Connect with us

Headlines

Russian Forces Invade Ukraine with Strikes on Major Cities as Defiant Putin Warns US, NATO

Published

on

By Derrick Bangura

On Thursday, Russian troops launched their expected attack on Ukraine, ignoring international criticism and sanctions and warning other countries that any attempt to intervene would result in “consequences you have never seen.”

Big explosions were heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa before daybreak, as world leaders criticized the commencement of an invasion that might result in catastrophic casualties, topple Ukraine’s democratically elected government, and disrupt the continent’s post-Cold War equilibrium.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared martial law, saying Russia has targeted Ukraine’s military infrastructure. Ukrainians who had long braced for the prospect of an assault, while never knowing precisely when it would come, were urged to stay home and not to panic even as the country’s border guard agency reported an artillery barrage by Russian troops from neighboring Belarus.

President Joe Biden pledged new sanctions to punish Russia for the aggression that the international community had expected for weeks but could not prevent through diplomacy.

Putin justified it all in a televised address, asserting that the attack was needed to protect civilians in eastern Ukraine — a false claim the U.S. had predicted he would make as a pretext for an invasion. He accused the U.S. and its allies of ignoring Russia’s demands to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and for security guarantees. He also credulously claimed that Russia does not intend to occupy Ukraine but will move to “demilitarize” it and bring those who committed crimes to justice.

Biden in a written statement condemned the “unprovoked and unjustified attack,” and he promised that the U.S. and its allies would “hold Russia accountable.” The president said he planned to speak to Americans on Thursday after a meeting of the Group of Seven leaders. More sanctions against Russia were expected to be announced Thursday.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba described the assault as a “full-scale invasion” and said Ukraine will “defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now.”

In the capital, Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko advised residents to stay home unless they are involved in critical work and urged them to prepare go-bags with necessities and documents if they need to evacuate. An Associated Press photographer in Mariupol reported hearing explosions and seeing dozens of people with suitcases heading for their cars to leave the city.

The Russian military said it struck Ukrainian air bases and other military assets and had not targeted populated areas. The Russian Defense Ministry statement said the military was using precision weapons and claimed that “there is no threat to the civilian population.”

Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukraine’s interior minister, said on Facebook that the Russian military had launched missile strikes on Ukrainian military command facilities, airbases, and military depots in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro.

After the initial explosions in Kyiv, people could be heard shouting in the streets. Then a sense of normality returned, with cars circulating and people walking in the streets as a pre-dawn commute appeared to start in relative calm.

The consequences of the conflict and resulting sanctions on Russia could reverberate throughout the world, upending geopolitical dynamics in Europe as well as affecting energy supplies in Europe and jolting global financial markets.

Asian stock markets plunged and oil prices surged as the attack began. Earlier, Wall Street’s benchmark S&P 500 index fell 1.8% to an eight-month low after the Kremlin said rebels in eastern Ukraine asked for military assistance.

Anticipating international condemnation and countermeasures, Putin issued a stark warning to other countries not to meddle, saying, “whoever tries to impede us, let alone create threats for our country and its people, must know that the Russian response will be immediate and lead to the consequences you have never seen in history.”

Putin urged Ukrainian servicemen to “immediately put down arms and go home.”

In a stark reminder of Russia’s nuclear power, Putin warned that “no one should have any doubts that a direct attack on our country will lead to the destruction and horrible consequences for any potential aggressor.” He emphasized that Russia is “one of the most potent nuclear powers and also has a certain edge in a range of state-of-the-art weapons.”

Though the U.S. on Tuesday announced the repositioning of forces around the Baltics, Biden has said he will not send in troops to fight Russia.

Putin announced the military operation after the Kremlin said rebels in eastern Ukraine asked Russia for military assistance to help fend off Ukrainian “aggression,” an announcement that the White House said was a “false flag” operation by Moscow to offer up a pretext for an invasion.

Putin’s announcement came just hours after the Ukrainian president rejected Moscow’s claims that his country poses a threat to Russia and made a passionate, last-minute plea for peace.

“The people of Ukraine and the government of Ukraine want peace,” Zelenskyy said in an emotional overnight address, speaking in Russian in a direct appeal to Russian citizens. “But if we come under attack, if we face an attempt to take away our country, our freedom, our lives and lives of our children, we will defend ourselves. When you attack us, you will see our faces, not our backs.”

Zelinsky said he asked to arrange a call with Putin late Wednesday, but the Kremlin did not respond.

In an apparent reference to Putin’s move to authorize the deployment of the Russian military to “maintain peace” in eastern Ukraine, Zelensky warned that “this step could mark the start of a big war on the European continent.”

“Any provocation, any spark could trigger a blaze that will destroy everything,” he said.

He challenged the Russian propaganda claims, saying that “you are told that this blaze will bring freedom to the people of Ukraine, but the Ukrainian people are free.”

At an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council called by Ukraine because of the imminent threat of a Russian invasion, members still unaware of Putin’s announcement appealed to him to stop an attack. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres opened the meeting, just before the announcement, telling Putin: “Stop your troops from attacking Ukraine. Give peace a chance. Too many people have already died.”

NATO Secretary-General Jen Stoltenberg issued a statement condemning “Russia’s reckless and unprovoked attack on Ukraine, which puts at risk countless civilian lives. Once again, despite our repeated warnings and tireless efforts to engage in diplomacy, Russia has chosen the path of aggression against a sovereign and independent country.”

European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promised to hold the Kremlin accountable.

“In these dark hours, our thoughts are with Ukraine and the innocent women, men, and children as they face this unprovoked attack and fear for their lives,” they said on Twitter.
Already before Putin’s speech, dozens of countries imposed sanctions on Russia, further excluding Russian oligarchs and banks from international markets.

The Russian Foreign Ministry dismissed the penalties, claiming that “Russia has demonstrated that, despite the price of the sanctions, it can reduce the harm.”

War has already wreaked havoc on Ukraine’s economy, raising the prospect of massive casualties, energy shortages across Europe, and global economic chaos.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Headlines

Gov Eno Urges Corps Members to Champion Unity and Development in Akwa Ibom

Published

on

Governor Umo Eno

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has called on members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to serve with diligence and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and the nation.

The governor made this appeal on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of Batch C, Stream II corps members at the permanent orientation camp in Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai Local Government Area.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Effiong Nicholas, Governor Eno encouraged the corps members to maximize the opportunity to serve their fatherland and foster unity across diverse backgrounds.

“As stakeholders in Nigerian projects, it is incumbent on you to continue the building process across linguistic, religious, ethnic, and socio-cultural boundaries,” he said. “Nigerians are looking up to you to give the country a new lease of life.”

The governor assured the corps members of the state government’s unwavering commitment to their welfare and safety.
“We are consciously taking necessary steps to ensure that your life and property, including those of other citizens, are protected against all forms of molestation and abuse,” he added.

Governor Eno also urged the corps members to develop a positive attitude to work, embrace innovation, and make lasting friendships during their service year.
“Nigeria needs people like you to show that we can stay together and achieve our aim of a united and indivisible nation, though tribe and tongue may differ,” he said.

Earlier, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Sam Pepple, disclosed that 1,660 corps members, comprising 718 males and 942 females, had been deployed to the state. He noted that the corps members were settling into the orientation exercise, which was designed to instill the vision and ideals of the NYSC scheme.

Pepple appealed to the state government to address the camp’s infrastructure challenges and urged local government chairmen to construct corpers’ lodges in their respective areas for the benefit of the corps members.

The ceremony’s highlight was the administration of the oath of allegiance by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot.

Continue Reading

Headlines

Delta Governor Urges Private Sector to Boost NYSC with Community Projects

Published

on

Delta Governor Urges Private Sector to Boost NYSC with Community Projects

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on the private sector to support the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by sponsoring community development projects initiated by corps members.

Governor Oborevwori, represented by Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, the Commissioner for Higher Education, made the appeal on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch C, Stream 2, corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Issele-Uku.

He emphasized that such investments would enhance the quality of life in host communities and positively engage corps members.

“My dear corps members, the NYSC, established over four decades ago, has consistently proven its relevance in the development of the nation,” Oborevwori stated. “Its appeal to Nigerian youths remains strong despite challenges, including the contemporary issues of insecurity in some parts of the country.”

The governor also acknowledged the efforts of the NYSC management in tackling youth unemployment through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. He urged corps members to take full advantage of the initiative during their orientation course.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to the NYSC, he said, “My administration is committed to supporting NYSC with the necessary resources, encouragement, and enabling environment to foster progress in the scheme.”

Oborevwori disclosed that the state government had sensitized and mobilized communities to prioritize the security and welfare of corps members. He also urged the corps members to actively participate in orientation camp activities designed to engage and prepare them for their service year.

“The state government is continuously striving to make this camp more conducive and leave a lasting positive impression on you. With God on our side and adequate financial resources, we shall achieve this objective,” he added.

The Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Emu, also addressed the corps members, encouraging them to embrace the challenges of transitioning from academic life to a more demanding environment.

“Take full advantage of the various skill acquisition programmes offered by the scheme, which are aimed at empowering you with the requisite knowledge and skills to address the challenge of post-service unemployment,” Emu said.

Delta State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. John Kwaghe, commended the corps members for their discipline and readiness to serve. He urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the orientation course to make a meaningful impact in their host communities.

“Serve with humility, diligence, and creativity. Be exemplary in your roles as teachers and leaders, and strive to impact positively on the lives of those you encounter,” Kwaghe advised.

He expressed gratitude to the state government for its continuous support, including the promise to provide a 150KVA generator to address the camp’s power challenges. However, he appealed for attention to the camp’s perimeter fencing, which he described as weak and inadequate.

A total of 2,159 prospective corps members, comprising 993 males and 1,166 females, were registered at the camp. Community leaders were also urged to prioritize the welfare and security of the corps members, treating them as their own children.

Continue Reading

Headlines

FEC Mourns Ex-FCT Minister, Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni at 82

Published

on

FEC Mourns Ex-FCT Minister, Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni at 82

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni (rtd.), a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who passed away at the age of 82.

In a condolence message issued on Friday in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, conveyed FEC’s sympathies through a statement signed by Mr. Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the SGF’s office.

The late General Useni, who also served as Minister of Transport during the military regime of Gen. Sani Abacha, was praised for his pivotal role in implementing the FCT’s master plan during its formative years.

“Late General Useni served the nation meritoriously in the implementation of the master-plan of the FCT during its budding stage,” Akume said.

Describing Useni as a “quintessential army general,” the SGF lauded his selfless contributions to promoting peace and unity in Nigeria, noting that his sacrifices would remain indelible. He urged younger military officers to emulate Useni’s outstanding legacy.

Akume also highlighted Useni’s transition into politics, where he served as a Senator of the Federal Republic under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

The SGF commiserated with the Government and people of Plateau State, Useni’s family, and associates, praying for divine comfort and eternal rest for the departed.

Useni’s demise marks the end of an era for a distinguished soldier, statesman, and patriot whose dedication to the nation remains a shining example.

Continue Reading

You May Like

Copyright © 2024 Acces News Magazine All Right Reserved.

Verified by MonsterInsights