Russia attacks Ukraine: Latest developments

Synopsis

Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, targeting various locations across the country. In Kiev, officials report dozens of casualties and injuries due to the large-scale air and ground assault by Russian forces. Russian President Putin states that the military operation aims to secure the future of Russia as a sovereign nation. As the situation unfolds, Alexi Melnick, co-director of the Razumkov Center in Kiev, shares his reaction to the invasion, describing the shock of waking up to the sounds of conflict. He notes that while Ukraine's military is not as strong, there is a mobilization effort underway, with citizens arming themselves in preparation for defense against the aggression. The conflict escalates as Western leaders promise to impose crippling sanctions on Russia in response to the invasion.