Russia invades Ukraine

EXPLOSIONS have been heard in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev and other major cities after Vladimir Putin announced that a military operation had begun. The Russian president announced the action during a televised address early yesterday morning, saying the move was a response to threats from Ukraine. Gunfire rattled near the capital’s main airport, the Interfax news agency said, and sirens were heard over the city. Explosions have also been heard in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odessa, and in the north-eastern city of Kharkiv. Media reported that military command centres in Kiev and Kharkiv had been struck by missiles while Russian troops had landed in Odessa and Mariupol.