Kiev is under siege and the Russian invasion of Ukraine takes on ever more tragic proportions. On the first day of fighting, hundreds of victims were recorded. According to estimates provided by the British Ministry of Defense, 194 Ukrainians were killed in the early afternoon, of which 57 civilians, 450 Russians. Moscow has not provided data on casualties among the military who are participating in the invasion.

The Ukrainian government has declared the general mobilization of all men between 18 and 60, who have been banned from leaving the country, and distributed 10,000 rifles to civilians. It also opened to the enlistment of over-60s "morally and physically ready to resist and defeat the enemy".

Putin's attack is concentric, advancing from the East, from the Russian-Ukrainian border, from the South with entry from Crimea and from the North, from Belarus.

The mechanized vehicles that entered from Belarus have now arrived in the capital. Vehicles entered from the east are further away from Kiev, but the goal is to encircle the city and overturn the government.

HERE all the news on the crisis. Below are the minute-by-minute updates.

8.43 pm - USA: "Children also killed in Ukraine"

"Russia's actions are unscrupulous": US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted after speaking with Ukrainian colleague Dmytro Kuleba "of the growing news of civilians killed by Russian rocket launches, including children". "Everyone who commits atrocities must be held accountable," Blinken warns.

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20.10 - Dragons to NATO: "Remain cohesive"

“Our unity is and always will be the strongest answer. We maintain a cohesive and decisive position ”. Prime Minister Mario Draghi said this in his speech at the NATO summit in the afternoon on the crisis in Ukraine. "We have condemned in the strongest terms the attack of unjustified brutality by Russia on Ukraine. Russian behavior is the most serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security in decades and above all to our democracy and freedom", added the premier.

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7.30 pm - Biden-Zelensky telephone conversation

"Strengthening sanctions, concrete defense assistance and an anti-war coalition were the issues I just discussed with Joe Biden. Grateful to the United States for its strong support for Ukraine." So on twitter the Ukrainian President Zelensky.

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19.23 - NATO activates defense plans

"We have activated the defense plans to prepare ourselves to respond to a series of contingencies and secure the territory of the Alliance, also by resorting to our rapid response forces". This was announced by the leaders of the NATO countries in the communiqué following their summit, released by the White House, reaffirming their "iron" commitment to article 5 of the treaty (the one on mutual defense).

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18.30 - Zelensky: "We are here to preside over Ukraine"

"We are here, we are in Kiev, we are defending Ukraine". This is what Ukrainian President Zelensky says in a video released on social media shot on the street.

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18.20 - Moscow restricts access to Facebook

Roskomnadzor, the Russian state-owned media control body, announced the imposition of a partial restriction on access to Facebook (Meta Platforms, Inc.), according to the body's website. The news site Rbk reports. The decision was made in response to restrictions placed on Russian state media accounts.

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6 pm - Moscow: Finland and Sweden do not join NATO

Russia "cannot fail to notice NATO's persistent attempts" to expand to include Finland and Sweden, made "in particular by the US". This was stated by the spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, underlining that Moscow considers the non-alignment policy of those states "an important security factor".

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17.20 - Zelensky: "Maybe I'll be killed" - During last night's videoconference, Ukrainian President Zelensky told EU leaders: "This could be the last time you see me alive". Barak Ravid, diplomatic correspondent of Walla News and Axios, writes on twitter.

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16.55 - Assault on Mariupol

The United States has indications that an amphibious assault is underway west of Mariupol. This was stated by a Pentagon official quoted by the American media.

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16.30 - Di Maio: "Russia ousted from the Council of Europe"

“The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, of which Italy holds the presidency, has decided to oust the Russian Federation from its membership. "Italy believes that this is a necessary measure in light of the unacceptable Russian military aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a serious violation of international law". Thus the Foreign Minister Di Maio, president-in-office of the Council's Committee of Ministers.

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15.52 - Putin to the Ukrainian army: "Take power"

Vladimir Putin has asked the Ukrainian army to "take power" in Kiev and remove President Zelensky. Putin also said he is fighting a "gang of drug addicts and

neo-Nazis ", referring to the ruling authorities in Ukraine.

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3.12 pm - The battle of Kiev begins

Military vehicles of the Ukrainian army are entering Kiev with the task of defending the city in view of the probable arrival of Russian troops. As reported by some international media, the Ukrainian interior ministry as the capital prepares to resist.

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15.05 - Macron: "Sanctions for the highest Russian leaders"

The European sanctions will affect "the highest leaders" of Russia: the French president, Emmanuel Macron said.

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14.50 - London: "57 Ukrainian civilians killed"

194 Ukrainians have been killed so far in attacks by Russian forces, including 57 civilians and the rest military and paramilitary. At least according to the estimates indicated at the end of the morning by the British Deputy Minister of Defense, James Heappey, on the sidelines of an update on the situation in Ukraine in front of the deputies of the House of Commons in Westminster. Heappey also calculated about 450 Russian soldiers who would have died since the start of the operation, without specifying whether the information comes from official Ukrainian or intelligence sources. Previously, the UN had summoned no more than 25 civilians killed so far.

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2.40 pm - Italy invests 174 million to strengthen NATO military commitment

Italy ready to participate in strengthening NATO military commitment after Russia's attack on Ukraine. The decree law that the CDM will approve today - according to what is learned - should provide for this purpose an allocation of 153 million euros for 2022 and 21 million for 2023. They will be used to finance participation in the "high-readiness force" which it will be activated by NATO and the continuation of the devices already in place: naval and airspace surveillance of the Alliance; presence in Latvia (Enhanced Forward Presence) and in Romania (Air Policing).

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2.20 pm - 18,000 rifles delivered to civilians to defend Kiev

About 18,000 rifles have been handed over to volunteers who are preparing to defend the streets of Kiev. Local media do know.

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2.15 pm - EU delegation in Kiev to move to Moldova

According to several European sources, the EU delegation in Kiev is evaluating its move to Moldova as the conflict in Ukraine worsens. The spokesman for the EU External Action Service, Peter Stano, at a press briefing this morning explained that Brussels "is evaluating" what to do on the basis of "the rapid developments" of the situation in Kiev.

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14.05 - Putin ready to negotiate with Ukraine in Minsk

Vladimir Putin "is ready to send a Russian delegation at the level of representatives of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the presidential administration to Minsk for negotiations with a Ukrainian delegation". This was stated by the spokesman of the Kremlin, Dmitry Peskov, quoted by the Ria Novosti agency.

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13.55 - EU ready to freeze Putin and Lavrov's assets

The EU is preparing to freeze the assets of Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in its sanctions package. The Financial Times reports it citing some sources.

However, Putin and Lavrov will not be hit by a travel ban, a move that signals the EU's willingness to keep the door open for diplomacy, adds the Financial Times.

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13.40 - Kiev in defensive position

Facing the advance of the Russian troops and in view of their possible entry into Kiev, the city has now entered a new phase, that of the defensive structure, ready to resist with the involvement of many citizens: the mayor of the Ukrainian capital Vitali Klitschko, according to reports from some international media.

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1.30 pm - Moscow: "200 Ukrainians killed in the conquest of Gostomel airport"

The Russian defense ministry said that "200 Ukrainian nationalists" were "destroyed", therefore likely killed, in the operation of Russian paratroopers to take over Gostomel airport. Interfax reports it.

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12.45 - Zelensky to Putin: "Let's deal"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has again invited his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to sit down at a negotiating table. The Russian agencies Tass and Interfax write it.

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12.35 pm - Assad supports the Russian operation

The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, thanked his Syrian counterpart, Bashar al-Assad, for supporting the operation to protect the Donbass. This was announced by the Kremlin, quoted by the main Russian agencies. "The Syrian president - reads an official note - expressed his strong support for the Russian special military operation aimed at protecting civilians in the republics of Donbass, condemning the destabilization policies implemented by the United States and NATO, which previously they have seriously aggravated the situation in the Middle East as well ".

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12.15 - Mattarella: "Peace in danger"

Ours is "a world that does not intend to see the principles of coexistence trampled on". The Europeans "do not bow to the violence of force: today we are talking about Ukraine and tomorrow we do not know what objectives". This was stated by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, speaking in Norcia.

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12.05 - Kiev: "It's the blackest day"

"Ukraine expects an attack by Russian tanks in Kiev today, which could be the most difficult day of the war," said an advisor to the Ukrainian Interior Minister quoted by Ukrainian media. Anton Herashchenko added that Kiev's defenders "are ready with anti-tank missiles supplied by foreign allies".

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11.55 - Lavrov: "Undemocratic Kiev government"

"There is no possibility of recognizing the current government as democratic." This was stated at a press conference by Russian Foreign Minister Serghiei Lavrov, quoted by Interfax.

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11.50 am - EU at work on third package of sanctions

The EU is working on a third sanctions package against Moscow. This was announced in a tweet by the president of the European Council, Charles Michel. "I spoke to" Ukrainian "President Volodymyr Zelensky while Kiev is constantly under attack from Russian forces," writes Michel.

"The senseless suffering and loss of civilian lives must stop. Europe is on the side of the people of Ukraine and will continue to provide support," he continues. "A second package of sanctions with massive and serious consequences was agreed last night. A further package is in urgent preparation."

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11.40 am - Moscow: "We took Chernobyl to protect it"

Russian troops took control of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant to "protect it," the Russian defense ministry said today in a statement.

The action was arranged to ensure that "nationalist groups and other terrorist organizations cannot exploit the situation in the country to stage a nuclear provocation," reads the statement, cited by BBC News online.

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11.30 - Ukrainian government to the citizens of Kiev: "Arm yourself with Molotov cocktails"

As Kiev prepares for the arrival of Russian troops, the Ukrainian government on social media encourages the population to resist by also making bottles to burn to repel the occupiers. "Citizens, neutralize the invaders with Molotov cocktails! Be careful and do not abandon your homes!", Reads the Twitter accounts of the Ministry of Defense and the Interior, complete with instructions for making the incendiary cocktail.

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11.25 - Moscow: "We will take revenge on Western sanctions"

We will take revenge on Western sanctions. This was stated by Foreign Minister Serghiei Lavrov, reiterating that Russia intends to "free Ukrainians from Nazi oppression".

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11.20 - Lavrov: "Kiev has chosen the path of russophobia and genocide"

"During all these years the people of your republics have been harassed and attacked daily by the Kiev regime, which has deliberately taken the path of russophobia and genocide." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said this, quoted by Interfax, during a meeting with the representatives of the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Lugansk.

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11 am - Moscow denies missile attack in Kiev

The Russian military did not conduct missile strikes in Kiev last night. This is what was reported by sources of the Russian Defense Ministry, cited by Tass and Interfax, in response to the accusations of the Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelensky.

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10.45 am - "Risks from sanctions for the International Space Station"

The sanctions against Russia jeopardize the existence of the International Space Station: to say very clearly was the general director of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, in a series of very harsh tweets in which he condemns the choices of the

American president Biden.

In his tweets, Rogozin, considered a staunch loyal to Putin as Deputy Prime Minister between 2011 and 2018 - asks Biden a series of questions about the future, in particular: "Do you want to destroy our cooperation on the ISS?", "Or else. do you want to manage it yourself? ".

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10.30 am - Fights in Kiev

Fights are underway in the northern district of Kiev, Oblonsky: an AFP journalist found this, while according to some international media gunshots were heard in the area of government buildings. According to some testimonies, the tanks of the Z unit of the Russian army, without signs, are said to be advancing in the city center, where explosions follow one another.

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10.10 am - Moscow: "14 Ukrainian anti-missile systems destroyed"

The Russian military destroyed 14 anti-missile systems and shot down five aircraft, five drones and a helicopter during a special military operation in Ukraine. The spokesman of the Russian Defense Ministry, Igor Konashenkov, announced this to TASS.

"Five warplanes, one helicopter and five drones were shot down," he said. The Moscow armed forces also dismantled 36 radar stations. "Eighteen tanks and other types of combat vehicles, seven rocket launchers, 41 military motor vehicles and five military ships were destroyed," Konashenkov concluded.

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10 am - China opposes sanctions

China "opposes any illegal sanctions that harm Russia's legitimate rights and interests". The spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Wang Wenbin said, according to which "the United States has imposed more than 100 sanctions on Russia since 2011", which were found to be "non-fundamental and effective tools for solving problems".

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9.54 - Russia closes airspace to the British

Russia has closed its airspace to all British, or UK-related, aircraft. This was announced by the Russian aviation authority.

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9.50 am - Gentiloni: "The sanctions have a limited impact on the European economy"

The impact on the economy of the European Union of the war launched by Russia in Ukraine is "on the one hand limited because trade relations with Russia are not so important for the Union. On the other hand we know that the question of energy will be important as a risk for our economic forecasts and this will require measures "aimed at, inter alia," energy autonomy "and" independence ". This was stated by the European Commissioner for Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, arriving at the informal Ecofin in Paris.

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9.30 - Zelensky: "Strengthening sanctions"

"I had talks with BorisJohnson. Updated on the progress of Ukraine's defense and on the insidious attacks on Kiev by the aggressor. Today Ukraine needs the support of partners more than ever. We call for an effective reaction from the Russian Federation. Sanctions must be further strengthened ". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky writes in a tweet.

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9.15 am - United Kingdom: "Further support for Ukraine"

The UK promises to strengthen its support for Ukraine. This is what Prime Minister Boris Johnson said to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.

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9.05 am - School bombed, two teachers killed

Two teachers were killed in a bombing raid on a school in Gorlovka, in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic. This was announced by the mayor of the city, Ivan Prikhodko. "Two teachers - his words on Telegram - were killed in an attack on school number 50". Prikhodko added that there is also one injured person.

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8.52 am - Romania and Poland, open borders for refugees

"Tonight Romania and Poland opened their borders. They allow women, children and the elderly to pass. There is assistance, help and support for refugees as soon as they cross the border. There are long queues but we move. document proving identity ". This was stated by Fabio Prevedello, president of the European Association Italy-Ukraine.

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8.45 am - France: "Putin has chosen to remove Ukraine from the map of states"

The "security" of the Ukrainian president is at stake, France is ready "to help if necessary". This was stated by the French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian. "Putin has chosen to remove Ukraine from the map of the states, we are also worried about Moldova and Georgia", he added.

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8.30 am - Fighting in the north of Kiev

Fights are underway north of Kiev. The Ukrainian army announces it.

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8.20 am - The appeal to the "Nine of Bucharest"

"I appeal to the 'Nine of Bucharest' for defense aid, sanctions, pressure on the aggressor. Together we must bring Russia to the negotiating table. We need an anti-war coalition": reads Zelensky's tweet.

The so-called 'Bucharest Nine' group consists of Romania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuanuia, Poland and Slovakia.

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8.15 am - Zelensky: "We need a coalition against the war"

"We need an anti-war coalition": Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a tweet.

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8 am - Zelensky urges the Russians to demonstrate against the war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today urged the Russians to protest Vladimir Putin's attack on Ukraine as the invading Moscow forces reached Kiev.

"To the citizens of the Russian Federation who are going out to protest: we see you - said the president in a video speech posted on social media -. And this means that you have listened to us. This means that you believe in us. Fight for us. Fight against the war".

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7.30 - "Civilian areas of Ukraine also targeted"

Russian forces are also targeting civilian areas of Ukraine: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this, adding that Russia will have to "talk" with Ukraine "sooner or later" to put an end to the fighting.

(Unioneonline / L)





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