Russian forces reached the outskirts of Kyiv on Friday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the invading troops were targeting civilians and explosions could be heard in the besieged capital.
Pre-dawn blasts in Kyiv set off a second day of violence after Russian President Vladimir Putin defied Western warnings to unleash a full-scale ground invasion and air assault on Thursday that quickly claimed dozens of lives and displaced at least 100,000 people.
The United States and its allies responded with a barrage of sanctions, but the Russian forces looked to press home their advantage after a string of key strategic victories on day one.
“Horrific Russian rocket strikes on Kyiv,” Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba posted on Twitter after the initial explosions were heard in the capital on Friday morning.
“Last time our capital experienced anything like this was in 1941 when it was attacked by Nazi Germany. Ukraine defeated that evil and will defeat this one.
Zelensky then delivered a video message in which he railed against the Russian troops.
“They say that civilian objects are not a target for them. But this is another lie of theirs. In reality, they do not distinguish between areas in which they operate,” Zelensky said.
“Ukrainian air defence systems are defending our skies,” he said. “Ukrainians are demonstrating heroism”.
At least 137 “heroes” were killed during the first day of fighting, Zelensky had said on Thursday, as he called up conscripts and reservists nationwide.
Zelensky then delivered a video message in which he railed against the Russian troops. They say that civilian objects are not a target for them. But this is another lie of theirs. In reality, they do not distinguish between areas in which they operate,” Zelensky said.
“Ukrainian air defence systems are defending our skies,” he said. “Ukrainians are demonstrating heroism”. At least 137 “heroes” were killed during the first day of fighting, Zelensky had said on Thursday, as he called up conscripts and reservists nationwide.
Source: eNCA
In other news – Riky Rick’s cute photos when he was a young boy go viral
Snaps of the late musician, Riky Rick in his youth, are going viral on social media platforms. The adorable photos of the award-winning musician, real name Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, were shared by close associate Lesego Tlhabi as she paid tribute to his life.
Riky Rick allegedly committed suicide at his estate home in the north of Joburg on Wednesday. Learn more
