Russia Commences Full-Scale Invasion, Fighting Erupts In Four Major Cities

LOCAL NEWS

• Russia commences full-scale invasion of Ukraine with troops coming from Belarus and missiles launched into Ukrainian cities starting at 05.55am.Kyiv, Karhviv and Mariupol have been targeted with shelling and columns of tanks spotted moving into Crimea and towards Mariupol. Major casualties reported on Ukraine’s side and 5 Russian jets and a helicopter shot down. – BBC
• Ukrainian officials said that the initial wave of strikes targeted military installations, airfields and government facilities across the country, as well as border force installations. - bbg
• Putin called for Ukrainian soldiers to lay down their arms, while Biden vows the world will hold Putin responsible and address Americans on Thursday regarding potential punishment for Russia. Zelensky says Ukrainians will never give up their independence to anyone.
• Ukraine’s Kuleba called for the West to impose SWIFT sanctions, isolate Russia in all formats, provide weapons and equipment to Ukraine and financial/humanitarian aid
• Overnight the EU imposed sanctions on Russian individuals – blacklisting government officials and lawmakers up to 552 people and 55 organisations. US also sanctioned Nord Stream 2 AG.