Russian forces invade Ukraine, explosions heard

KYIV: Explosions were heard before dawn Thursday in Ukraine capital Kyiv and the eastern port city of Mariupol, shortly after Russia’s President Vladimir Putin announced an operation to “demilitarise” the country.

AFP correspondents in both cities heard powerful blasts and in Mariupol, close to the frontline and the Russian border, residents reported hearing artillery in the city’s eastern suburbs.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Twitter; Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes.

“This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now.”

US President Joe Biden said his prayers were with the people of Kyiv.

Putin said he had authorized the special military operation in breakaway areas of eastern Ukraine after Russia had been left with no choice but to defend itself against what he said were threats emanating from modern Ukraine.

Putin said; “Russia cannot feel safe, develop, and exist with a constant threat emanating from the territory of modern Ukraine,”.

Earlier,

Prime Minister(PM) Imran Khan on Wednesday was accorded a red carpet welcome upon his arrival to Russia on a two-day official visit.

Upon arrival at the airport, the prime minister and his delegation were warmly received by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov and the high officials of the Pakistan Embassy. He was also given a guard of honor(read more).