320 missiles in a day: Russia targets short-range ballistic missiles at Ukraine; what is the result?

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

A video of a man blocking a Russian military convoy has gone viral with many calling him the "tank man".

A short 30-second video clip shared by Ukraine's news outlets showed a man suddenly appearing before the convoy as the military vehicles were moving at top speed.

The convoy was halted by the man for a few seconds as he&nbsp;sought to stop the string of vehicles on the road. The vehicles then began bypassing him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/strike-force-russias-tornado-s-rocket-system-can-strike-multiple-targets-454294">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia's Tornado-S rocket system can strike multiple targets</a>

The man's heroics was immediately compared to the iconic "tank man" of Tiananmen Square during the student uprising against the Communist Party in China in 1989.

(Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.)

Netizens applauded the risk taken by the anonymous person as&nbsp;they slammed the Russian assault on Ukraine.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> 's own "Tank Man" throws himself against an entire Russian column. <a href="https://t.co/egSg8FsYlu">pic.twitter.com/egSg8FsYlu</a>
— ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ (@DesiPepe) <a href="https://twitter.com/DesiPepe/status/1497202087100559371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"TANK MAN" in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PutinsWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PutinsWar</a> <a href="https://t.co/PIwixEUv40">pic.twitter.com/PIwixEUv40</a>
— Brent Erickson (@BErickson_BIO) <a href="https://twitter.com/BErickson_BIO/status/1497200479801073665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Ukrainian man pulling his best tank man with a Russian convoy <a href="https://t.co/27R3iXBmRv">pic.twitter.com/27R3iXBmRv</a>
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) <a href="https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1497199623114575872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Ukrainian forces continued to resist the massive Russian assault for the third consecutive day on Saturday&nbsp;amid heavy fighting in capital Kyiv. There were reports of heavy gunfire around residential areas in Kyiv.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-russia-has-parked-iskander-m-missile-system-along-ukraine-448119">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Why Russia has parked Iskander-M missile system along Ukraine</a>

The US embassy in Kyiv said that the "security situation throughout Ukraine remains highly volatile" and that "conditions may deteriorate" as heavy gunfire could be heard in the capital.

There were reports of shelling in central Kyiv with gunfire heard after dawn on Saturday near government buildings at the city centre.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. A video of a man blocking a Russian military convoy has gone viral with many calling him the "tank man". A short 30-second video clip shared by Ukraine's news outlets showed a man suddenly appearing before the convoy as the military vehicles were moving at top speed. The convoy was halted by the man for a few seconds as he sought to stop the string of vehicles on the road. The vehicles then began bypassing him. Also Read in Pics: Russia's Tornado-S rocket system can strike multiple targets The man's heroics was immediately compared to the iconic "tank man" of Tiananmen Square during the student uprising against the Communist Party in China in 1989. (Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.) Netizens applauded the risk taken by the anonymous person as they slammed the Russian assault on Ukraine. #Ukraine 's own "Tank Man" throws himself against an entire Russian column. pic.twitter.com/egSg8FsYlu — ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ (@DesiPepe) February 25, 2022 × "TANK MAN" in #Ukraine #Russia #PutinsWar pic.twitter.com/PIwixEUv40 — Brent Erickson (@BErickson_BIO) February 25, 2022 × Ukrainian man pulling his best tank man with a Russian convoy pic.twitter.com/27R3iXBmRv — OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) February 25, 2022 × Ukrainian forces continued to resist the massive Russian assault for the third consecutive day on Saturday amid heavy fighting in capital Kyiv. There were reports of heavy gunfire around residential areas in Kyiv. Also Read in Pics: Why Russia has parked Iskander-M missile system along Ukraine The US embassy in Kyiv said that the "security situation throughout Ukraine remains highly volatile" and that "conditions may deteriorate" as heavy gunfire could be heard in the capital. There were reports of shelling in central Kyiv with gunfire heard after dawn on Saturday near government buildings at the city centre. (With inputs from Agencies)

Watch: Ukraine's 'tank man' halts Russian military convoy; Twitter applauds as video goes viral

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

As Russia continued its strikes on Ukraine, the Zelenksy government said a Moldovan-flagged chemical tanker and a Panamanian-flagged cargo ship was hit by missiles from Russian warships near the Odessa port in the Black Sea.&nbsp;

Ukraine's defence forces said it had "repulsed" an attack on the capital's Victory Avenue.

Ukraine President Zelensky had said on Friday that Russian "sabotage" groups had entered capital Kyiv as Russian defence forces conducted heavy bombing on the capital.&nbsp;

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As the battle for Kyiv intensified, residents armed themselves as the government said anyone between the age of 18 and 60 could&nbsp;pick up a gun and get ready to fight.

Reports claimed Russian soldiers were trying to capture the city's electricity generating plant with the war&nbsp;raging&nbsp;inside the capital. Reports said intense gunfire and artillery rounds could be heard in capital Kyiv.

Watch:&nbsp;Kyiv residents rush to bunkers amid reports of explosions

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Amid the fighting, Ukrainians sought shelter&nbsp;in underground Metro stations and in nearby churches as residents continued to seek safety from the escalating Russian attacks.

Reports said Ukrainians began fleeing to Romania driving in trucks and cars mostly comprising of women and children with men banned from leaving the country due to the fighting.

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Reports said Russian and Ukrainian forces were engaged in heavy fighting in the northern district in the country's capital. Amid the fierce fighting, the Czech Republic, Poland and Bulgaria announced they would be closing their airspace to Russian carriers.

"As of midnight today, we are halting the traffic of all Russian airline companies in Czech airspace," transport minister Martin Kupka said as Poland declared that the "ban will apply from midnight".

Bulgaria said it will close its airspace to Russian carriers&nbsp;due to "the worsening military conflict and in solidarity with Ukraine."

Russian forces unleashed a three-pronged attack on Ukraine from the north, east and south as tanks entered the breakaway regions. Russian forces said that Hostomel airfield near Kyiv was annexed on Friday as it launched its ground attack on Kyiv.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. As Russia continued its strikes on Ukraine, the Zelenksy government said a Moldovan-flagged chemical tanker and a Panamanian-flagged cargo ship was hit by missiles from Russian warships near the Odessa port in the Black Sea. Ukraine's defence forces said it had "repulsed" an attack on the capital's Victory Avenue. Ukraine President Zelensky had said on Friday that Russian "sabotage" groups had entered capital Kyiv as Russian defence forces conducted heavy bombing on the capital. Also Read in Pics | Russia's 'Dagger': Kinzhal hypersonic missiles can degrade high value targets As the battle for Kyiv intensified, residents armed themselves as the government said anyone between the age of 18 and 60 could pick up a gun and get ready to fight. Reports claimed Russian soldiers were trying to capture the city's electricity generating plant with the war raging inside the capital. Reports said intense gunfire and artillery rounds could be heard in capital Kyiv. Watch: Kyiv residents rush to bunkers amid reports of explosions Amid the fighting, Ukrainians sought shelter in underground Metro stations and in nearby churches as residents continued to seek safety from the escalating Russian attacks. Reports said Ukrainians began fleeing to Romania driving in trucks and cars mostly comprising of women and children with men banned from leaving the country due to the fighting. Also Read in Pics | Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile Reports said Russian and Ukrainian forces were engaged in heavy fighting in the northern district in the country's capital. Amid the fierce fighting, the Czech Republic, Poland and Bulgaria announced they would be closing their airspace to Russian carriers. "As of midnight today, we are halting the traffic of all Russian airline companies in Czech airspace," transport minister Martin Kupka said as Poland declared that the "ban will apply from midnight". Bulgaria said it will close its airspace to Russian carriers due to "the worsening military conflict and in solidarity with Ukraine." Russian forces unleashed a three-pronged attack on Ukraine from the north, east and south as tanks entered the breakaway regions. Russian forces said that Hostomel airfield near Kyiv was annexed on Friday as it launched its ground attack on Kyiv. (With inputs from Agencies)

Ships hit by Russian missiles near Odessa port: Ukraine

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Amid heavy fighting in the Ukrainian capital, President Volodymyr Zelensky in a video message said: "My family is the number two target. They want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of state." &nbsp;

US press secretary Jen Psaki sought to defend Zelensky saying: "Obviously going after a head of state would be a significant, horrific act by the Russian leadership."

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Zelensky on Friday had said he is "target No-1" for Russian forces amid heavy fighting inside Kyiv between Ukrainian forces and Russian troops.

"He is still in Ukraine, proudly and courageously facing up the Russian attack,” Psaki added. US President Joe Biden had earlier spoken to the Ukraine president as Russian forces continued to pound capital Kyiv&nbsp;for the third consecutive day.

Watch:&nbsp;NATO deploys rapid response force

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Reports say the whereabouts of the Ukrainian president is unknown. Zelensky had said on Friday that Russian "sabotage" groups had entered Kyiv. Late on Friday, the Ukrainian president said Russian troops will try to storm Kyiv.

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"This night will be more difficult than the day. Many cities of our state are under attack," Zelensky said in a video message. Ukraine's military said it had downed &nbsp;"two enemy targets" while identifying a SU-25 helicopter and a bomber in the separatist eastern region.

The military said it had "knocked down" a Russian transport plane near Vasylkiv city which is located southwest of Kyiv.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Amid heavy fighting in the Ukrainian capital, President Volodymyr Zelensky in a video message said: "My family is the number two target. They want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of state." US press secretary Jen Psaki sought to defend Zelensky saying: "Obviously going after a head of state would be a significant, horrific act by the Russian leadership." Also Read in Pics: Why Russia is raising second regiment of Avangard hypersonic missile system Zelensky on Friday had said he is "target No-1" for Russian forces amid heavy fighting inside Kyiv between Ukrainian forces and Russian troops. "He is still in Ukraine, proudly and courageously facing up the Russian attack,” Psaki added. US President Joe Biden had earlier spoken to the Ukraine president as Russian forces continued to pound capital Kyiv for the third consecutive day. Watch: NATO deploys rapid response force Reports say the whereabouts of the Ukrainian president is unknown. Zelensky had said on Friday that Russian "sabotage" groups had entered Kyiv. Late on Friday, the Ukrainian president said Russian troops will try to storm Kyiv. Also Read in Pics: How are hypersonic missiles different, is it the new 'wonder weapon'? "This night will be more difficult than the day. Many cities of our state are under attack," Zelensky said in a video message. Ukraine's military said it had downed "two enemy targets" while identifying a SU-25 helicopter and a bomber in the separatist eastern region. The military said it had "knocked down" a Russian transport plane near Vasylkiv city which is located southwest of Kyiv. (With inputs from Agencies)

My family is the number two target, says Ukraine President Zelensky in video message

Satellite pictures show vehicles lined up at Ukraine-Romania border

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

As Russia continued its assault on Ukraine, reports said an apartment block in Kyiv was hit by a missile.

Ukraine's defence ministry said Russian forces during the night launched strikes with "long-range precision weapons using air-and sea-launched cruise missiles" against the military infrastructure of Ukraine.

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Amid the heavy fighting, Russian forces claimed they had annexed the Ukrainian city of Melitopol as its forces unleashed cruise missile and artillery strikes on several cities including capital Kyiv.

Watch: Zelenksy refuses US' offer to evacuate him

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Ukraine said heavy fighting was continuing on the ground in the capital as the country's defence ministry claimed that it had shot down "two enemy targets were shot down" identifying them as a Russian SU-25 helicopter and a bomber in the separatist zone in the east.

Explosions were also heard in Kyiv's northern district Obolonsky as Ukrainian forces clashed with Russian troops&nbsp;on the streets. Ukrainian defence ministry claimed 2,800 Russian soldiers have been killed, although Russia is yet to release its casualty figures.

Reports quoting Ukrainian officials said Russian forces had launched cruise missiles from the Black Sea at Mariupol.&nbsp;Reports claimed Russian Kalibr cruise missiles were launched at Ukraine from the Black Sea.

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Meanwhile, French President Macron warned that the world "must be prepared" for a "long" war in Ukraine as Russia moved to suspend space launches from French Guiana over sanctions.

"I can tell you one thing this morning it is that this&nbsp;war&nbsp;will last," Macron said, adding,"&nbsp;"This crisis will last, this&nbsp;war&nbsp;will last and all the crises that come with it will have lasting consequences,"

"In response to EU sanctions against our enterprises, Roskosmos is suspending cooperation with European partners over organizing space launches from the Kourou cosmodrome and withdrawing its technical personnel... from French Guiana," the Russian space agency said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. As Russia continued its assault on Ukraine, reports said an apartment block in Kyiv was hit by a missile. Ukraine's defence ministry said Russian forces during the night launched strikes with "long-range precision weapons using air-and sea-launched cruise missiles" against the military infrastructure of Ukraine. Also Read in Pics: US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system Amid the heavy fighting, Russian forces claimed they had annexed the Ukrainian city of Melitopol as its forces unleashed cruise missile and artillery strikes on several cities including capital Kyiv. Watch: Zelenksy refuses US' offer to evacuate him Ukraine said heavy fighting was continuing on the ground in the capital as the country's defence ministry claimed that it had shot down "two enemy targets were shot down" identifying them as a Russian SU-25 helicopter and a bomber in the separatist zone in the east. Explosions were also heard in Kyiv's northern district Obolonsky as Ukrainian forces clashed with Russian troops on the streets. Ukrainian defence ministry claimed 2,800 Russian soldiers have been killed, although Russia is yet to release its casualty figures. Reports quoting Ukrainian officials said Russian forces had launched cruise missiles from the Black Sea at Mariupol. Reports claimed Russian Kalibr cruise missiles were launched at Ukraine from the Black Sea. Also Read in Pics | Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger Meanwhile, French President Macron warned that the world "must be prepared" for a "long" war in Ukraine as Russia moved to suspend space launches from French Guiana over sanctions. "I can tell you one thing this morning it is that this war will last," Macron said, adding," "This crisis will last, this war will last and all the crises that come with it will have lasting consequences," "In response to EU sanctions against our enterprises, Roskosmos is suspending cooperation with European partners over organizing space launches from the Kourou cosmodrome and withdrawing its technical personnel... from French Guiana," the Russian space agency said. (With inputs from Agencies)

'This war will last': Ukraine apartment block in Kyiv hit by missiles

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

To keep you up to speed, here are the top developments in the Ukraine-Russia war on Saturday, 26 February.

Zelenskyy says Ukrainian army not surrendering

Ukrainian President Volodymyr&nbsp;Zelensky recorded a video address in Kyiv on Saturday urging residents not to believe fake information about the surrender of the Ukrainian army. He said there was misinformation spreading on the internet about the Ukrainian army putting down arms and about the ongoing evacuation.

Zelensky&nbsp;claimed that he was in Kyiv and that the country's army wouldn't lay down arms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-updates-ukraine-war-air-raid-sirens-ring-out-in-kyiv-after-amid-clashes-455211">Also Read |&nbsp;Live Updates:&nbsp;Air raid sirens ring out in Kyiv after amid clashes</a>

"Our arms are our truth," he said. "Our truth is that it's our land, our country, our children and we will defend all of this," he added.

His message comes as Russian troops stormed towards Kyiv and street fighting broke out in the Ukrainian capital.

Zelensky also said Western 'partners' are sending weapons to Ukraine

“A new day on the diplomatic frontline began with a conversation with @EmmanuelMacron,” he tweeted, referring to French President Emmanuel Macron.

“Weapons and equipment from our partners are on the way to Ukraine. The anti-war coalition is working!”

European Council membership for Ukraine?

In another tweet, the Ukraine president reported progress in Ukraine’s membership of the European Council. “The crucial moment has come to close the long-standing discussion once and for all and decide on Ukraine's membership in #ЄС.” He discussed with Charles Michel, the president of the European Council,&nbsp; “further effective assistance and heroic struggle of Ukrainians for their free future.”

Situation on the ground

There was heavy gunfire in Kyiv as Russian invasion of its former Soviet Union neighbour entered the third day on Saturday.

Street fighting was witnessed in Kyiv as people were urged to seek shelter.

Ukraine military command said areas near Sumy, Poltava and Mariupol hit by Russian air strikes.

Facebook moves against Russia

Meanwhile, Facebook said it is banning Russian state media from running ads and monetising its platforms.

Nathaniel Gleicher, the head of the Facebook security policy, said on Saturday that the social network would ban Russian state media from running ads and monetising the platform over the Russian military operation in Ukraine.

Sanctions hit space cooperation

Russia said it is suspending space launches from French Guiana and withdrawing its technical personnel in response to EU sanctions over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

"In response to EU sanctions against our enterprises, Roskosmos is suspending cooperation with European partners over organizing space launches from the Kourou cosmodrome and withdrawing its technical personnel... from French Guiana," Dmitry Rogozin, chief of the Russian space agency, said on messaging app Telegram. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. To keep you up to speed, here are the top developments in the Ukraine-Russia war on Saturday, 26 February. Zelenskyy says Ukrainian army not surrendering Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recorded a video address in Kyiv on Saturday urging residents not to believe fake information about the surrender of the Ukrainian army. He said there was misinformation spreading on the internet about the Ukrainian army putting down arms and about the ongoing evacuation. Zelensky claimed that he was in Kyiv and that the country's army wouldn't lay down arms. Also Read | Live Updates: Air raid sirens ring out in Kyiv after amid clashes "Our arms are our truth," he said. "Our truth is that it's our land, our country, our children and we will defend all of this," he added. His message comes as Russian troops stormed towards Kyiv and street fighting broke out in the Ukrainian capital. Zelensky also said Western 'partners' are sending weapons to Ukraine “A new day on the diplomatic frontline began with a conversation with @EmmanuelMacron,” he tweeted, referring to French President Emmanuel Macron. “Weapons and equipment from our partners are on the way to Ukraine. The anti-war coalition is working!” European Council membership for Ukraine? In another tweet, the Ukraine president reported progress in Ukraine’s membership of the European Council. “The crucial moment has come to close the long-standing discussion once and for all and decide on Ukraine's membership in #ЄС.” He discussed with Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, “further effective assistance and heroic struggle of Ukrainians for their free future.” Situation on the ground There was heavy gunfire in Kyiv as Russian invasion of its former Soviet Union neighbour entered the third day on Saturday. Street fighting was witnessed in Kyiv as people were urged to seek shelter. Ukraine military command said areas near Sumy, Poltava and Mariupol hit by Russian air strikes. Facebook moves against Russia Meanwhile, Facebook said it is banning Russian state media from running ads and monetising its platforms. Nathaniel Gleicher, the head of the Facebook security policy, said on Saturday that the social network would ban Russian state media from running ads and monetising the platform over the Russian military operation in Ukraine. Sanctions hit space cooperation Russia said it is suspending space launches from French Guiana and withdrawing its technical personnel in response to EU sanctions over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. "In response to EU sanctions against our enterprises, Roskosmos is suspending cooperation with European partners over organizing space launches from the Kourou cosmodrome and withdrawing its technical personnel... from French Guiana," Dmitry Rogozin, chief of the Russian space agency, said on messaging app Telegram. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine not surrendering, says president: Top developments in Russia-Ukraine war right now

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Ukrainian authorities said one person was killed and one injured in the Kyiv region as explosions could be heard in the capital as&nbsp;President Putin on Thursday ordered military action against Ukraine.

Russia's defence ministry said it had attacked military bases in Ukraine adding, "military infrastructure at Ukrainian army airbases has been rendered out of action."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/target-ukraine-russias-icbm-strategy-revealed-455357">Also Read in Pics|&nbsp;Target Ukraine: Russia's ICBM strategy revealed</a>

Amid strikes by Russian forces, Ukraine's defence ministry claimed it had shot down five Russian planes including a helicopter in the eastern region.

Watch:&nbsp;Military infrastructure being disabled in Ukraine, says Russia

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"According to the Joint Forces Command, today, February 24, in the area of the Joint Forces operation, five planes and a helicopter of the aggressors were shot down," the Ukraine military said.

Reports claimed Ukraine had come under attack from Belarus as President Alexander Lukashenko called a meeting with his army chiefs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-next-wonder-weapon-kedr-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-454013">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile</a>

Reports said Belarusian troops had joined Russian forces to attack Ukraine. As air raid sires rang out in Kyiv as&nbsp;reports said all Russian diplomats were evacuated from Kyiv.

Meanwhile, Russian-backed separatists said they had shot down two Ukrainian drones. Ukrainian border guards reported that the Russian military had crossed Ukraine's border into Chernihiv, Kharviv and Luhansk region.

Newswire Reuters reported that armoured tanks were&nbsp;heading towards Mariupol. Earlier explosions were heard in Mariupol after Putin had ordered military action against Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Ukrainian authorities said one person was killed and one injured in the Kyiv region as explosions could be heard in the capital as President Putin on Thursday ordered military action against Ukraine. Russia's defence ministry said it had attacked military bases in Ukraine adding, "military infrastructure at Ukrainian army airbases has been rendered out of action." Also Read in Pics| Target Ukraine: Russia's ICBM strategy revealed Amid strikes by Russian forces, Ukraine's defence ministry claimed it had shot down five Russian planes including a helicopter in the eastern region. Watch: Military infrastructure being disabled in Ukraine, says Russia "According to the Joint Forces Command, today, February 24, in the area of the Joint Forces operation, five planes and a helicopter of the aggressors were shot down," the Ukraine military said. Reports claimed Ukraine had come under attack from Belarus as President Alexander Lukashenko called a meeting with his army chiefs. Also Read in Pics | Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile Reports said Belarusian troops had joined Russian forces to attack Ukraine. As air raid sires rang out in Kyiv as reports said all Russian diplomats were evacuated from Kyiv. Meanwhile, Russian-backed separatists said they had shot down two Ukrainian drones. Ukrainian border guards reported that the Russian military had crossed Ukraine's border into Chernihiv, Kharviv and Luhansk region. Newswire Reuters reported that armoured tanks were heading towards Mariupol. Earlier explosions were heard in Mariupol after Putin had ordered military action against Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine's army airbases rendered out of action, says Russia