Ukraine: Approx. 50+ dead following early attacks from Russia

Kiev’s health minister has stated fifty seven Ukrainians have been killed and 169 have been wounded.

For the past eight years, armed rebellion has savaged eastern Ukraine. Russian President, Vladimir Putin stated that invasion was the only way for Moscow to protect Russians in and near the war torn region.

However, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy maintains that Ukraine has never been and never will be a threat to Russia or its citizens. Furthermore, many critics have stated Putin is merely using the instability as a guise to reestablish the empire former Soviet Union.

President Joe Biden criticized Putin for his “unprovoked and unjustified attack”, saying that he “has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering.”

Biden said that after discussions with G7 leadership, Moscow can expect severe sanctions aimed at crippling Russia’s economy. These sanctions are expected to target world banking, export control, and critical imports. Biden is scheduled to speak on this further at noon EST today.

The vale of Russia’s currency, the ruble, has plummeted as sanctions have wiped out almost $200 billion in Russian stock-market value and nearly a third of their sovereign debt’s value. Putin has remained silent since his televised declaration of war broadcasted on Russian television.

Major Ukrainian cities, to include the capital city of Kyiv, were rocked by explosions since last night. President Zelenskyy has declared martial law and ordered citizens to stay inside. In spite of these orders, citizens of Kyiv took to the roads in an effort to escape.

Zelenskyy has also offered to arm any Ukrainian citizen who wants to defend their country from the Russian attack.