Around 50 Russian occupiers killed, Ukraine claims


Tanks move into the city, after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a military operation in eastern Ukraine, in Mariupol, February 24, 2022. Photo: Reutrers
At least seven people are known to have been killed in Ukraine as Russian military vehicles were said to have breached the border in a number of places, in the north, south and east, including from Belarus, according to BBC.

Another 19 are missing in the attacks, the reported quoted police.

Russian forces have launched a military assault on neighbouring Ukraine, crossing its borders and bombing military targets near big cities, BBC said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that martial law was now being imposed across all of Ukraine.

"No panic. We're strong. We're ready for anything. We'll defeat everyone, because we are Ukraine," the Ukrainian leader said in a video statement. Ahead of Russia's attack he had made a last-ditch attempt to avert war, warning that Russia could start "a major war in Europe" and urging Russian citizens to oppose it.

On the other hand, AFP quoted Ukraine's military command on Thursday saying that said the government forces had killed "around 50 Russian occupiers" while repulsing an attack on a town on the frontline with Moscow-backed rebels.

AFP could not immediately confirm the death toll.

"Shchastya is under control. 50 Russian occupiers were killed. Another Russian plane was destroyed in the Kramatorsk district. This is the sixth," the armed forces general staff said on Twitter.