What you need to know about Russia-Ukraine war
A man walks past a destroyed building following a rocket attack on the city of Kyiv, Ukraine, on Friday. Photo: Emilio Morenatti/AP
* Missiles pounded the Ukrainian capital as Russian forces pressed their advance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy pleaded with the international community to do more, saying sanctions announced so far were not enough.
* Russian forces would enter areas just outside Kyiv later on Friday, even though Ukrainian units were defending positions on four fronts despite being outnumbered, a top Ukrainian defence official said.
* Russia intends to take the whole of Ukraine, but its army failed to deliver on the first day of its invasion, the UK’s defence secretary said.
* Ukrainian forces downed an aircraft over Kyiv, which then crashed into a residential building, said Anton Herashchenko, an adviser to the interior minister.
* Russian President Vladimir Putin said his aim was to demilitarise and “denazify” Ukraine. He said any hindrance would be met by “such consequences that you have never encountered in your history”.Last time our capital experienced anything like this was in 1941, when it was attacked by Nazi Germany.Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Twitter this week.
* US President Joe Biden said Putin’s action was about naked aggression. He unveiled new sanctions on its banks and wealthy elite, as well as export restrictions.
* The UK, Canada, the EU, Australia, Japan, Taiwan and others unveiled sanctions against Russia, targeting banks, military exports and members of Putin’s inner circle.
* Russia has spent seven years building up financial defences, but in the long run, its economy is unlikely to withstand the onslaught of coordinated sanctions.
* Thousands of Ukrainians are trying to escape to neighbouring countries.
* Daniil Medvedev said he wanted to promote peace after a “roller coaster day” when he was confirmed as the world’s top tennis player and his country invaded Ukraine.
* Former heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko said he would take up arms alongside his brother and fellow Hall of Fame member Wladimir Klitschko for Ukraine.
* Stock markets tumbled and Russia’s rouble hit an all-time low. US stocks turned positive as the West detailed its sanctions against Russia.
– Reuters
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