Russia intensified its offensive in Ukraine on Friday, following fruitless talks between the two countries’ foreign ministers. A large contingent of Russian troops is mounting an attack on the Ukrainian capital, Kiev. For the first time, three new cities have been hit by Russian missile and air strikes.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia will not compromise its sovereignty for some economic benefits. The Russian president has said that Russia will turn its back on Western sanctions. As a result of these restrictions, the prices of food and fuel will go up and the westerners will suffer.
Ukrainian authorities have also acknowledged that Russian attacks have intensified. Mikhail Podoliak, an adviser to the country’s president, said in a tweet yesterday that major cities were once again facing devastating attacks.
Fighting around Kiev
A satellite image from a U.S. agency shows Russian troops stationed near Antonov Airport in northwestern Kiev, encircling several small towns in the vicinity. The fleet, which covers a distance of 64 km, includes armored vehicles, tanks and artillery. Their positions are seen west and south of Kiev. Another part of the fleet was stationed north of Kiev, near the city of Rubianca. Another convoy of Russian troops is advancing on Kiev from the northeast.
A U.S. official told the BBC that Russian troops were trying to surround Kiev from all sides.
Ukrainian troops are also making final preparations to resist Russian forces. Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitsko said a large part of the capital’s residents had left. Each house has now become a fortress in the face of Russian resistance.
