Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba addressed the nation on Thursday and condemned the "military operations" ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine.
During the address, the foreign minister called Russia's action "a war of aggression" and urged the world to act against Putin
"Ukraine will defend itself and will win. Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes. This is a war of aggression. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now," said Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
"The world must act immediately. Devastating & swift sanctions on Russia NOW. Fully isolate Russia by all means, in all formats. Weapons, equipment for Ukraine. Financial and Humanitarian assistance. Future of Europe & the world is at stake," Kuleba further stated.
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After Russia announced military actions in Ukraine, blasts were reported from the Capital city Kyiv. News agency AFP reported citizens in Kyiv heading to underground metro stations to take shelter from the attack. A martial law was declared in the city by authorities.
Blasts were also heard in the eastern port city of Mariupoland. Artillery fire was reported by people in Kyiv and Mariupoland after "military operations" were ordered by Putin in Ukraine.