The Russian invasion threatens Ukraine's capital

Photo by CTM

In an attack that could rewrite the post-Cold War global order of security, Russia extended its invasion of Ukraine beyond Kiev to the outskirts of the capital on Friday after launching attacks on cities and military bases as well as sending in troops and tanks from three directions.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, an explosion and gunfire reverberated throughout Kyiv, as Western leaders met for an emergency meeting and Ukraine's president pleaded for international assistance to prevent an attack that could topple his democratically elected government and cause a global economic crisis.

A group of Russian spies and saboteurs was spotted on the outskirts of Kyiv, according to the military, and police advised people not to leave a subway station in the center of the city after gunfire had been heard. People stood nervously in the doorways of their apartment buildings as soldiers erected defensive positions on bridges, armored vehicles rolled through the streets, and the military deployed defensive positions at bridges.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, "Kyiv may well be under siege" as a result of what American officials regard as a brazen attempt on the part of Russian President Vladimir Putin to establish his own regime in Ukraine.

In response to the deteriorating security situation in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy solicited sanctions that go beyond the ones imposed by Western allies and defense assistance from international leaders.

The invading Russians deem Zelenskyy their number one target, but he plans to stay in Kyiv. Magdalena Andersson, the Swedish prime minister, explained that the Ukrainian had participated via video link in a meeting of European Union leaders.

As Ukrainian officials reported losing control of Chernobyl, the site of the worst nuclear disaster in history, the Russian government said Friday it would work with the Ukrainians to secure the site. The Ukrainian side did not confirm such cooperation.

As night fell, Kyiv's subway stations were jammed with people fearing the Russian attack on the capital. It was easier to wait and cope with the long night ahead by bringing sleeping bags, dogs or crossword puzzles. While the children played, the adults ate dinner.

The Russian government states that they did not target cities, but journalists reported destruction in numerous civilian areas, and Kiev's mayor said on Friday that a rocket struck a multistory apartment building and started a fire.

New sanctions have been announced by President Biden against Russian banks, oligarchs, state-controlled companies, and high-tech companies. Biden emphasized that President Putin had "chosen" this war for Russia and has demonstrated a "sinister" vision for the world in which nations take what they want through violence.

He added, Russian oil and natural gas exports are vital sources of energy for Europe, and the measures were designed not to disrupt global energy markets.

25 Feb 2022