Russian-Ukraine conflict: Moscow launches full-scale invasion

After months of tension over Moscow’s military build-up around its neighbour’s borders, Russia has reportedly launched its attack on Ukraine.

International media reported on Thursday that a multi-pronged attack on several Ukrainian cities has begun, with Kyiv accusing Russia’s Putin of ‘war of aggression’.

Al Jazeera’s Hoda Abdel-Hamid, reporting from Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine, said several loud explosions rocked the city early this morning.

Russia’s defence ministry said it has attacked military infrastructure at Ukrainian air bases and degraded Ukraine’s air defences.

Ukraine’s president has made a brief national address to declare martial law throughout the country.

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen has denounced Russia’s attack and vowed to hold Moscow “accountable”.

Multiple explosions across Ukraine were reported by journalists and Ukrainian government officials in at least four cities early Thursday morning local time, undermining Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claim that Russia was launching a military operation that would be limited to the far east of the country.

Starting about two hours before dawn on Thursday, explosions were felt in and around the cities of Kyiv, Odessa, Kharkiv and Mariupol. The explosions are ongoing, according to reports.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has condemned Russia’s “reckless and unprovoked attack” on Ukraine.

He said the military alliances member states will meet to address Russia’s latest move, adding: “We stand with the people of Ukraine at this terrible time.”

The US president has denounced Moscow’s “unprovoked and unjustified” attack on Ukraine, pledging the world will “hold Russia accountable”.

Biden said Russia alone is responsible for the “catastrophic loss of life and human suffering” to come, adding that he will address the nation on Thursday on ‘consequences’ for Russia.