– Live – Crisis in Ukraine: Kiev claims to have shot down five Russian planes and a helicopter

The crisis in the East has intensified as Vladimir Putin has declared recognition of the independence of separatist regions. Follow live on all information about tensions between Ukraine and Russia.

7:07

Ukraine says it shot down five Russian planes and a helicopter.

6:54

AFP reports that anti-bomb sirens sounded Thursday morning in the western Ukrainian city of Elviv as the country faces a military operation launched by Russia.

Locals have received messages from the regional administration to “stay calm” and wait for instructions from authorities.

6:39

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday condemned the “horrific events in Ukraine”, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin had “chosen the path of bloodshed and destruction by carrying out this unprovoked attack”.

“The UK and our allies will respond decisively,” he tweeted, adding that he had spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zhelensky.

6:19

On Thursday morning, German Chancellor Olaf Scholes described the Russian military operation in Ukraine as a “blatant violation of international law” and called it a “dark day” for the whole of Europe.

“German President Vladimir Putin strongly condemns this dishonest act. Our unity goes to Ukraine and its people,” he said in a statement. Scholes said his country is currently confirming the chairmanship of the G7 forum.

“It’s a terrible day for Ukraine and” for the whole of Europe, “he said. Scholes said. He urged Moscow to suspend its military operations “immediately”.

6:14 p.m.

The Ukrainian president on Thursday called on his fellow citizens not to panic over the Russian attack on their country and announced the introduction of martial law. “Do not panic, we are ready for anything, we will win,” Volodymyr Zhelensky said in a video message on Facebook that Russia had carried out attacks against military infrastructure and border guards.

6:09

Bomb alert sirens sound in Kay.

6:00 p.m.

The EU president has vowed to hold the Kremlin “responsible” for the “unprovoked” attack on Ukraine.

3h50

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a military operation in Ukraine to protect separatists in the east of the country and “militarize and destroy” its pro-Western neighbor.

“I have decided on a special military operation,” he said in a surprise statement on television shortly before 0300 GMT, condemning the planned “genocide” by Ukraine in the east of the country and arguing for a call for help. The separatists declared overnight and would be NATO’s policy of aggression in relation to Russia and Ukraine’s tool.

“For this, we will strive to achieve the militarization and destruction of Ukraine,” said the Kremlin master, sitting at a dark wooden table, promising to bring to justice “those who have committed many crimes and those responsible for the bloodshed of civilians.” “Russian citizens do not want to invade Ukrainian territory. We do not want to impose anything on anyone,” he assured.