The Russian invasion in Ukraine which began Thursday morning has resulted in casualties on both sides. As the shelling continues Ukraine’s military have claimed that at least 50 Russian soldiers have been killed. The Ukraine casualties are estimated to be around 40 soldiers and 10 civilians.
Russia’s defence ministry said its airstrikes are not targeting civilians or their homes and they pose no threat to civilians. Civilians have been killed despite the Russian army claiming not to be attacking any civilian homes. Russian forces crossed into Ukraine hours after the announcement by president Vladimir Putin to launch an offensive on the Ukraine.
The offensive began at the border of Belarus and Crimea. It soon became quite clear that casualties would emerge as the Russian army began by attacking the army airbase. The first Russian soldier to be killed in the assault was killed in Crimea.
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Before the invasion, the president of Ukraine tried to call Putin, but the call was not answered. The United Nations intervened trying to ask the Russian president not to go ahead with the invasion. Weeks of diplomacy did not change the mind of Putin, who sent between 150 000 and 200 000 soldiers to the border of Ukraine.
Putin called on the Ukraine army to lay down their weapons or face genocide. NATO’s chief has condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine, which has not provoked them in any way. The Russian president began by recognizing the two separatists groups in Ukraine. That move was condemned as it violated the peace agreement that had been signed. Now the offensive has been launched in Ukraine and the violence is set to continue.
Source: NDTV, Aljzeera, Wion image from Ajlazeera
