On the day Russia declared war on Ukraine, two young men from Kyiv united their destinies. Iarina Arieva and Sviatoslav Fursin formalized their marriage while the city sounded the alarm sirens for air raids.
The young bride Arieva said that although it was very scary, they did not want to give up.
"It simply came to our notice then. It should have been the happiest time of her life, but you hear that, ”said Arieva, who married her partner at St. Michael's Monastery in Kyiv.
The couple was planning to get married on May 6 and celebrate at a restaurant overlooking the Dnieper River, Arieva said.
But all that changed when Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine on Thursday morning, and the attack began at dawn with rockets.
The invasion spread to central and eastern Ukraine, and Russian forces attacked the country from three sides, killing tens of millions of Ukrainians.
The two young men, who met in October 2019 during a protest in the center of Kiev, decided that they want to get married now because they do not know what the future holds for them.
"It simply came to our notice then. We will fight for our land. We can die and we just wanted to be together before all this. "
After their wedding, Arieva and Fursin prepared to go to the local Territorial Defense Center to join forces to defend the country.
"We must defend our country. We need to protect the people we love and the land we live in, ”she said.
Arieva does not know what task will be assigned to the couple. "It simply came to our notice then. Maybe we'll help with something else. They will decide, "she said.
Arieva described her husband as "her closest friend on Earth" and said she hoped that one day they would be able to celebrate their marriage.
"I just hope that everything will go normally and we will have our land, we will keep our country safe and happy without Russians in it," she said.
Just hours after their wedding on the first day of the Russian invasion, Yaryna Arieva and Sviatoslav Fursin joined the fight to protect their country.
The couple were due to get married in May, but rushed to Kyiv last week, when Russia invaded the country before joining Ukrainian resistance. Wearing camouflage jackets and holding a rifle, the couple talked to CNN reporter Don Lemon about spending their honeymoon living in a besieged city and taking up arms to fight Russian troops invading their homeland.
"It is difficult to understand this new reality that we have," said Arieva, who is from Kyiv.
Sviatoslav Fursin said he hoped that the time would come when he would be able to gather his family and friends “all in one place and drink a good glass of wine. And to tell everyone, "Come on, the war is over, we're winning."
Before that, however, he said he wanted "everyone in this world, including Russia and the Russian people, to remember" that he was fighting "for the freedom of the world."
At least eight people have been killed and at least nine injured in Russian bombings, an adviser to Ukraine's interior minister said.
Video footage indicates that Russian missiles have hit population centers in major Ukrainian cities, despite claims by the Russian military that they are aimed only at military infrastructure. An adviser to Ukraine's interior ministry says Russian bombings across Ukraine have left one dead and one injured. In Mariupol, seven residential buildings caught fire, and a shell hit Kramatorsk airfield.
Russia's attack on Thursday morning could lead to a huge influx of refugees from Ukraine, a country of 44 million people, so preparations are being made in several Central European states to receive them.
"Reception points for Ukrainian refugees will be set up in the next few hours," Polish Deputy Interior Minister Pawel Szefernaker told Agerpres.
Eight such points will be set up as a first step near the border with Ukraine to provide food, medical care and information to potential refugees, he said.
A spokesman for the Polish government said his country's diplomatic missions in Ukraine would remain open as long as possible, but the foreign ministry urged all Poles to leave the country. Hungary has also stated that its embassy in Kiev will remain open. Instead, the Czech Republic has closed the embassy, but remains open in the consulate in Lviv, western Ukraine.
Hungary has said it will send troops to the border area with Ukraine - without saying how many there will be - for security and humanitarian purposes, but no troops were visible on Thursday morning.
Hungary must prepare to receive tens of thousands of refugees if necessary, but also for the possibility of soldiers involved in fighting to 'cross' the border, as happened during the war in Yugoslavia in 1999, it said on Wednesday evening. Defense Minister Tibor Benko.
Slovakian railways have suspended services to Ukraine, and the low-cost airline Wizz has stopped all flights to and from Ukraine. On Thursday morning, at the western borders of Ukraine, the traffic was found to have intensified slightly.
"We see a moderate increase in traffic at the border with Ukraine, we assume that it will intensify during the day," said an official from the Slovak Interior Ministry.
"Slovakia is ready to help, we could allow access to people who do not have all the necessary documents," he added.
For his part, Ukrainian Ambassador to Prague Perebyjnis Yevhen told a news conference that he could not "rule out some waves of refugees."
"But they will be in the western part of Ukraine rather than abroad," he said.
About 260,000 Ukrainians live in the Czech Republic, and tens of thousands work in Hungary, which has a large minority of about 140,000 people just beyond the common border.
In Bulgaria, President Rumen Radev said authorities were ready to evacuate more than 4,000 ethnic Bulgarians from Ukraine by land and were ready to house other Ukrainian refugees. Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said Bulgaria would prepare hotels and other tourist facilities for the purpose.
#StandwithUkraine
Anti-war protests in several cities around the world and Russia. In Russia, the authorities are threatening people
Actions in support of Ukraine are taking place all over the world. In Berlin, people took to the streets the Ukrainian flag and placards with the words: "Stop the Russian invasion!", "Stop the crime!". Such actions have also taken place in Barcelona, Paris, London, Sydney, Lithuania, Prague, Istanbul, Tokyo and other cities around the world.
Protests have been taking place in various countries around the world since the first hours since the beginning of the Russian aggression in Ukraine against the war and in support of Ukraine.
On Thursday, February 24, solidarity actions were held with Ukraine in Berlin, Hamburg, Barcelona, Paris, London, Sydney, Lithuania, Prague, Istanbul, Tokyo and other cities around the world.
A Belarusian and Russian citizen, musician Timothy Suladze, burned his Russian passport in front of the embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania, Deutsche Welle reports.
Anti-war protests in several cities around the world
1.Georgia
Dozens of Russian citizens from cities such as Saint Petersburg and Yekaterinburg took to the streets to protest the war in Ukraine. Protesters chanted "No to war!" Russian activists on Navalny's team's Instagram channel announce dozens of arrests.
Russia later announced its readiness to begin negotiations with Kiev on Ukraine's neutral status (not to join NATO) and its refusal to introduce nuclear weapons into its territory. The announcement was made by the press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Peskov.
Hundreds of Russian protesters gathered in the cities of Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg and Tyumen in anti-war demonstrations after President Vladimir Putin announced the start of an invasion of Ukraine this morning.
2.Germany
Russia's Committee of Inquiry has urged citizens to avoid participating in anti-war protests. Authorities warn that "in connection with the spread of calls to participate in riots and rallies related to the tense situation of foreign policy", there will be "negative legal consequences of their actions, which include prosecution and even criminal liability."
Similar events took place in Europe. Hundreds of people gathered in front of the office of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, waving Ukrainian flags and demanding stricter sanctions, along with broader actions by the British government in response to Russia's military action. Demonstrations are also taking place in Berlin, Madrid and Paris.
3.Russia
Hundreds of Russian protesters gathered in the cities of Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg and Tyumen in anti-war demonstrations after President Vladimir Putin announced the start of an invasion of Ukraine this morning.
Similar events took place in Europe. Hundreds of people gathered in front of the office of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, waving Ukrainian flags and demanding stricter sanctions, along with broader actions by the British government in response to Russia's military action. Demonstrations are also taking place in Berlin, Madrid and Paris.
4.France
5.Czech Republic
6.Germany
7.Ukraine
8.Canada
9.Germany
10.Poland
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the start of a "special operation" in Ukraine on Thursday morning, around 05:30 Moscow time. Soon, strong explosions began to resonate in several cities in Ukraine. A powerful explosion was reported near the barracks of a mechanized brigade in Odessa, two powerful explosions - in Kiev. Explosions were also reported in Kramatorsk, Nikolaev and Berdyansk.
Russia's Security Council voted on Monday (February 21st) to recognize the independence of the self-proclaimed separatist republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin signed decrees for the independence of the two regions and sent Russian troops to parts of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions. to ensure the maintenance of peace. The West condemned Russia's decision and said it would impose sanctions. Ukraine has called for the immediate convening of the UN Security Council.
A state of siege is introduced in Kiev and the Cherkasy region. In Kiev, it will be introduced from 22:00 to 07:00. During this period, public transport will not operate, but subway stations will be open 24 hours a day as shelters. People need to have documents with them. In the Cherkasy region, the siege will take effect between 22:00 and 6:00. During this time, traffic on the street and in other public places without special permits and certificates will be banned, which will be issued only to the employees of the enterprises, institutions and organizations that direct the activities of the region.
Russian actors, singers, TV presenters and bloggers have sent messages of solidarity in the current war situation caused by the Russian Federation's attack on Ukraine. They have called on the Kremlin authorities to stop hostilities in the country. Several Russian celebrities such as Ivan Urgant, Maxim Galkin and Ksenia Sobchak have spoken out on social media against the Russian invasion of Ukraine and called for an end to hostilities. They posted completely black images with the hashtag #NOWAR.
Belarus, a Russian ally that borders Ukraine to the north, allows tens of thousands of Russian soldiers to cross its border into Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian government.
Lukashenko recently said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had called him to inform him of his military operation against Ukraine. He said Belarus' own national forces were "not taking part in the operation".
An emergency summit of the European Union will soon take place to decide on new sanctions against Moscow.
Russia, which has started the war against Ukraine, has announced its readiness to begin negotiations with Kiev on Ukraine's neutral status (not to join NATO) and its refusal to introduce nuclear weapons into its territory. The announcement was made by the press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Peskov.
Asked if Russia is now ready to talk to Ukraine's leadership on the issue, Peskov said, "If Ukraine's leadership is ready to talk about it."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Putin, but he did not answer the phone.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying announced in a press conference that his country will start importing wheat from Russia today, as Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping agreed when they met before the Games. Olympic Games since the beginning of the month.
In addition, the Chinese official refused to condemn Russia's attack on Ukraine on Thursday, saying instead that "respect for territorial sovereignty" was needed, but also that the US "fuels tensions and only the US can put out the flames." In fact, prior to this statement, the same spokesman stated: "Did the US think about the consequences when they put a country as big as Russia on the wall?"
Journalists in the international press point out that during the 90-minute conference, Chunying avoided answering 11 questions about the situation in Ukraine. In addition, journalists repeatedly insisted and asked if Beijing considered Russia's action an invasion, and the Chinese official finally replied, "Why are you obsessed with this question?"
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told a news conference that "peace on our continent has been shaken," and that "Russia is using force to try to rewrite history."
"I convened a virtual summit of NATO leaders tomorrow. This is the new normal for our security: peace cannot be taken for granted. Strategic competition is on the rise. We will deploy additional ground and air defense forces in eastern NATO, as well as naval forces. We have increased the level of training of our forces, in order to be able to face all the scenarios ", it is shown in the communiqué of the North Atlantic Alliance.
Russian police have arrested at least 389 people in anti-war protests in 39 cities on Thursday for violating a rally banned by Russian authorities.
Russia's main opponent, Aleksei Navalny, who has been jailed and charged with new charges, said on Thursday he was opposed to Moscow's war on Ukraine.
Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine - land, air and naval - at the dawn of Thursday, the largest state-run attack on another state in Europe since World War II.
Russian police have arrested at least 389 people in anti-war protests in 39 cities on Thursday for violating a rally banned by Russian authorities.
Dozens of protesters were arrested near Pushkin Square in the Russian capital and about 20 others in Russia's second city, chanting "No to war!"
Several Russian cities have been hit by protests from civilians dissatisfied with leader Putin's latest decisions on the situation in Ukraine. For example, one of the cities where large protests were organized is St. Petersburg, where citizens took to the streets to oppose the war with Ukraine. "No war," chanted the crowd, according to a Twitter post on the Nexta channel.
Extensive protests are also taking place in Novosibirsk, where residents are also marching in protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Russian opposition activists called for anti-war protests in several cities across the country on Thursday. She emphasized that the current situation was "the agony of a dying man", but also that "unfortunately, Russia is in agony".
"We will clean up this mess for many years to come. Not even us, but our children and grandchildren, "Marina Litvinovici, an activist from Moscow, wrote on Facebook, writes Agerpres. According to RFI, she was arrested.
Russia's Committee of Inquiry has issued a subsequent warning about the "negative legal consequences of these actions, which include criminal prosecution and even criminal liability", ie for participating in riots and rallies related to the tense security situation in the region.
"It should be remembered that having a criminal record has negative consequences and leaves a mark on the person's future," the Committee of Inquiry added.
In the actions against the war with Ukraine, 167 people are currently detained in 24 cities in Russia, informs Nexta. There are protests in Moscow, Saint Petersburg and other major cities. Beatings were reported. There are hundreds of people, and the weather is not bad; people are leaving work right now. Protests could escalate.
Other sources show higher numbers. Russian police have arrested at least 389 people in anti-war protests in 39 cities on Thursday for violating a Russian-banned assembly ban, OVD-Info reports.
OVD-Info has documented the crackdown on protests in Russia in recent years.
A detained driver in Ekaterinburg was taken out of the car and put face down in the mud because he honked at the protesters.
On Thursday, the country's Committee of Inquiry issued a warning in a statement: "In connection with the spread of calls to participate in riots and rallies related to the tense situation in the field of foreign policy," the statement warned against the "negative legal consequences of these actions. include criminal prosecution and even criminal liability. "
"It should be remembered that having a criminal record has negative consequences and leaves a mark on the person's future," the Committee of Inquiry added.
Russia attacked Ukraine on land and in the air on Thursday. The European Union, the United States and NATO are threatening sanctions, but the Kremlin leader does not seem intimidated. In Moscow, the authorities are threatening all citizens who want to join the anti-war protests.
Moscow threatens Russians who want to join anti-war protests. A leader of the Russian opposition, who called for protests, was arrested when she left the house, according to an American journalist.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, the Russian army arrived in the Kiev region, from Belarus, a few hours after Putin started the war. Russian attack helicopters have taken control of Gostomel Air Force Base on the outskirts of Kiev. An imminent attack on Kiev with Grad missiles aimed at military targets is coming, the Ukrainians have announced, reports AFP. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has announced that it does not want to occupy all of Ukraine.
At the same time, NATO is announcing the activation of defense plans, which allows military commanders the authority to deploy forces anywhere in the member countries, when needed, without waiting for the political decision.
Ukrainians are shocked and horrified by what is happening to them. Sirens are heard in Kiev, and people are fleeing the city. Images appeared with huge columns of cars blocking the highway at the exit from Kiev. Meanwhile, others have taken refuge in subway stations or are kneeling on the streets.
Several people from Kiev rushed to the underground subway stations to take shelter. Others boarded buses to leave the city.
On social media, people send messages saying that they are panicking and that they are trying to get to anti-aircraft shelters and basements as soon as possible. Reporters filmed groups of people praying on the street, kneeling.
In addition to panic, Ukrainians are creating videos with the slogan "My Home. My Ukraine." These videos are profound and painful. People want peace and a future for their children. Ukraine is truly a beautiful country, with many places where nature fills your soul, and the picturesque views are breathtaking. A country full of traditions, color and greenery. Ukraine is the home of its nation, and at this time, many will lose their homes as a result of the bombings, people are forced to leave their homes, to flee their country.
My home. My Ukraine
The first bombings took place just after 5 o'clock in the morning.
Residents of Kiev were told to stay in their homes and prepare a bag with the essentials in case they should leave urgently.
In the city, red arrows have been drawn on several walls indicating the locations of the nearest anti-aircraft shelters. These insignia have existed since 2014, and now they have been marked once again with intense color, so that they can be easily observed.
At 6:18 a.m., two hours before the start of the school day, the parents of the children attending the Ivan Franko school in central Kiev received a message to keep the children at home and that the classes would be held online.
Residents of Ukraine's capital, Kiev, woke up to explosions and sirens on Thursday morning, and the city panicked: many tried to seek shelter, while others fled the town. Even after weeks of warnings from Ukrainian and Western leaders that a Russian attack was imminent, some Kiev residents were caught unprepared.
Many people rushed to anti-aircraft shelters or subway stations to take shelter. Others sat in long queues at banks, supermarkets, or gas stations. Some fled west by car.
"I didn't expect that. I didn't think anything would happen until this morning," said Nikita, a 34-year-old marketer as she waited in a long line at a bottle stack. of water in the shopping cart. "I am a healthy adult. I packed my bags, bought food and stayed home with my family," he said.
Other residents were determined to move to western Ukraine, which they considered relatively safe. During the morning, traffic was blocked on the four lanes of the main road to the western city of Lviv. The cars were parked side by side for tens of kilometers, according to witnesses quoted by Reuters.
Among those who tried to leave is 31-year-old Alex Svitelskyi, who says he wants to take his parents out of town. He is also worried about his sister: "I want her away from here."
The effects of the attacks were immediately apparent in Ukraine. In addition to the affected buildings in various cities, in the capital Kiev people did their best to leave. Queues formed at ATMs, supermarkets and gas stations, while thousands of cars crowded out of town. An extremely affected area was also near Kharkov, in the city of Chiuhiv, where a blockade was devastated by a Russian rocket.
"Fighting is taking place in almost the entire territory of Ukraine. So far, 203 Russian military attacks have been reported," the Ukrainian National Police said.
Armored columns are now heading for Kiev after fighting took place at the Hostomel air base on the northern outskirts of the Ukrainian capital.
Ukrainian citizens have begun withdrawing money from ATMs and stockpiling supplies. According to their testimonies, the internet networks have already started to be affected.
People explained that the authorities asked the people not to leave the houses and, if necessary, to take shelter in the basements. "There was a real panic and people started to leave Kiev. They bought products, withdrew money from ATMs. City officials are trying to stop the panic by asking people to stay indoors and, if necessary, go down to basements or bomb shelters. The sirens sounded in the streets several times. There are constant explosions and fires. "
In Lutsk, the fire station was damaged, no one was injured. One person was injured when the airport was bombed. An "air raid" was reported in Poltava. Fire in the military depots in the village. Raduşinţi (Poltava region). At Khmelnitsky, a shell hit the runway of a military airfield. In Nijin, six people woke up under the rubble of the airfield, they are working for their release.
