The mainstay of Ukrainian statehood

Today we could see how Russia did not keep to its words. Early in the morning, not to say “still at night”, Russian forces have launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, following a televised speech from Vladimir Putin in which he announced a “special military operation” for the “demilitarisation and denazification” of Ukraine.

Despite the fact that Putin had always claimed that he had no intention of invading Ukraine, attacks, caused by missiles and artillery fire, have begun across Ukraine, including around the capital Kyiv, and the seaports of Odessa and Mariupol, Kharkiv and Dnipro.

The country that claimed they would not attack Ukraine did announce this morning that they had “neutralised” Ukraine’s air defences. Yet Ukraine had not attacked them, so why did Ukrainian air defences need to be defused?

Ukraine’s military previously said in a statement that their air force were fighting off an air attack from Russia, but Russian claims have yet to be verified.

Ukraine has also accused Russia of moving military equipment into the country from annexed Crimea, Reuters reported.

UK prime minister Boris Johnson who chaired an emergency government Cobra meeting made a statement to the House of Commons and in an address to the nation, said the UK was introducing a

“massive package of economic sanctions… to collectively cease dependence on Russian oil and gas.”

He said:

“We will work with them [Ukraine] – for however long it takes – to ensure that the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine is restored.

For the sake of clarity, it must be understood that Russia not only broke its word, but also took an action that democratic countries cannot accept. Great Britain also states

“This act of wanton and reckless aggression is an attack not just on Ukraine, it is an attack on democracy and freedom in East Europe and around the world.

“This crisis is about the right of a free, sovereign independent European people to choose their own future, and that is a right that the UK will always defend.”

Mr Johnson added:

“Diplomatically, politically, economically – and eventually, militarily – this hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure.”

**
Putin orders military operation in Ukraine. Putin declares military offensive in Ukraine as invasion starts. Reports of explosions as Russian forces launch Ukraine military assault.

**
Russia has begun attacking Ukraine, according to NATO officials. CBS Evening News anchor and managing editor Norah O’Donnell anchors a Special Report. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Charlie D’Agata and CBS News foreign correspondent Holly Williams report from Ukraine and “Face the Nation” moderator and chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan and CBS national security correspondent David Martin join from Washington.

Preceding

Additional reading

+++

Published by Marcus Ampe

Retired dancer, choreographer, choreologist Founder of the Dance impresario office and archive: Danscontact-Dansarchief plus the Association for Bible scholars, the Lifestyle magazines "Stepping Toes" and "From Guestwriters" and creator of the site "Messiah for all". - Gepensioneerd danser, choreograaf, choreoloog. Stichter van Danscontact-Dansarchief plus van de Vereniging voor Bijbelvorsers, de Lifestyle magazines "Stepping Toes" en "From Guestwriters" en maker van de site "Messiah for all". View more posts