraine and its people as they seek freedom “and the right to choose their own future.”
“We cannot tolerate the authoritarian bullying and danger that Putin poses,” he said. “Ukraine is our friend and democratic ally and deserves our full support during this most difficult time."
– Michael Collins
Guide to post-Soviet eastern Europe:Where is Ukraine? Where are NATO members?
US involvement:Will US help Ukraine in war vs. Russia? American troops bolster NATO in Europe
Putin meets Pakistan's Imran Khan as world reacts to invasion
As global outrage swelled over Moscow's wide-scale attack on Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday.
The prime minister's office posted a video to Twitter of the two leaders shaking hands and said the pair would discuss "the entire gamut of Pakistan-Russia bilateral cooperation, and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest."
Khan, the first foreign leader to meet Putin since he launched an invasion on Ukraine, is expected to pitch the construction of a $2.5 billion gas pipeline in Pakistan, built by Russian companies, as Moscow looks to strengthen its cooperation with Islamabad.
The fate of another pipeline backed by Russia, Nord Stream 2, came to a screeching halt earlier this week as a result of Putin's decision to invade Ukraine. Germany announced it would suspend the Russia-owned pipeline that would directly run from Russia to Germany, increasing Europe's dependence on Moscow for its energy.
Western allies are expected to announce more sanctions later Thursday.
– Courtney Subramanian
European soccer pulls Champions League from Russia
UEFA will no longer stage this season’s Champions League final in St. Petersburg after Russia attacked Ukraine, according to the Associated Press.
An extraordinary meeting of the UEFA executive committee will be held on Friday to discuss the geopolitical crisis and when officials are set to confirm taking the May 28 showpiece game out of Russia.
“Following the evolution of the situation between Russia and Ukraine in the last 24 hours, the UEFA president has decided to call an extraordinary meeting of the executive committee .... in order to evaluate the situation and take all necessary decisions,” UEFA said in a statement.
– Associated Press
Ukrainian police urge citizens to report suspicious people, objects
Police in Ukraine asked citizens on Thursday to report suspicious people on the streets in what the country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs said was an effort to ensure law and order.
A statement posted on the ministry’s website urged citizens to be on lookout for suspicious people and objects. All suspicious items, as well as suspicious people with red items on their clothes, should be reported to a special police hotline, the statement said.
The statement also asked civilians not to go outside in uniform or tactical clothing.
– Michael Collins
Erdogan: Russian invasion a ‘heavy blow’ to peace
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling it “unacceptable” and “contrary to international law.”
“It is a heavy blow to the peace, tranquility and stability of the region,” Erdogan said in a statement posted on Twitter on Thursday.
Turkey “supports Ukraine's struggle to protect its territorial integrity,” Erdogan said.
“We sincerely regret that Russia and Ukraine, which we see as friendly countries and with whom we have close political, economic and social relations, come face to face in this way,” he said. He urged Russia and Ukraine to resolve their differences with dialogue through the framework of the Minsk accords that sought to restore peace in eastern Ukraine.
On Wednesday, Erdogan spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin and informed him Turkey would not recognize steps against Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
– Michael Collins
Kyiv mayor urges residents to stay home
Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko advised residents in the Ukrainian capital to stay home Thursday unless they are involved in critical work and urged them to prepare go-bags with necessities and documents if they need to evacuate.
Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukraine’s interior minister, said on Facebook that the Russian military had launched missile strikes on Ukrainian military command facilities, air bases and military depots in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Dnipro.
The Russian Defense Ministry said it was not targeting cities but using precision weapons and claimed “there is no threat to civilian population.”
– Associated Press
Images of the attack:'Brutal act of war': Photos of Russia invading Ukraine show mass evacuations, rockets
UK's Johnson vows 'massive' sanctions in national address
Johnson delivered a somber national address Thursday, telling the country weeks of warnings about a Russian invasion have proven tragically accurate and that Putin has brought a "tidal wave of violence" to Ukraine.
"A vast invasion is under way by land, by air and by sea," he said.
The British prime minister said the U.K. has coordinated with allies on a "massive package of economic sanctions designed in time to hobble the Russian economy."
Johnson said the U.K. would do more in the days ahead and called on Europe to end its reliance on Russian oil and gas that has allowed Putin a grip on the continent.
He also said western allies "cannot allow that freedom to be snuffed out."
"We cannot and will not look away," he added.
– Courtney Subramanian
More:Ukraine-Russia crisis: How do you pronounce Donetsk? And is it Kyiv or Kiev?
NATO leaders will convene Friday
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced an emergency virtual summit for the military alliance's leaders on Friday, calling Moscow's invasion a "brutal act of war" that has shattered peace on the continent.
"This is a deliberate, cold-blooded and long-planned invasion. Russia is using force to try to rewrite history," he told reporters Thursday.
The top European official said Russia launched a sweeping attack from multiple directions that included air and missile attacks, ground forces and special forces that targeted Ukraine's military infrastructure and major cities.
Stoltenberg said European was faced with a "new normal for our security" and would meet to discuss how to defend and protect allies amid the new reality. He added that Finland and Sweden, which are not NATO members, would also attend Friday's meeting.
"We don't have all the answers today but there will be a new reality," he said. "It will be a new Europe after the invasion we saw today."
His remarks came after Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland triggered Article 4 of NATO's founding treaty, which allows members to "bring any issue of concern, especially related to security of a member country, to the table for discussion with the North Atlantic Council."
The alliance has invoked Article 4 several times since its creation in 1949.
NATO issued a new statement Thursday saying Moscow's actions "pose a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security, and they will have geostrategic consequences."
"We are deploying additional defensive land and air forces to the eastern part of the Alliance, as well as additional maritime assets," the statement said. " We have increased the readiness of our forces to respond to all contingencies."
– Courtney Subramanian
What time did Russia invade Ukraine?
In a televised address that came around 10 p.m. Eastern time, which is 5 a.m. in Ukraine and 6 a.m. in Moscow, Putin told his country that Russia would conduct a military operation in Ukraine.
The Russian president said the attack was needed to protect civilians in eastern Ukraine — a false claim the U.S. had predicted he would make as a pretext for an invasion. And he claimed that Russia doesn’t intend to occupy Ukraine but will move to “demilitarize” it and bring those who committed crimes to justice.
Putin warned other countries that any attempt to interfere would lead to “consequences you have never seen.”
More:As Russian forces advance on Ukraine, US, allies escalate diplomatic efforts
Lithuania orders state of emergency
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Thursday signed a decree declaring a state of emergency in the Baltic country in response to Russia’s military attack on Ukraine. Parliament was expected to approve the measure in an extraordinary session later on Thursday.
The measure, in effect until March 10, allows for a more flexible use of state reserve funds and increased border protection, giving border guards greater authorities to stop and search individuals and vehicles in border areas.
"Never before have we been so strong & so well prepared to face external challenges together with our Allies," Nauseda tweeted. The future of Europe "may depend on how we react in the coming hours & days."
More:'A tragedy': World leaders react to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Zelenskyy calls on veterans to help fight Russia
Zelenskyy said Thursday that Ukraine has severed diplomatic relations with Russia, adding that “Ukraine is defending itself and shall not cede its freedom.”
“Dear citizens, this morning has gone down in history,” he said, according to a translation by CNN as he spoke. “But it is a different history for us and for Russia.”
Zelenskyy also called on veterans to help fight against Russian troops. He said Ukraine is issuing defensive weapons to those with military experience. He said they are able to join Ukraine defense by reporting to call up stations.
“We are issuing arms, defensive weapons, to all those capable of defending our sovereignty,” he said. “Each citizen of Ukraine will decide the future of our people.”
In a tweet shortly after, Zelenskyy wrote: "We will give weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country. Be ready to support Ukraine in the squares of our cities."
In a second tweet, he added: "We have severed diplomatic relations with Russia. For all those who have not yet lost their conscience in Russia, it is time to go out and protest against the war with Ukraine."
– Rebecca Morin
Official says Ukraine attacked from 3 sides
KYIV, Ukraine — A Ukrainian presidential adviser said Russian forces launched an attack on Ukraine from the north, east and south. The adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, said “the Ukrainian military is fighting hard.”
Podolyak said Thursday that “our army is fighting back inflicting significant losses to the enemy.” He said that there have been civilian casualties, but didn’t give details.
He said that “Ukraine now needs a greater and very specific support from the world — military-technical, financial as well as tough sanctions against Russia,” he said.
Another adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia has targeted air bases and various other military infrastructure.
Oleksii Arestovich said the Russian strike hasn’t achieved its goal to rout the country’s military. He said that “we suffered casualties, but they aren’t significant,” adding that the Russian strikes “haven’t eroded the combat capability of the Ukrainian military.”
He said that the Russian troops moved up to 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) deep into the Ukrainian territory in the Kharkiv and Chernihiv regions, and, possibly in other areas.
-- Associated Press
'An unmistakable message':Biden unveils US sanctions on Russia after Putin's invasion of Ukraine
NATO in emergency session as Russia attacks Ukraine
NATO envoys met in emergency session Thursday after Putin ordered a large-scale attack on Ukraine, as the 30-nation military organization prepares to bolster its defenses in allies neighboring both countries. Preparations were also underway for a NATO summit.
“This is a grave breach of international law, and a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in statement. The allies are meeting, he said, “to address the consequences of Russia’s aggressive actions.”
While some member countries are supplying arms, ammunition and other equipment to Ukraine, NATO as an organization is not, and it will not launch any military action in support of Ukraine, which is a close partner but has no prospect of joining.
“We stand with the people of Ukraine at this terrible time. NATO will do all it takes to protect and defend all allies,” Stoltenberg said.
– Associated Press
China calls for talks over Ukraine, criticizes US
China repeated calls for talks to resolve the crisis in Ukraine on Thursday while refusing to criticize Russia’s attack and accusing the U.S. and its allies of worsening the situation.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters at a daily briefing that “the Ukraine issue is complex in its historical background ... what we are seeing today is the interplay of complex factors.”
“China is closely following the latest developments,” Hua said. “We still hope that the parties concerned will not shut the door to peace and engage instead in dialogue and consultation and prevent the situation from further escalating,”
– Associated Press
More:'A tragedy': World leaders react to the Russian invasion of Ukraine