The Russian troops attacked Ukraine. With reference to social media, Ukrainian sources reported multiple explosions in the morning of February 24 in Kharkov, Mariupol, Odessa, Kiev and Mykolayiv. The border police of Ukraine said rocket launchers attack the entire border with Ukraine, from Luhansk to Zhytomyr, IPN reports.

Dumskaya.net of Odessa reported that the air defense launches rockets against the enemy’s aviation. The launching pad of the airport in Odessa was blocked with vehicles so as to prevent aircraft from landing. Ukraine closed the country’s airspace.

Short series of three-four explosions from the separatist region of the Republic of Moldova could be heard in localities on the right side of the Nistru, including in Chisinau, starting at 6am.

President Vladimir Putin’s message about the start of a military operation was transmitted when the UN Security Council convened as a matter of urgency at the request of Ukraine after the chiefs of the illegal armed groupings “DNR” and “LNR” sought assistance from the Russian leader in responding to Ukraine’s alleged aggression.

The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Russian nation, saying that Ukraine does not want a war and is ready for talks, but it will defend itself if it is attacked. “If they try to take out country, our freedom, our lives and the lives of our children, we will protect ourselves. We will not attack, but will defend ourselves... When you attack, you will see our faces. Not our backs, but our faces,” said the President.