Timeline of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine: Difference between revisions

Timeline of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine (edit)

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 === 24 February ===
-[[File:War in Ukraine (2022) en.png|thumb|]]
+[[File:Последствия удара ракеты по Голосеевскому району киева (6).jpg|thumb|Structure in [[Kyiv]] hit by a missile fragment, 24 February]]
-On or about 03:00 UTC (06:00 [[Moscow time]], [[UTC+3]]) on 24 February, Russian president [[Vladimir Putin]] announced in a prerecorded television broadcast that he had ordered "a special military operation" in eastern Ukraine; minutes later, missile strikes occurred at dozens of cities across the country,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/russia-attacks-ukraine-drawing-broad-condemnation-11645682406 |title=Russia Attacks Ukraine, Drawing Broad Condemnation |url-access=subscription |author-first1=Yaroslav |author-last1=Trofimov |author-first2=Alan |author-last2=Cullison |author-first3=Brett |author-last3=Forrest |author-first4=Ann |author-last4=M. Simmons |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |publisher=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224064523/https://www.wsj.com/articles/russia-attacks-ukraine-drawing-broad-condemnation-11645682406 |url-status=live }}</ref> including Ukraine's capital [[Kyiv]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60509493 |title=BBC Ukraine editor: There is no safe place any more |date=24 February 2022 |publisher=[[BBC]] |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224163214/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60509493 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[State Border Guard Service of Ukraine|Ukrainian Border Service]] stated shortly thereafter that its border posts with Russia and [[Belarus]] were under attack.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-23-22/h_ec5f24d5accb8f8503aabdc63e3fd22d |title=Russia attacks Ukraine |website=[[CNN]] |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224073725/https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-23-22/h_ec5f24d5accb8f8503aabdc63e3fd22d |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.interfax.ru/world/824058 |title=Украинские пограничники сообщили об атаке границы со стороны России и Белоруссии |trans-title=Ukrainian border guards reported an attack on the border from Russia and Belarus |language=ru |website=[[Interfax]] |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224073737/https://www.interfax.ru/world/824058 |url-status=live}}</ref> Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared [[martial law]] at around 03:00 UTC (06:00 Moscow Time, UTC+3).
+Shortly before 06:00 Moscow Time (UTC+3) on 24 February, Putin announced that he had made the decision to launch a "special military operation" in eastern Ukraine.<ref name="declaration of war"/><ref name="tassputspeech24"/><ref name="Meduza_Putin_announces_invasion"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Russian President Vladimir Putin announces military assault against Ukraine in surprise speech |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-announces-military-assault-against-ukraine-in-surprise-speech/ar-AAUebpI|access-date=24 February 2022 |website=[[MSN]] |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224064559/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-announces-military-assault-against-ukraine-in-surprise-speech/ar-AAUebpI|url-status=live}}</ref> In his address, Putin claimed there were no plans to occupy Ukrainian territory and that he supported the right of the peoples of Ukraine to [[self-determination]].<ref name="tassputspeech24">{{cite news|date=24 February 2022 |title=Путин принял решение о проведении операции по денацификации и демилитаризации Украины |language=ru |trans-title=Putin decided to conduct an operation to de-Nazify and demilitarise Ukraine |work=[[TASS]] |url=https://tass.ru/politika/13825671 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224045055/https://tass.ru/politika/13825671 |url-status=live}}</ref> Putin also stated that Russia sought the "demilitarisation and denazification" of Ukraine and urged the Ukrainian military to lay down their arms and go to their homes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60503037|title=Ukraine conflict: Russia announces special military operation in Donbas |website=[[BBC News]] |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224064553/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60503037 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/24/russias-putin-announces-military-operation-in-ukraine-a76549 |title=Russia's Putin Announces Military Operation in Ukraine |website=[[The Moscow Times]] |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224064553/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/24/russias-putin-announces-military-operation-in-ukraine-a76549|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="krputspeech24">{{cite news|date=24 February 2022 |title=Обращение Президента Российской Федерации |trans-title=Message from the President of the Russian Federation |language=ru |work=[[Kremlin.ru]] |url=http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/67843 |url-status=dead |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225003932/http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/67843 |archive-date=25 February 2022}}</ref> He said that "all responsibility for possible bloodshed will be entirely on the conscience of the regime ruling on the territory of Ukraine."<ref name="declaration of war">{{cite news |title=Full text: Putin's declaration of war on Ukraine |url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/full-text-putin-s-declaration-of-war-on-ukraine|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/full-text-putin-s-declaration-of-war-on-ukraine|archive-date=2022-02-27 | url-status=live | work=The Spectator |date=24 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Putin's claims that neo-Nazis were in control of Ukraine's government were again widely rejected as baseless,<ref>{{cite news|author-last=Chernova |author-first=Anna |date=24 February 2022 |title=Kremlin spokesperson echoes Putin's baseless claims on invasion objectives |work=[[CNN]] |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-24-22-intl/h_542ef6fc653f4404d483a5156ecc23e6 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224132757/https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-24-22-intl/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author-first1=Nathan |author-last1=Hodge |author-first2=Tim |author-last2=Lister |author-first3=Ivana |author-last3=Kottasová |author-first4=Laura |author-last4=Smith-Spark |date=24 February 2022 |title=Ukraine vows defiance as Russia launches major invasion |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/24/europe/ukraine-russia-invasion-thursday-intl/index.html |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=[[CNN]] |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224145336/https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/24/europe/ukraine-russia-invasion-thursday-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author-first1=David K. |author-last1=Li |author-first2=Jonathan |author-last2=Allen |author-first3=Corky |author-last3=Siemaszko |title=Putin using false 'Nazi' narrative to justify Russia's attack on Ukraine, experts say |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/putin-claims-denazification-justify-russias-attack-ukraine-experts-say-rcna17537 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=[[NBC News]] |date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225025147/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/putin-claims-denazification-justify-russias-attack-ukraine-experts-say-rcna17537 |url-status=live}}</ref> and condemned by the [[US Holocaust Memorial Museum]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newsweek.com/holocaust-museum-criticizes-putin-saying-ukraine-needs-denazified-1682467 |title=Holocaust Museum Criticizes Putin's Saying Ukraine Needs to Be 'Denazified' |author-last=Landen |author-first=Xander |date=24 February 2022 |work=[[Newsweek]] |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225025159/https://www.newsweek.com/holocaust-museum-criticizes-putin-saying-ukraine-needs-denazified-1682467 |url-status=live}}</ref> In light of a request by the [[Russian Ministry of Defence]] asking air traffic control units of Ukraine to stop flights, airspace over Ukraine was restricted to non-civilian air traffic, with the whole area being deemed an active conflict zone by the [[European Union Aviation Safety Agency]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Operations in Flight Information Regions: FIR LVIV (UKLV), FIR KYIV (UKBV), FIR DNIPROPETROVSK (UKDV), FIR SIMFEROPOL (UKFV), FIR ODESA (UKOV) |url=https://www.easa.europa.eu/domains/air-operations/czibs/czib-2022-01 |website=EASA |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224042902/https://www.easa.europa.eu/domains/air-operations/czibs/czib-2022-01 |url-status=live }}</ref>
-At 03:35 (UTC+2), Russian forces reportedly [[Battle of Konotop (2022)|encircled the city of Konotop]] and put it under siege. Despite Russian attempts to capture Konotop, the city held out and Russian forces were repelled. Russian equipment was burning on the morning of 25 February.
+Within minutes of Putin's announcement, explosions were reported in [[Kyiv]], [[Kharkiv]], [[Odessa]], and the [[Donbas]].<ref>{{cite web|date=24 February 2022 |title=Putin announces 'special military operation' in Ukraine |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/putin-announces-special-military-operation-in-ukraine/ |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=Politico |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224064603/https://www.politico.eu/article/putin-announces-special-military-operation-in-ukraine/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ukrainian officials said that Russia had landed troops in [[Mariupol]] and Odessa and launched [[Cruise missile|cruise]] and [[ballistic missile]]s at airfields, military headquarters, and military depots in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and [[Dnipro]].<ref name=OZ>{{cite news |author-last1=Osborn |author-first1=Andrew |author-last2=Zinets |author-first2=Natalia |title=Russian forces invade Ukraine with strikes on major cities |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-orders-military-operations-ukraine-demands-kyiv-forces-surrender-2022-02-24/ |access-date=23 February 2022 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=23 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224033456/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-orders-military-operations-ukraine-demands-kyiv-forces-surrender-2022-02-24/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Keith |author-first1=Collins |author-last2=Lazaro |author-first2=Gamio |author-last3=Scott |author-first3=Reinhard |title=Maps: Tracking the Russian Invasion of Ukraine |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/world/europe/ukraine-maps.html |access-date=23 February 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=23 February 2022 |archive-date=22 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222221302/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/world/europe/ukraine-maps.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Isachenkov |author-first1=Vladimir |author-last2=Litvinova |author-first2=Dasha |author-last3=Karmanau |author-first3=Yuras |author-last4=Heintz |author-first4=Jim |title=Russia attacks Ukraine as defiant Putin warns US, NATO |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-moscow-kyiv-626a8c5ec22217bacb24ece60fac4fe1 |access-date=23 February 2022 |work=[[AP News]] |date=23 February 2022 |archive-date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223102040/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-russia-moscow-kyiv-626a8c5ec22217bacb24ece60fac4fe1 |url-status=live }}</ref> Military vehicles entered Ukraine through [[Senkivka (border checkpoint)|Senkivka]], at the point where Ukraine meets Belarus and Russia, at around 6:48&nbsp;am local time.<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Hodge |author-first1=Nathan |author-last2=Lister |author-first2=Tim |author-last3=Kottasová |author-first3=Ivana |author-last4=Regan |author-first4=Helen |title=Russia launches military attack on Ukraine with reports of explosions and troops crossing border |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/23/europe/russia-ukraine-putin-military-operation-donbas-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=24 February 2022 |work=[[CNN]] |date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224060424/https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/23/europe/russia-ukraine-putin-military-operation-donbas-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A video captured Russian troops entering Ukraine from Russian-annexed Crimea.<ref>{{cite news |title=The war just started |url=https://multimedia.scmp.com/infographics/news/world/article/3168280/ukraine-crisis/ |access-date=24 February 2022 |work=South China Morning Post |date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224153643/https://multimedia.scmp.com/infographics/news/world/article/3168280/ukraine-crisis/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Watch Russian vehicles enter Ukraine via Crimea |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/watch-russian-vehicles-enter-ukraine-via-crimea/article65080171.ece |access-date=24 February 2022 |work=The Hindu |date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224155313/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/watch-russian-vehicles-enter-ukraine-via-crimea/article65080171.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> The Kremlin planned to initially target artillery and missiles at [[command and control]] centres and then send fighter jets and helicopters to quickly gain [[air superiority]].<ref name="Step-by-step guide on how an all-out Russian invasion of Ukraine could unfold">{{cite news |author-last1=Mendick |author-first1=Robert |title=Step-by-step guide on how an all-out Russian invasion of Ukraine could unfold |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/02/24/mapped-step-by-step-guide-all-out-russian-invasion-ukraine-could/ |access-date=24 February 2022 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224083758/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/02/24/mapped-step-by-step-guide-all-out-russian-invasion-ukraine-could/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Center for Naval Analyses]] said that Russia would create a [[pincer movement]] to encircle Kyiv and envelop Ukraine's forces in the east, with the [[Center for Strategic and International Studies]] identifying three axes of advance: from Belarus in the north, from Donetsk, and from Crimea in the south.<ref name="Step-by-step guide on how an all-out Russian invasion of Ukraine could unfold"/> The US said it believed that Russia intended to "decapitate" Ukraine's government and install their own,<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Stewart |author-first1=Phil |author-last2=Ali |author-first2=Idrees |title=Russia plans to 'decapitate' Ukraine government -U.S. defense official |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us-believes-russia-planning-decapitate-ukraines-government-2022-02-24/ |access-date=24 February 2022 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224203851/https://www.reuters.com/world/us-believes-russia-planning-decapitate-ukraines-government-2022-02-24/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with [[US intelligence]] officials believing that Kyiv would fall within 96 hours given circumstances on the ground.<ref>{{cite web|date=24 February 2022 |title=Exclusive: U.S. expects Kyiv's fall in days, Ukraine source warns of encirclement |url=https://www.newsweek.com/us-expects-kyiv-fall-days-ukraine-source-warns-encirclement-1682326 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.newsweek.com/us-expects-kyiv-fall-days-ukraine-source-warns-encirclement-1682326 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=[[Newsweek]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
-Around 16:00 (UTC+2), Russian helicopter-borne troops captured [[Hostomel Airport|Antonov Airport]].<ref>{{Cite web|last= |first= |date=24 February 2022 |title=On the ground: Russian forces take control of an air base near Kyiv, Ukraine|url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-24-22-intl/h_ab6cab437dff1920a9fcec2857593b70 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=[[CNN]] |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224145330/https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-24-22-intl/h_ab6cab437dff1920a9fcec2857593b70 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, a later Ukrainian counteroffensive successfully recaptured the airport and destroyed the Russian landing force.<ref>{{cite web|date=24 February 2022 |title=Airport in Gostomel taken under control – Arestovich|url=https://www.perild.com/2022/02/24/airport-in-gostomel-taken-under-control-arestovich/ |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=Perild |language=en-US |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225100620/https://www.perild.com/2022/02/24/airport-in-gostomel-taken-under-control-arestovich/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
+According to Ukrainian Minister of State [[Anton Herashchenko]], just after 06:30 [[Time in Ukraine|UTC+2]], Russian forces were invading via land near the city of Kharkiv<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-23-22/index.html |title=Ukraine-Russia crisis: Live updates |publisher=CNN |date=23 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224044234/https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-23-22/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and large-scale [[Amphibious warfare|amphibious landings]] were reported in the city of Mariupol.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vox.com/2022/2/23/22948534/russia-ukraine-war-putin-explosions |title=Russia has launched its war in Ukraine |publisher=[[Vox (website)|Vox]] |date=23 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224055715/https://www.vox.com/2022/2/23/22948534/russia-ukraine-war-putin-explosions |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Russia takes military action in Ukraine as UN meets |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/24/putin-orders-military-operations-in-eastern-ukraine-as-un-meets |access-date=24 February 2022 |publisher=Al Jazeera|archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224053027/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/24/putin-orders-military-operations-in-eastern-ukraine-as-un-meets |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="TroianovskiNYT">{{cite news|author-last1=Troianovski |author-first1=Anton |author-last2=MacFarquhar |author-first2=Neil |date=23 February 2022 |title=Ukraine Live Updates: Russia Begins Invasion From Land and Sea |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/02/24/world/russia-ukraine-putin|access-date=24 February 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224061947/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/02/24/world/russia-ukraine-putin |url-status=live}}</ref> At 07:40, the [[BBC]] cited other sources in saying that troops were also entering the country from Belarusian territory.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60454795 |title=Ukraine: Troops moving in from Belarus |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=24 February 2022 |publisher=BBC |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224064605/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60454795 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[State Border Guard Service of Ukraine|Ukrainian Border Force]] reported attacks on sites in [[Luhansk Oblast|Luhansk]], [[Sumy Oblast|Sumy]], [[Kharkiv Oblast|Kharkiv]], [[Chernihiv Oblast|Chernihiv]] and [[Zhytomyr Oblast|Zhytomyr]], as well as from Crimea.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.interfax.ru/world/824058 |title=Украинские пограничники сообщили об атаке границы со стороны России и Белоруссии |language=ru |trans-title=Ukrainian border guards reported an attack on the border from Russia and Belarus |website=[[Interfax]] |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224073734/https://www.interfax.ru/world/824058 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed no resistance by Ukrainian border forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.interfax.ru/russia/824062 |title=Военные РФ заявили, что погранслужба Украины не оказывает сопротивления |trans-title=The military of the Russian Federation said that the border service of Ukraine does not resist |website=[[Interfax]] |language=ru |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224075406/https://www.interfax.ru/russia/824062 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Ukrainian interior ministry reported that Russian forces captured the villages of Horodyshche and [[Milove]] in Luhansk.<ref name="TroianovskiNYT"/> The Ukrainian Centre for Strategic Communication reported that the Ukrainian army repelled an attack near [[Shchastia]] (near Luhansk) and retook control of the town, claiming nearly 50 casualties from the Russian side.<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://www.unian.net/war/vsu-otvoevali-schaste-unichtozheny-okolo-50-vragov-novosti-donbassa-11715445.html |title=ВСУ отвоевали Счастье: уничтожено около 50 врагов |language=ru |trans-title=Armed Forces of Ukraine won back Happiness: about 50 enemies were destroyed |website=[[Unian]] |date= |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224092127/https://www.unian.net/war/vsu-otvoevali-schaste-unichtozheny-okolo-50-vragov-novosti-donbassa-11715445.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
-Around 17:00 UTC (20:00 Moscow Time, UTC+3), [[Russian Armed Forces|Russian forces]] had [[Battle of Chernobyl|captured]] the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]] and the abandoned city of [[Pripyat]].<ref>{{cite web |author-last=Jones |author-first=Harrison |date=24 February 2022 |title=Chernobyl nuclear power plant captured by Russian forces after violent fighting |url=https://metro.co.uk/2022/02/24/chernobyl-nuclear-power-plant-captured-by-russian-forces-after-violent-fighting-16168648/ |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224211947/https://metro.co.uk/2022/02/24/chernobyl-nuclear-power-plant-captured-by-russian-forces-after-violent-fighting-16168648/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
+After being offline for an hour, the Ukrainian Defence Ministry's website was restored, and declared that it had shot down five planes and one helicopter in Luhansk.<ref>{{cite web|date=24 February 2022|url=https://twitter.com/kyivpost/status/1496743183644086274 |access-date=24 February 2022 |title=Ukraine Defense Ministry website up and running after about an hour offline Ukraine's army claims it shot down five planes and one helicopter in Luhansk region|website=Kyiv Post|via=Twitter|archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224073842/https://twitter.com/kyivpost/status/1496743183644086274|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly before 07:00 (UTC+2), Zelenskyy announced the introduction of [[martial law]] in Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/feb/23/ukraine-russia-news-crisis-latest-live-updates-putin-biden-europe-sanctions-russian-invasion-border-troops |title=Russia-Ukraine crisis live news: Putin has launched 'full-scale invasion', says Ukrainian foreign minister – latest updates |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=16 July 2018 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224054309/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/feb/23/ukraine-russia-news-crisis-latest-live-updates-putin-biden-europe-sanctions-russian-invasion-border-troops |url-status=live }}</ref> Later, he ordered the Ukrainian Army to "inflict maximum losses" to the invaders.<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://www.unian.net/society/zelenskiy-otdal-prikaz-vsu-nanosit-maksimalnye-poteri-okkupantam-novosti-ukrainy-11715478.html |title=Зеленский отдал приказ ВСУ наносить максимальные потери оккупантам |language=ru |trans-title=Zelensky ordered the Armed Forces of Ukraine to inflict maximum losses on the invaders |website=[[Unian]] |date= |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224082802/https://www.unian.net/society/zelenskiy-otdal-prikaz-vsu-nanosit-maksimalnye-poteri-okkupantam-novosti-ukrainy-11715478.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Zelenskyy also announced that [[Russia–Ukraine relations]] were being severed, effective immediately.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.interfax.ru/world/824153 |title=Украина разорвала дипломатические отношения с Россией |trans-title=Ukraine severed diplomatic relations with Russia |website=[[Interfax]] |language=ru |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224095330/https://www.interfax.ru/world/824153 |url-status=live}}</ref> Later in the day, he announced general mobilisation.<ref name="Reuters 2022">{{cite news |title=Ukrainian president signs decree on general mobilisation of population -Interfax |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukrainian-president-signs-decree-general-mobilisation-population-interfax-2022-02-24/ |access-date=25 February 2022 |publisher=Reuters |date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225025205/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukrainian-president-signs-decree-general-mobilisation-population-interfax-2022-02-24/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Russian missiles targeted Ukrainian infrastructure, including [[Boryspil International Airport]], Ukraine's largest airport, {{convert|29|km|abbr=on}} east of Kyiv.<ref>{{cite web |author-last=Charpentreau |author-first=Clement |title=Ukraine closes airspace, Kyiv airport under attack |url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/30312-ukraine-closes-airspace-russia-attacks?_fb_noscript=1 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=AeroTime Hub |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224151542/https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/30312-ukraine-closes-airspace-russia-attacks?_fb_noscript=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ukraine closed its air space for civilian flights.<ref>{{cite news |author-last=Eccles |author-first=Mari |date=24 February 2022 |title=Ukraine closes airspace as Putin orders military operation |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-closes-airspace-as-putin-orders-military-operation/ |work=Politico |location= |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224102433/https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-closes-airspace-as-putin-orders-military-operation/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
-At 22:00 (01:00 Moscow Time, UTC+3), the [[State Border Guard Service of Ukraine]] announced that Russian forces had [[Battle of Snake Island|captured Snake Island]] in the [[Black Sea]] following naval and air bombardment.<ref>{{cite news |title=Острів Зміїний захопили російські окупанти – ДПСУ |url=https://gazeta.ua/articles/donbas/_ostriv-zmiyinij-zahopili-rosijski-okupanti-dpsu/1072429 |access-date=24 February 2022 |publisher=Gazeta UA |date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224202628/https://gazeta.ua/articles/donbas/_ostriv-zmiyinij-zahopili-rosijski-okupanti-dpsu/1072429 |url-status=live }}</ref>
+A military unit in [[Podilsk]] was attacked by Russian forces, resulting in six deaths and seven wounded. Nineteen more people were also reported missing.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|title=Ukraine-Russia invasion: Russia launches attack on Ukraine from several fronts |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-europe-60454795 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=[[BBC News]] |archive-date=21 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221183326/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-europe-60454795 |url-status=live}}</ref> Another person was killed in the city of [[Mariupol]]. A house in [[Chuhuiv]] was damaged by Russian artillery; its occupants were injured and one boy died.<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://www.currenttime.tv/a/31720261.html |title=Россия обстреляла жилой дом в Чугуеве Харьковской области: видео последствий |trans-title=Russia shelled a residential building in Chuguev, Kharkiv region: video of the consequences |language=ru |website=[[Current Time TV]] |date= |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224092902/https://www.currenttime.tv/a/31720261.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=hromadske.online/> Eighteen people were killed by Russian bombing in the village of {{ill|Lipetske|uk|Липецьке}} in [[Odesa Oblast]].<ref name=hromadske.online>{{cite web |author= |url=https://hromadske.ua/posts/rosijsko-ukrayinska-vijna-tekstovij-onlajn |title=Російсько-українська війна (текстовий онлайн) |language=uk |website=[[Hromadske]] |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224060243/https://hromadske.ua/posts/rosijsko-ukrayinska-vijna-tekstovij-onlajn |url-status=live }}</ref>
-civilians were confirmed killed, including 13 killed in [[Southern Ukraine]],<ref name="DailyThanthi">{{cite web |date=24 February 2022 |title=ரஷ்ய தாக்குதல்: தெற்கு உக்ரைன் பகுதியில் 22 பேர் கொல்லப்பட்டதாக தகவல் |trans-title=Russian offensive: 22 killed in southern Ukraine |language=Tamil |url=http://www.dailythanthi.com/News/TopNews/2022/02/24231956/South-Ukraine-region-says-13-civilians-9-troops-killed.vpf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224181739/https://www.dailythanthi.com/News/TopNews/2022/02/24231956/South-Ukraine-region-says-13-civilians-9-troops-killed.vpf |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=Dailythanthi.com}}</ref> three in Mariupol and one in [[Kharkiv]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ukraine death toll: What we know so far |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/24/russia-ukraine-invasion-casualties-death-toll |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=www.aljazeera.com |publisher=[[Al Jazeera]] |language=en}}</ref> At least 40 Ukrainian soldiers were reported dead during the strikes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60454795 |title=Ukraine deaths as battles rage after Russia invasion |work=[[BBC]] |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224055442/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60454795 |url-status=live}}</ref>
+[[File:VOA video of Eastern Ukraine during 2022 Russian invasion.webm|thumb|left|Scenes in eastern Ukraine during the invasion]]
+At 10:00 (UTC+2), it was reported during the briefing of the Ukrainian presidential administration that Russian troops had invaded Ukraine from the north (up to {{convert|5|km|mi}} south of the border). Russian troops were said to be active in Kharkiv Oblast, in Chernihiv Oblast, and near [[Sumy]].<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://www.unian.net/war/voyska-rossii-na-severe-ukrainy-prodvinulis-vglub-do-pyati-kilometrov-arestovich-novosti-donbassa-11715571.html |title=Войска России на севере Украины продвинулись вглубь до пяти километров – Арестович |trans-title=Russian troops in northern Ukraine moved up to five kilometers deep - Arestovich |language=ru |website=Unian |date= |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224091205/https://www.unian.net/war/voyska-rossii-na-severe-ukrainy-prodvinulis-vglub-do-pyati-kilometrov-arestovich-novosti-donbassa-11715571.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Zelenskyy's press service also reported that Ukraine had repulsed an attack in [[Volyn Oblast]].<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/prezident-uhvaliv-usi-neobhidni-rishennya-dlya-zahistu-krayi-73117 |title=President has made all necessary decisions to defend the country, the Armed Forces are actively resisting Russian troops – Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President |website=president.gov.ua |date= |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224102445/https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/prezident-uhvaliv-usi-neobhidni-rishennya-dlya-zahistu-krayi-73117 |url-status=live }}</ref> At 10:30 (UTC+2), the Ukrainian Defence Ministry reported that Russian troops in Chernihiv Oblast had been stopped, a major battle near Kharkiv was in progress, and Mariupol and Shchastia had been fully reclaimed.<ref name=mil.2402.1030>{{cite web |author= |url=https://www.mil.gov.ua/en/news/2022/02/24/general-staff-of-the-armed-forces-of-ukraine-operative-information-as-of-10-30/ |title=General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: Operative information as of 10.30 |website=[[Ministry of Defence (Ukraine)|mil.gov.ua]] |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224103548/https://www.mil.gov.ua/en/news/2022/02/24/general-staff-of-the-armed-forces-of-ukraine-operative-information-as-of-10-30/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Ukrainian military claimed that six Russian planes, two helicopters, and dozens of armoured vehicles were destroyed.<ref name=mil.2402.1030/> Russia denied having lost any aircraft or armoured vehicles.<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Zinets |author-first1=Natalia |author-last2=Williams |author-first2=Matthias |author-last3=Balmforth |author-first3=Tom |author-last4=Williams |first4=Alison |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-50-russian-troops-killed-four-tanks-destroyed-2022-02-24/ |title=Ukraine says 50 Russian troops killed, four tanks destroyed |website=[[Reuters]] |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224101222/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-50-russian-troops-killed-four-tanks-destroyed-2022-02-24/ }}</ref> Ukrainian commander-in-chief [[Valerii Zaluzhnyi]] published photos of two captured Russian soldiers saying they were from the Russian [[423rd Guards Yampolsky Motor Rifle Regiment]] (military unit 91701).<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://www.unian.net/war/voennye-vzyali-v-plen-pervyh-rossiyskih-okkupantov-kotorye-segodnya-vtorglis-v-ukrainu-foto-novosti-donbassa-11715970.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.unian.net/war/voennye-vzyali-v-plen-pervyh-rossiyskih-okkupantov-kotorye-segodnya-vtorglis-v-ukrainu-foto-novosti-donbassa-11715970.html |archive-date=26 February 2022 |title=Военные взяли в плен первых российских оккупантов, которые сегодня вторглись в Украину (фото) |language=ru |trans-title=The military takes prisoner the first Russian occupiers who invaded Ukraine today (photos) |website=[[Unian]] |date= |access-date=24 February 2022 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> Russia's [[74th Guards Motor Rifle Brigade]] recon platoon surrendered<ref name=OZ/> near [[Chernihiv]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Russia's 74th Motorised Rifle Brigade recon platoon surrenders to Ukraine's army |url=https://112.international/ukraine-top-news/russias-74th-motorized-rifle-brigade-recon-platoon-surrenders-to-ukraines-army-70097.html |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=112.international |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224204234/https://112.international/ukraine-top-news/russias-74th-motorized-rifle-brigade-recon-platoon-surrenders-to-ukraines-army-70097.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
-Russia reported that two civilian ships were bombed, resulting in the death of several people on board.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rygayyblc |title=Russian forces closing in on Kyiv, claiming dozens of casualties |work=Ynet |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224150129/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rygayyblc |url-status=live}}</ref>
+In the Battle of Antonov Airport, Russian airborne troops seized the [[Hostomel Airport]] in [[Hostomel]], a suburb of Kyiv, after being transported by helicopters early in the morning; a Ukrainian counteroffensive to recapture the airport was launched later in the day.<ref>{{cite web|author=[[The Moscow Times]] |date=24 February 2022 |title=Russia Attacks Ukraine: As It's Happening |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/24/russia-attacks-ukraine-as-its-happening-a76553 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=[[The Moscow Times]] |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224122327/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/24/russia-attacks-ukraine-as-its-happening-a76553 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author-first1=Matthew |author-last1=Chance |author-first2=Aditi |author-last2=Sangal |date=24 February 2022 |title=On the ground: Russian forces take control of an air base near Kyiv, Ukraine |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-24-22-intl/h_ab6cab437dff1920a9fcec2857593b70 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=[[CNN]] |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224145330/https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-24-22-intl/h_ab6cab437dff1920a9fcec2857593b70 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Rapid Response Brigade of the Ukrainian National Guard stated that it had fought at the airfield, shooting down three of 34 Russian helicopters.<ref>{{cite news |title=Video shows helicopters flying toward Gomostel airfield in Ukraine |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/24/russia-ukraine-attack-news/#link-UMHNSQEUGZHETM37AQDV3MLYMA |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=24 February 2022 |date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224073822/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/24/russia-ukraine-attack-news/#link-UMHNSQEUGZHETM37AQDV3MLYMA |url-status=live }}</ref>
-In his second address on the war, United States president [[Joe Biden]] announced the total freezing of the assets of several Russian banks in the U.S. (including [[Sberbank]] and [[VTB]], the largest and second largest, respectively). He did not levy sanctions against Putin himself, however, nor call for Russia to be decoupled from the global [[SWIFT]] banking exchange.<ref>{{cite news|author-last1=Gambino |author-first1=Lauren |author-first2=Joan E. |author-last2=Greve |author-last3=Michael |author-first3=Chris |date=24 February 2022 |title='Putin chose this war,' Biden says as he announces new sanctions – US politics as it happened |language=en-GB |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2022/feb/24/biden-ukraine-us-russia-invasion-latest-news-g7-leaders-updates?filterKeyEvents=true |access-date=25 February 2022 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225100609/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2022/feb/24/biden-ukraine-us-russia-invasion-latest-news-g7-leaders-updates?filterKeyEvents=true |url-status=live}}</ref>
+Belarus allowed Russian troops to invade Ukraine from the north. At 11:00 (UTC+2), Ukrainian border guards reported a border breach in [[Vilcha, Kyiv Oblast|Vilcha]] ([[Kyiv Oblast]]), and border guards in [[Zhytomyr Oblast]] were bombarded by Russian rocket launchers (presumably [[BM-21 Grad]]).<ref name=hromadske.online/> A helicopter without markings reportedly bombed Slavutych border guards position from Belarus.<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://www.unian.net/society/so-storony-belarusi-vertolet-bez-opoznavatelnyh-znakov-obstrelyal-rayon-pered-kpp-slavutich-novosti-ukrainy-11715628.html |title=Со стороны Беларуси вертолет без опознавательных знаков обстрелял район перед КПП 'Славутич' |trans-title=From the side of Belarus, an unmarked helicopter fired at the area in front of the checkpoint 'Slavutich' |language=ru |website=[[Unian]] |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224112325/https://www.unian.net/society/so-storony-belarusi-vertolet-bez-opoznavatelnyh-znakov-obstrelyal-rayon-pered-kpp-slavutich-novosti-ukrainy-11715628.html |url-status=live }}</ref> At 11:30 (UTC+2), a second wave of Russian missile bombings targeted the cities of Kyiv, Odessa, Kharkiv, and [[Lviv]]. Heavy ground fighting was reported in the [[Donetsk Oblast|Donetsk]] and [[Luhansk Oblast]]s.<ref>{{cite news|date=24 February 2022 |title=Ukraine hit by second wave of missile strikes – official |work=[[National Post]] |url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/ukraine-hit-by-second-wave-of-missile-strikes-official |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224135835/https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/ukraine-hit-by-second-wave-of-missile-strikes-official |url-status=live}}</ref> Civil rights activists in Poland reported an increase in the crossing of migrants from Belarus to Poland.<ref>{{cite news |author-last=Nielsen |author-first=Nikolaj |date=24 February 2022 |title=Belarus seen stepping-up use of migrants as a weapon |url=https://euobserver.com/migration/154425 |work=[[EUobserver]] |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224124429/https://euobserver.com/migration/154425 |url-status=live }}</ref> Belarus is considered by observers to be taking orders from Russia and using migrants at the Polish-Belarus border as a weapon (see also [[2021–2022 Belarus–European Union border crisis]]).<ref>{{cite news |author-last=Mirovalev |author-first=Mansur |date=15 November 2021 |title=What's Putin's gain in the Belarus migrant crisis? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/15/whats-putins-gain-in-the-belarus-migrant-crisis |work=[[Al Jazeera]] |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115174702/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/15/whats-putins-gain-in-the-belarus-migrant-crisis |url-status=live }}</ref> By 12:04 (UTC+2), Russian troops advancing from [[Crimea]] moved towards the city of [[Nova Kakhovka]] in [[Kherson Oblast]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://kyivindependent.com/uncategorized/russian-troops-moving-towards-town-of-nova-kakhovka-in-kherson-oblast/ |title=Russian troops moving towards town of Nova Kakhovka in Kherson Oblast. |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224213221/https://kyivindependent.com/uncategorized/russian-troops-moving-towards-town-of-nova-kakhovka-in-kherson-oblast/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Later that day, Russian troops entered the city of [[Kherson]] and took control of the [[North Crimean Canal]], which would allow them to resume water supplies for the peninsula.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/russian-troops-enter-ukraines-kherson-oblast-defense-ministry/2513722 |title=Russian troops enter Ukraine's Kherson Oblast: Defense Ministry |access-date=24 February 2022|publisher=[[Anadolu Agency]] |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224213215/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/russian-troops-enter-ukraines-kherson-oblast-defense-ministry/2513722 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="riacanal24">{{cite news |title=Российские войска вышли к Херсону и восстановили подачу воды в Крым |trans-title=Russian troops reached Kherson and restored water supply to Crimea |url=https://ria.ru/20220224/kanal-1774876399.html |access-date=24 February 2022 |agency=[[RIA Novosti]] |date=24 February 2022 |language=ru |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224214657/https://ria.ru/20220224/kanal-1774876399.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
-President [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]] announces 137 dead and 316 wounded.<ref>{{Cite news|author-last1=Lock |author-first1=Samantha |author-last2=Singh |author-first2=Maanvi |author-last3=Oladipo |author-first3=Gloria |author-last4=Chao-Fong |author-first4=Léonie |author-last5=Rankin |author-first5=Jennifer |author-last6=Holmes |author-first6=Oliver |author-last7=Harding |author-first7=Luke |author-last8=Boffey |author-first8=Daniel |date=25 February 2022 |title=Fears Moscow plans to encircle and threaten Kyiv – as it happened |language=en-GB |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/feb/24/russia-invades-ukraine-declares-war-latest-news-live-updates-russian-invasion-vladimir-putin-explosions-bombing-kyiv-kharkiv |access-date=25 February 2022 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224075414/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/feb/24/russia-invades-ukraine-declares-war-latest-news-live-updates-russian-invasion-vladimir-putin-explosions-bombing-kyiv-kharkiv |url-status=live}}</ref>
+[[File:Battle of Konotop 06.jpg|thumb|A destroyed [[Armoured personnel carrier|APC]] from the [[Battle of Konotop (2022)|Battle of Konotop]]]]
+At 13:00 and 13:19 (UTC+2), Ukrainian border guards and Armed Forces reported two new clashes—near [[Sumy]] ("in the direction of [[Konotop]]") and [[Starobilsk]] (Luhansk Oblast).<ref name=hromadske.online/> At 13:32 (UTC+2), Valerii Zaluzhnyi reported four ballistic missiles launched from the territory of Belarus in the southwestern direction.<ref name=hromadske.online/> Several stations of [[Kyiv Metro]] and [[Kharkiv Metro]] were used as bomb shelters for the local population.<ref name=hromadske.online/> A local hospital in [[Vuhledar]] (Donetsk Oblast) was reported to have been bombed with four civilians dead and 10 wounded (including 6 physicians).<ref name=hromadske.online/> Ukrainian border guards reported that two Russian ships, ''[[Russian patrol boat Vasily Bykov|Vasily Bykov]]'' ([[Project 22160 patrol ship]]) and ''[[Russian cruiser Moskva|Moskva]]'', attacked and tried to capture the small [[Snake Island (Black Sea)|Snake Island]] near the [[Danube Delta]].<ref name=hromadske.online/>
+At 16:00 (UTC+2), Zelenskyy said that fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces had erupted in the [[ghost cities]] of [[Chernobyl]] and [[Pripyat]].<ref>{{cite web|author-last=Sullivan |author-first=Rory |date=24 February 2022 |title=Fighting breaks out near Chernobyl, says Ukrainian president |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/chernobyl-nuclear-russia-attack-ukraine-b2022444.html |access-date= |website=[[The Independent]] |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224151418/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/chernobyl-nuclear-russia-attack-ukraine-b2022444.html |url-status=live}}</ref> By around 18:20 (UTC+2), the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]] was under Russian control,<ref>{{cite web|date=24 February 2022 |title=В Офисе президента подтвердили захват россиянами Чернобыльской АЭС |trans-title=The Office of the President confirmed the capture of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant by the Russians |url=https://www.unian.net/war/rossiyskie-voyska-zahvatili-chernobylskuyu-aes-ofis-prezidenta-novosti-donbassa-11716741.html |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=[[UNIAN]] |language=ru |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224172911/https://www.unian.net/war/rossiyskie-voyska-zahvatili-chernobylskuyu-aes-ofis-prezidenta-novosti-donbassa-11716741.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|access-date=24 February 2022 |title=Chernobyl power plant captured by Russian forces – Ukrainian official |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/chernobyl-power-plant-captured-by-russian-forces-ukrainian-official-2022-02-24/ |publisher=[[Reuters]] |date=24 February 2022|archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224174356/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/chernobyl-power-plant-captured-by-russian-forces-ukrainian-official-2022-02-24/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author-first1=Aditi |author-last1=Sangal |author-first2=Meg |author-last2=Wagner |author-first3=Adrienne |author-last3=Vogt |author-first4=Melissa |author-last4=Macaya |author-first5=Rob |author-last5=Picheta |author-first6=Lauren |author-last6=Said-Moorhouse |author-first7=Ed |author-last7=Upright |author-first8=Maureen |author-last8=Chowdhury |date=24 February 2022 |title=Russian troops seize Chernobyl nuclear power plant, Ukrainian official says |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-24-22-intl/h_438d63764e04c5907533d2c095e73cfd |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=[[CNN]] |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224182927/https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-24-22-intl/h_438d63764e04c5907533d2c095e73cfd |url-status=live}}</ref> as were the surrounding areas.<ref>{{cite web|author-last1=Najjar |author-first1=Farah |author-last2=Child |author-first2=David |author-last3=Gadzo |author-first3=Mersiha |title=Russian forces seize Chernobyl site as Ukraine battles rage |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/23/ukraine-declares-state-of-emergency-amid-fears-of-invasion-liveblog |access-date=24 February 2022 |publisher=[[Al Jazeera]] |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224091527/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/23/ukraine-declares-state-of-emergency-amid-fears-of-invasion-liveblog |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Zelenskiy Says Russian Forces Trying To Take Over Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-invasion-russian-forces-chernobyl-/31721240.html |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224182943/https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-invasion-russian-forces-chernobyl-/31721240.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=24 February 2022 |title=Fighting breaks out near Chernobyl, says Ukrainian president |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/chernobyl-nuclear-russia-attack-ukraine-b2022444.html |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=[[The Independent]] |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224151418/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/chernobyl-nuclear-russia-attack-ukraine-b2022444.html |url-status=live}}</ref> According to the [[Verkhovna Rada]] deputy [[Maryana Bezuhla]], Russian troops threatened to attack [[Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant]].<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://www.unian.net/war/rossiyskie-zahvatchiki-ugrozhayut-obstrelyat-zaporozhskuyu-aes-nardep-novosti-donbassa-11716903.html |title=Российские захватчики угрожают обстрелять Запорожскую АЭС – нардеп |trans-title=Russian invaders threaten to shell Zaporizhia nuclear power plant – people's deputy |language=ru |website=[[Unian]] |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224194437/https://www.unian.net/war/rossiyskie-zahvatchiki-ugrozhayut-obstrelyat-zaporozhskuyu-aes-nardep-novosti-donbassa-11716903.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
+At 16:18 (UTC+2), [[Vitali Klitschko]], the [[mayor of Kyiv]], proclaimed a curfew lasting from 22:00 to 07:00.<ref>{{cite web|date=24 February 2022 |title=Kyiv imposes curfew from 22:00 to 07:00, transport not to work at this time – Klitschko |url=https://ua.interfax.com.ua/news/general/801462.html |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=[[Interfax-Ukraine]] |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224160553/https://ua.interfax.com.ua/news/general/801462.html |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Filippo Grandi]], the [[United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees]], estimated that more than 100,000 Ukrainians suffered [[forced displacement]], with thousands of these crossing into Moldova and Romania.<ref name="BBC-2022-02-24">{{cite news|title=Ukraine-Russia invasion: Russia launches attack on Ukraine from several fronts |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60454795 |publisher=BBC |access-date=24 February 2022 |date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224192206/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60454795 |url-status=live }}</ref> At 22:00 (UTC+2), the [[State Border Guard Service of Ukraine]] announced that Russian forces had captured [[Snake Island (Black Sea)|Snake Island]] following a naval and air bombardment of the island.<ref>{{cite news |title=Острів Зміїний захопили російські окупанти – ДПСУ |language=uk |trans-title=Snake Island was captured by the Russian occupiers – SBGS |url=https://gazeta.ua/articles/donbas/_ostriv-zmiyinij-zahopili-rosijski-okupanti-dpsu/1072429 |access-date=24 February 2022 |publisher=Gazeta UA |date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224202628/https://gazeta.ua/articles/donbas/_ostriv-zmiyinij-zahopili-rosijski-okupanti-dpsu/1072429 |url-status=live }}</ref> All thirteen border guards on the island were assumed to have been killed in the bombardment, after refusing to surrender to a Russian warship; a recording of the guards refusing an offer to surrender went viral on social media. President Zelenskyy announced that the presumed-dead border guards would be posthumously granted the title of [[Hero of Ukraine]], the country's highest honor.<ref name="BBC-2022-02-25">{{cite web|title=Ukraine-Russia invasion: Ukraine says Russian rockets hit Kyiv overnight |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-europe-60517447 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=[[BBC News]] |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225085334/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60517447 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Lamothe |author-first1=Dan |title=Ukrainian border guards may have survived reported last stand on Snake Island |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/02/26/ukraine-russia-snake-island/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/02/26/ukraine-russia-snake-island/|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=26 February 2022 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=26 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Seventeen civilians were confirmed killed, including thirteen killed in [[Southern Ukraine]],<ref name="DailyThanthi">{{cite web |date=24 February 2022 |title=ரஷ்ய தாக்குதல்: தெற்கு உக்ரைன் பகுதியில் 22 பேர் கொல்லப்பட்டதாக தகவல் |trans-title=Russian offensive: 22 killed in southern Ukraine |language=ta |url=http://www.dailythanthi.com/News/TopNews/2022/02/24231956/South-Ukraine-region-says-13-civilians-9-troops-killed.vpf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224181739/https://www.dailythanthi.com/News/TopNews/2022/02/24231956/South-Ukraine-region-says-13-civilians-9-troops-killed.vpf |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |website=Dailythanthi.com}}</ref> three in Mariupol, and one in Kharkiv.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ukraine death toll: What we know so far |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/24/russia-ukraine-invasion-casualties-death-toll |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/24/russia-ukraine-invasion-casualties-death-toll |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |publisher=[[Al Jazeera]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Zelenskyy stated that 137 Ukrainian citizens (both soldiers and civilians) died on the first day of the invasion.<ref name="BBC-2022-02-24"/>
+Shortly after 23:00 (UTC+2), President Zelenskyy ordered a [[general mobilisation]] of all Ukrainian males between 18 and 60 years old; for the same reason, Ukrainian males from that age group were banned from leaving Ukraine.<ref name="Interfax 2022">{{cite web |date=25 February 2022 |title=Zelensky signs decree declaring general mobilization |url=https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/801769.html |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=[[Interfax-Ukraine]] |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225113724/https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/801769.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
 === 25 February ===
-[[File:Reporter’s Notebook - Thriving Kyiv Becomes Battle Zone, Almost Overnight 03.jpg|thumb|Civilians in Kyiv gather in a basement to make [[Molotov cocktails]], 25 February]]
+{{see also|Battle of Kharkiv (2022)|Battle of Kyiv (2022)|Battle of Mariupol (2022)|Battle of Starobilsk|Kherson offensive|Kyiv offensive (2022)|Millerovo air base attack}}
-By 01:24 (UTC+2), President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had ordered the full mobilization of the Ukrainian military for 90 days.<ref>{{cite news|date=25 February 2022 |title=Russia-Ukraine latest news: Zelenskiy bans Ukrainian men aged 18–60 from leaving the country after invasion – live updates |language=en-GB |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/feb/24/russia-invades-ukraine-declares-war-latest-news-live-updates-russian-invasion-vladimir-putin-explosions-bombing-kyiv-kharkiv |access-date=25 February 2022 |issn=0261-3077 |author-last7=Harding |author-first8=Shah Meer |author-last8=Baloch |author-first7=Luke |author-last1=Loc |author-first1=Samantha |author-last6=Holmes |author-first5=Jennifer |author-last5=Rankin |author-first4=Léonie |author-last4=Chao-Fong |author-first3=Gloria |author-last3=Oladipo |author-first2=Maanvi |author-last2=Singh |author-first6=Oliver |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224075414/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/feb/24/russia-invades-ukraine-declares-war-latest-news-live-updates-russian-invasion-vladimir-putin-explosions-bombing-kyiv-kharkiv |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|last= |first= |date=24 February 2022 |title=Ukraine president orders general mobilization |url=https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-president-orders-general-mobilization/a-60908996 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=[[Deutsche Welle]] |language=en-GB |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225112232/https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-president-orders-general-mobilization/a-60908996 |url-status=live}}</ref> He announced that all Ukrainian males aged 18 to 60 were banned from leaving the country.<ref>{{cite web|author=Aditi Sangal |author2=Meg Wagner |author3=Adrienne Vogt |author4=Melissa Macaya |author5=Rob Picheta |author6=Lauren Said-Moorhouse |author7=Ed Upright |author8=Maureen Chowdhury |author9=Fernando Alfonso III |date=24 February 2022 |title=Ukrainian males aged 18–60 are banned from leaving the country, Zelensky says in new declaration |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-24-22-intl/h_4309a4916d57670f85519210a07fb2c9 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=[[CNN]] |language=en |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225100620/https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-24-22-intl/h_4309a4916d57670f85519210a07fb2c9 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
+[[File:Kyiv Tense as Russian Forces Advance.webm|thumb|left|"Kyiv Tense as Russian Forces Advance", video news report from [[Voice of America]]]]
+By 01:24 (UTC+2), Zelenskyy had ordered the full mobilisation of the Ukrainian military for 90 days.<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Loc |author-first1=Samantha |author-last2=Singh |author-first2=Maanvi |author-last3=Oladipo |author-first3=Gloria |author-last4=Chao-Fong |author-first4=Léonie |author-last5=Rankin |author-first5=Jennifer |author-last6=Holmes |author-first6=Oliver |author-last7=Harding |author-first7=Luke |author-last8=Baloch |author-first8=Shah Meer |date=25 February 2022 |title=Russia-Ukraine latest news: Zelenskiy bans Ukrainian men aged 18–60 from leaving the country after invasion – live updates |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/feb/24/russia-invades-ukraine-declares-war-latest-news-live-updates-russian-invasion-vladimir-putin-explosions-bombing-kyiv-kharkiv |access-date=25 February 2022 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224075414/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/feb/24/russia-invades-ukraine-declares-war-latest-news-live-updates-russian-invasion-vladimir-putin-explosions-bombing-kyiv-kharkiv |url-status=live }}</ref> Around 04:00 (UTC+2) local time, Kyiv was rocked with two explosions. Ukrainian Interior Ministry official [[Anton Herashchenko]] relayed via text message that those explosions were cruise and ballistic missiles being targeted at Kyiv.<ref>{{cite web|author-first1=Helen |author-last1=Regan |author-first2=Jonny |author-last2=Hallam |title=Ukrainian capital Kyiv targeted with missile fire, official says|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/24/europe/ukraine-russia-invasion-friday-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=[[CNN]] |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225040530/https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/24/europe/ukraine-russia-invasion-friday-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The Ukrainian government said that it had shot down an enemy aircraft over Kyiv, which then crashed into a residential building, setting it on fire.<ref>{{cite news |title=Explosions heard in Kyiv, official says enemy aircraft downed |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/explosions-heard-kyiv-official-says-enemy-aircraft-downed-2022-02-25/ |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=25 February 2022 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225050231/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/explosions-heard-kyiv-official-says-enemy-aircraft-downed-2022-02-25/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was later confirmed that the aircraft was a Ukrainian [[Sukhoi Su-27|Su-27]].<ref name="auto3"/>
-At 03:27 (UTC+2), a captain and corporal from the Russian [[11th Guards Air Assault Brigade]]<ref>{{cite web|last= |date=25 February 2022 |title="Путін цинічно обдурив" – окупанти продовжують здаватися в полон ЗСУ |trans-title="Putin cynically deceived" - the occupiers continue to surrender to the Armed Forces |url=https://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_putin-cinichno-obduriv-okupanti-prodovzhuyut-zdavatisya-v-polon-zsu/1072481 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=Gazeta.ua |language=uk |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225040531/https://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_putin-cinichno-obduriv-okupanti-prodovzhuyut-zdavatisya-v-polon-zsu/1072481 |url-status=live}}</ref> and a reconnaissance platoon of the 74th Motorized Rifle Brigade<ref>{{cite web|title=Russia's 74th Motorized Rifle Brigade recon platoon surrenders to Ukraine's army |url=https://112.international/ukraine-top-news/russias-74th-motorized-rifle-brigade-recon-platoon-surrenders-to-ukraines-army-70097.html |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=112.international |language=en-US |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224204234/https://112.international/ukraine-top-news/russias-74th-motorized-rifle-brigade-recon-platoon-surrenders-to-ukraines-army-70097.html |url-status=live}}</ref> surrendered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine near [[Chernihiv]].
+Independent military analysts noted that Russian forces in the north of the country appeared to have been heavily engaged by the Ukrainian military. Russian units were attempting to [[Kyiv offensive (2022)|encircle Kyiv]] and [[Battle of Kharkiv (2022)|advance into Kharkiv]], but were bogged down in heavy fighting, with social media images suggesting that some Russian armoured columns had been ambushed. In contrast, Russian operations in the east and south were more effective. The best trained and equipped Russian units were positioned outside Donbas in the southeast and appeared to have maneuvered around the prepared defensive trenches and attacked in the rear of Ukrainian defensive positions. Meanwhile, Russian military forces advancing from Crimea were divided into two columns, with analysts suggesting that they may have been attempting to encircle and entrap the Ukrainian defenders at Donbas, forcing the Ukrainians to abandon their prepared defences and fight in the open.<ref>{{cite web |author-last1=Barnes |author-first1=Julian E. |title=Russian forces are meeting more resistance near Kyiv and Kharkiv than farther south, analysts say. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/02/24/world/russia-attacks-ukraine/russian-forces-are-meeting-more-resistance-near-kyiv-and-kharkiv-than-farther-south-analysts-say|url-access=limited|website=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=25 February 2022 |date=25 February 2022 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225045412/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/02/24/world/russia-attacks-ukraine/russian-forces-are-meeting-more-resistance-near-kyiv-and-kharkiv-than-farther-south-analysts-say |url-status=live }}</ref>
-At 05:14 (UTC+2), a Russian rocket strike hit a Ukrainian border post in the village of Prymors'kyi Posad, [[Pryazovske Raion]], [[Zaporizhzhia Oblast]].<ref>{{cite web|last= |date=25 February 2022 |title=Російські війська прориваються через Запорізьку область. Вдарили ракетами |trans-title=Russian troops break through the Zaporozhye region. They were hit by rockets |url=https://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_rosijski-vijska-prorivayutsya-cherez-zaporizku-oblast-vdarili-raketami/1072492 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=Gazeta.ua |language=uk |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225100630/https://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_rosijski-vijska-prorivayutsya-cherez-zaporizku-oblast-vdarili-raketami/1072492 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite news|author-last1=Lyons |author-first1=Izzy |author-last2=Nanu |author-first2=Maighna |date=25 February 2022 |title=Mapped: Russia's invasion of Ukraine |language=en-GB |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/02/25/ukraine-live-map-track-russian-invasion-explosions-locations/ |access-date=25 February 2022 |issn=0307-1235 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225112230/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/02/25/ukraine-live-map-track-russian-invasion-explosions-locations/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Ukrainian casualties were reported.<ref name=":1" />
+On the morning of 25 February, Zelenskyy accused Russia of targeting civilian as well as military sites in a televised address.<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Graham-Harrison |author-first1=Emma |author-last2=Harding |author-first2=Luke |author-last3=Boffey |author-first3=Daniel |author-last4=Elias |author-first4=Visontay |title=Ukraine invasion: Zelenskiy strikes defiant tone as explosions ring out in Kyiv |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/25/ukraine-invasion-explosions-in-kyiv-as-uk-reports-fierce-resistance-across-the-nation |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=25 February 2022 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225052024/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/25/ukraine-invasion-explosions-in-kyiv-as-uk-reports-fierce-resistance-across-the-nation |url-status=live }}</ref> Ukrainian Interior Ministry representative Vadym Denysenko said that 33 civilian sites had been hit in the previous 24 hours.<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Polityuk |author-first1=Pavel |author-last2=Baczynska |author-first2=Gabriela |author-last3=Lawson |author-first3=Hugh |title=Ukraine ministry says Russia hit 33 civilian sites in last 24 hrs -Interfax |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ukraine-ministry-says-russia-hit-075824163.html |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=[[Yahoo Finance]] |agency=[[Reuters]]/[[Interfax]] |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225113721/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ukraine-ministry-says-russia-hit-075824163.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Ukraine's Defence Ministry stated that Russian forces had entered the district of [[Obolon, Kyiv]], and were approximately {{convert|9|km|mi}} from the [[Verkhovna Rada building|Ukrainian Parliament]].<ref name="BBC-2022-02-25" /> The Defence Ministry also announced that all Ukrainian civilians were eligible to volunteer for military service regardless of their age.<ref name="OZ" />
-At 05:40 (UTC+2), Russian military equipment began moving through the Sumy Raion.<ref>{{cite web|last= |date=25 February 2022 |title=Сумщиною активно йде російська військова техніка |trans-title=Sumy region is actively Russian military equipment |url=https://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_sumschinoyu-aktivno-jde-rosijska-vijskova-tehnika/1072517 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=Gazeta.ua |language=uk |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225100619/https://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_sumschinoyu-aktivno-jde-rosijska-vijskova-tehnika/1072517 |url-status=live}}</ref> There was also fighting just outside of [[Okhtyrka]] that began at 07:30 (UTC+3).
+[[File:Житловий будинок у Києві (вул. Кошиця) після обстрілу.jpg|thumb|Apartment block in Kyiv (Oleksandr Koshyts Street) after shelling, 25 February]]
+Ukrainian authorities reported that a non-critical increase in radiation exceeding control levels had been detected at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant after Russian troops had occupied the area, saying that this was due to the movement of heavy military vehicles lifting radioactive dust into the air.<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Mathers |author-first1=Matt |title=Chernobyl radiation 'exceeds control levels' in multiple areas being seized by Russia |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/chernobyl-update-nuclear-radiation-ukraine-b2023062.html |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=[[The Independent]] |date=25 February 2022 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225105519/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/chernobyl-update-nuclear-radiation-ukraine-b2023062.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Polityuk |author-first1=Pavel |title=Ukraine reports higher but "not critical" Chernobyl radiation |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-nuclear-agency-reports-higher-chernobyl-radiation-levels-due-heavy-2022-02-25/ |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=25 February 2022 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225113725/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-nuclear-agency-reports-higher-chernobyl-radiation-levels-due-heavy-2022-02-25/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Russia claimed that it was defending the plant from nationalistic and terrorist groups, and that staff were monitoring radiation levels at the site.<ref name="BBC-2022-02-25" />
-At 06:25 (UTC+2), a gas pipeline in [[Starobilsk]] was cut off due to shelling from the Russian army.<ref>{{cite web|title=У Старобільську в результаті обстрілу окупантів перебитий газопровід |trans-title=In Starobilsk, a gas pipeline was cut off as a result of the occupiers' shelling |url=https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-ato/3412249-u-starobilsku-v-rezultati-obstrilu-okupantiv-perebitij-gazoprovid.html |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=www.ukrinform.ua |language=uk}}</ref>
+The mayor of [[Horlivka]] in the Russian-backed [[Donetsk People's Republic]] reported that a munition fired by the Ukrainian military hit a local school building, killing two teachers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sorting fact, disinformation after Russian attack on Ukraine |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/sorting-fact-disinformation-russian-attack-ukraine-83106752|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/sorting-fact-disinformation-russian-attack-ukraine-83106752|archive-date=2022-02-27 | url-status=live  |access-date=26 February 2022 |work=ABC News |date=26 February 2022 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>
-At 06:46 (UTC+2), [[Rivne International Airport]] in [[Rivne]] was struck by a Russian missile, causing minor damage.<ref>{{cite web|last= |date=25 February 2022 |title=Аеропорт в Рівному потрапив під ракетний удар |trans-title=The airport in Rivne was hit by a missile |url=https://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_aeroport-v-rivnomu-potrapiv-pid-raketnij-udar/1072504 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=Gazeta.ua |language=uk |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225100630/https://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_aeroport-v-rivnomu-potrapiv-pid-raketnij-udar/1072504 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last= |date=25 February 2022 |title=Guerra Ucraina, forze Russia entrate a Kiev |trans-title=Ukrainian war, Russian forces entered Kiev |url=https://www.adnkronos.com/guerra-ucraina-missili-su-kiev-abbattuto-aereo-russia_5lyAHjpPXFyy8W9EPBCNy4 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=Adnkronos |language=it |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225062532/https://www.adnkronos.com/guerra-ucraina-missili-su-kiev-abbattuto-aereo-russia_5lyAHjpPXFyy8W9EPBCNy4 |url-status=live }}</ref>
+Zelenskyy indicated that the Ukrainian government was not "afraid to talk about neutral status".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news/card/U1YDTnzZnlMsI6A2uzcb |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news/card/U1YDTnzZnlMsI6A2uzcb |archive-date=26 February 2022 |title=Zelensky Says Russia Is Striking Military and Civilian Targets |work=www.wsj.com |publisher=[[Wall Street Journal]] |author-first=James |author-last=Marson |access-date=25 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On the same day, President Putin indicated to Chinese president [[Xi Jinping]] that "Russia is willing to conduct high-level negotiations with Ukraine".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/putin-tells-xi-that-russia-willing-to-hold-high-level-talks-with-ukraine-chinas-cctv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/putin-tells-xi-that-russia-willing-to-hold-high-level-talks-with-ukraine-chinas-cctv |archive-date=26 February 2022 |title=Putin tells Xi that Russia willing to hold high-level talks with Ukraine -China's CCTV |work=Financial Post |access-date=25 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
-At 06:47 (UTC+2), a Ukrainian army unit detonated a bridge in [[Ivankiv]] near Kyiv, stopping the advance of a Russian tank column.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=25 February 2022|title=Українські військові під Києвом зупинили колону російських танків|trans-title=The Ukrainian military stopped a column of Russian tanks near Kyiv|url=https://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_ukrayinski-vijskovi-pid-kiyevom-zupinili-kolonu-rosijskih-tankiv/1072503|access-date=25 February 2022|website=Gazeta.ua|language=uk|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225100628/https://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_ukrayinski-vijskovi-pid-kiyevom-zupinili-kolonu-rosijskih-tankiv/1072503|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Cole|first=Brendan|date=25 February 2022|title=Ukraine forces blow up bridge near Kyiv to halt Russian tank advance|url=https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ukraine-kyiv-bridge-blown-explosion-invasion-tank-advance-1682560|access-date=25 February 2022|website=Newsweek|language=en|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225080611/https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ukraine-kyiv-bridge-blown-explosion-invasion-tank-advance-1682560|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Russian tanks stopped near Ivankiv, Kyiv region|url=https://112.international/ukraine-top-news/russian-tanks-stopped-near-ivankiv-kyiv-region-70107.html|access-date=25 February 2022|website=112.international|language=en-US|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225053806/https://112.international/ukraine-top-news/russian-tanks-stopped-near-ivankiv-kyiv-region-70107.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, groups of Russian soldiers were seen marching through the villages of Katyuzhanka and [[Dymer, Kyiv Oblast|Dymer]], also in [[Kyiv Oblast]].{{cn|date=February 2022}}
+As Russian troops approached Kyiv, Zelenskyy asked residents to prepare [[Molotov cocktail]]s to "neutralise" the enemy. Putin meanwhile called on the Ukrainian military to [[Military coup|overthrow the government]].<ref>{{cite web|date=25 February 2022 |title=Putin tells Ukrainian military to overthrow Zelensky – follow live |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-russia-putin-war-kyiv-invasion-latest-b2022971.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-russia-putin-war-kyiv-invasion-latest-b2022971.html |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=[[The Independent]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ukraine-Russia news live: Troops enter Kyiv as Putin makes offer of Minsk peace talks |url=https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-russia-war-live-latest-news-putin-kyiv-invasion-12541713 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-russia-war-live-latest-news-putin-kyiv-invasion-12541713 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=[[Sky News]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Ukraine [[Gun law in Ukraine|distributed 18,000 guns]] to Kyiv residents who expressed a willingness to fight and deployed the [[Territorial Defense Forces (Ukraine)|Territorial Defence Forces]], the reserve component of the Ukrainian military, for the defence of Kyiv.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kyiv residents take up arms as Russia advances |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60517447 |publisher=BBC |access-date=25 February 2022 |date=25 February 2022}}</ref> Some Russian forces had entered northern Kyiv, but had not progressed beyond that.<ref>{{cite news|author-last=Bengali |author-first=Shashank |author-last2=Bigg |author-first2=Matthew Mpoke |date=25 February 2022 |title=Ukrainian Fighters Battle to Hold Kyiv |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/02/25/world/russia-ukraine-war|url-access=limited |access-date=26 February 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Russia's [[Spetsnaz]] troops infiltrated the city with the intention of "hunting" government officials.<ref>{{cite web|date=25 February 2022 |title=Russian special forces have entered Kyiv to hunt down Ukraine's leaders, says Zelensky|url=https://inews.co.uk/news/russia-special-forces-kyiv-ukraine-leaders-mercanaries-behind-lines-1483303 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://inews.co.uk/news/russia-special-forces-kyiv-ukraine-leaders-mercanaries-behind-lines-1483303 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=inews.co.uk |publisher=[[i (newspaper)|i News]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
-At 08:15 (UTC+2), the Russian army reached [[Kherson]].<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=24 February 2022|title=Российские войска вышли к Херсону и восстановили подачу воды в Крым|trans-title=Russian troops reached Kherson and restored water supply to Crimea|url=https://ria.ru/20220224/kanal-1774876399.html|access-date=25 February 2022|website=RIA Novosti|language=ru|archive-date=24 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224214657/https://ria.ru/20220224/kanal-1774876399.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=24 February 2022|title=War in Ukraine: where has Russia attacked?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/24/war-ukraine-kyiv-map-where-has-russia-attacked|access-date=25 February 2022|website=the Guardian|archive-date=24 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224233726/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/24/war-ukraine-kyiv-map-where-has-russia-attacked|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Russian troops enter Ukraine's Kherson Oblast: Defense Ministry|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/russian-troops-enter-ukraines-kherson-oblast-defense-ministry/2513722|access-date=25 February 2022|website=www.aa.com.tr|archive-date=24 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224213215/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/russian-troops-enter-ukraines-kherson-oblast-defense-ministry/2513722|url-status=live}}</ref>
+By the evening, [[The Pentagon]] stated that Russia had not established [[air supremacy]] of Ukrainian airspace, which US analysts had predicted would happen quickly after hostilities began. Ukrainian [[Anti-aircraft warfare|air defence]] capabilities had been degraded by Russian attacks, but remained operational. Military aircraft from both nations continued to fly over Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Lamothe |author-first1=Daniel |title=Airspace over Ukraine remains contested, with no one in control, Pentagon says |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/25/ukraine-invasion-russia-news/#link-RCVQQO7CNFC33LEDYG2O3Q3JAE |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/25/ukraine-invasion-russia-news/#link-RCVQQO7CNFC33LEDYG2O3Q3JAE |archive-date=26 February 2022 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=25 February 2022 |date=25 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The Pentagon also said that Russian troops were also not advancing as quickly as either US intelligence or Moscow believed they would, that Russia had not taken any population centres, and that Ukrainian command and control was still intact. The Pentagon warned, however, that Russia had sent into Ukraine only 30 percent of the 150,000–190,000 troops it had massed at the border.<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Cooper |author-first1=Helene |title=Russian forces have lost some momentum, Pentagon official says. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/02/25/world/russia-ukraine-war/russian-forces-have-lost-some-momentum-pentagon-official-says |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225191901/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/02/25/world/russia-ukraine-war/russian-forces-have-lost-some-momentum-pentagon-official-says |archive-date=25 February 2022}}</ref>
-At 08:34 (UTC+2), the Ukrainian army repelled an attack by the Russian army in Chernihiv and seized Russian equipment and documents.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=25 February 2022|title=ЗСУ "підсмажили" техніку окупантів під Черніговом|trans-title=The Armed Forces of Ukraine "roasted" the equipment of the occupiers near Chernihiv|url=https://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_zsu-pidsmazhili-tehniku-okupantiv-pid-cernigovom/1072519|access-date=25 February 2022|website=Gazeta.ua|language=uk|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225065929/https://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_zsu-pidsmazhili-tehniku-okupantiv-pid-cernigovom/1072519|url-status=live}}</ref>
+A Ukrainian missile attack was launched against the [[Millerovo (air base)|Millerovo air base]] in Russia.<ref>{{cite news|date=25 February 2022 |title=Вооруженные силы Украины атаковали Миллерово 'Точкой-У' |trans-title=Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked Millerovo with 'Tochka-U' |language=ru |work=Rostov Gazeta |url=https://rostovgazeta.ru/news/politics/25-02-2022/vooruzhennye-sily-ukrainy-atakovali-millerovo-tochkoy-u |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://rostovgazeta.ru/news/politics/25-02-2022/vooruzhennye-sily-ukrainy-atakovali-millerovo-tochkoy-u |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
-At 08:43 (UTC+2), the Russian army unblocked the [[North Crimean Canal]], restoring water supply to Crimea, which had been lost in 2014 following the [[Russian annexation of Crimea (2014)|Russian annexation of Crimea]].<ref name="auto"/>
+A Russian tank from a military column was filmed crushing a civilian car in northern Kyiv, veering across the road to crush it. The car driver, an elderly man, survived and was helped out by locals.<ref>{{cite web |author-last=Wood |author-first=Aden-Jay |date=25 February 2022 |title=Tank drives over man's car in Ukraine... And he lives to tell the tale – WATCH |url=https://www.gbnews.uk/news/tank-drives-over-mans-car-in-ukraine-and-he-lives-to-tell-the-tale-watch/235095 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.gbnews.uk/news/tank-drives-over-mans-car-in-ukraine-and-he-lives-to-tell-the-tale-watch/235095 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |publisher=[[GB News]] |language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author-last=Chandler-Wilde |author-first=Helen |date=25 February 2022 |title=Ukrainian man run over in car by Russian tank rolling into northern Kyiv |language=en-GB |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/02/25/ukrainian-man-crushed-car-russian-tank-rolling-northern-kyiv/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/02/25/ukrainian-man-crushed-car-russian-tank-rolling-northern-kyiv/ |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Russian tank swerves to crush civilian car in Kyiv, driver miraculously survives |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/russian-tank-crushes-car-kyiv-b2023423.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/russian-tank-crushes-car-kyiv-b2023423.html |archive-date=26 February 2022 |work=[[The Independent]] |access-date=26 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
-At 09:01 (UTC+2), a column of Russian soldiers [[Battle of Starobilsk|was defeated]] by the Ukrainian army in Starobilsk and retreated.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=25 February 2022|title=Біля Старобільська українські військові розбили колону ворожої техніки|trans-title=Near Starobilsk, the Ukrainian military defeated a column of enemy vehicles|url=https://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_bilya-starobilska-ukrayinski-vijskovi-rozbili-kolonu-vorozhoyi-tehniki/1072523|access-date=25 February 2022|website=Gazeta.ua|language=uk|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225093156/https://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_bilya-starobilska-ukrayinski-vijskovi-rozbili-kolonu-vorozhoyi-tehniki/1072523|url-status=live}}</ref>
+=== 26 February ===
+{{see also|Battle of Kyiv (2022)|Battle of Mykolaiv|Battle of Vasylkiv|Kherson offensive|Kyiv offensive (2022)}}
+[[File:Житловий будинок на вул. Лобановського, 6-А після обстрілу.jpg|thumb|upright|Apartment block in Kyiv (Valeriy Lobanovskyi Avenue) struck by a missile, 26 February]]
+At 00:00 UTC, heavy fighting was reported to the south of Kyiv, near the city of [[Vasylkiv]] and [[Vasylkiv Air Base|its air base]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-25-22/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-25-22/index.html |archive-date=26 February 2022 |title=Heavy fighting reported to the south of Kyiv |work=[[CNN]] |date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |author-last1=Sangal |author-first1=Aditi |author-last2=Vogt |author-first2=Adrienne |author-last3=Woodyatt |author-first3=Amy |author-last4=Picheta |author-first4=Rob |author-last5=Upright |author-first5=Ed |author-last6=Yeung |author-first6=Jessie |author-last7=Renton |first7=Adam |author-last8=Macaya |author-first8=Melissa |author-last9=Wagner |author-first9=Meg }}{{cbignore}}</ref> The [[General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces|Ukrainian General Staff]] claimed that a Ukrainian Su-27 fighter had shot down a Russian [[Ilyushin Il-76|Il-76]] transport plane carrying paratroopers near the city.<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Давыгора |author-first1=Олег |title=Месть за Луганск 2014: возле Василькова сбили Ил-76 с вражескими десантниками |trans-title=Revenge for Luhansk 2014: Il-76 with enemy paratroopers was shot down near Vasilkov |url=https://www.unian.net/war/mest-za-lugansk-2014-vozle-vasilkova-sbili-il-76-s-vrazheskimi-desantnikami-novosti-donbassa-11718622.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.unian.net/war/mest-za-lugansk-2014-vozle-vasilkova-sbili-il-76-s-vrazheskimi-desantnikami-novosti-donbassa-11718622.html |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |work=Unian |date=26 February 2022 |language=ru}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Vasylkiv mayor Natalia Balasinovich said her city had been successfully defended by Ukrainian forces and the fighting was ending.<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Робейко |author-first1=Ольга |title=Бой за Васильков завершился победой ВСУ |trans-title=The battle for Vasilkov ended with the victory of the Armed Forces of Ukraine |url=https://www.unian.net/war/boy-za-vasilkov-zavershilsya-pobedoy-vsu-novosti-kieva-11718874.html |access-date=26 February 2022 |work=[[Unian]] |date=26 February 2022 |language=ru |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226105516/https://www.unian.net/war/boy-za-vasilkov-zavershilsya-pobedoy-vsu-novosti-kieva-11718874.html |archive-date=26 February 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
-At 10:30 (UTC+2), Russian forces [[Battle of Melitopol|entered Melitopol]]. The city was shelled and street fighting ensued. Melitopol's leadership surrendered later in the day and the city came under Russian control.
+Around 03:00, more than 48 explosions in 30 minutes were reported around Kyiv, as the Ukrainian military was reported to be fighting near the CHP-6 power station in the northern neighbourhood of [[Troieshchyna]].<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Grady |author-first1=Siobhán |author-last2=Kornfield |author-first2=Meryl |title=Multiple explosions rock Kyiv as Russian forces target city |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/25/ukraine-invasion-russia-news/#link-TAIGHCFPGRBUVBQRFBISDQJSL4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/25/ukraine-invasion-russia-news/#link-TAIGHCFPGRBUVBQRFBISDQJSL4 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=26 February 2022 |date=25 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The BBC reported the attack may be an attempt to cut off electricity to the city. Heavy fighting was reported near the [[Kyiv Zoo]] and the [[Shuliavka]] neighbourhood. Early on 26 February, the Ukrainian military said it had repelled a Russian attack on an army base located on [[Prospect Peremohy (roadway)|Peremohy Avenue]], a main road in Kyiv;<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine military says it repels Russian troops' attack on Kyiv base |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-troops-attack-kyiv-military-base-are-repelled-ukraine-military-2022-02-26/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-troops-attack-kyiv-military-base-are-repelled-ukraine-military-2022-02-26/ |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=26 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> it also claimed to have repelled a Russian assault on the city of [[Mykolaiv]] on the Black Sea.<ref>{{cite web |title=Heavy fighting reported around Kyiv |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60517447 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=26 February 2022 |date=25 February 2022 |author-last1=Perera |author-first1=Ayeshea }}</ref> American officials said a Russian Il-76 transport plane had been shot down by Ukrainian forces near [[Bila Tserkva]], about fifty miles south of Kyiv.<ref name="AP_stand_firm"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2022/02/26/ukraine-russian-war-updates-hundreds-of-casualties-as-russia-ukraine-fighting-spills-into-streets/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://nypost.com/2022/02/26/ukraine-russian-war-updates-hundreds-of-casualties-as-russia-ukraine-fighting-spills-into-streets/ |archive-date=26 February 2022 |title=Battle for Kyiv: Hundreds of casualties as fighting spills into streets|work=New York Post|date=26 February 2022|access-date=26 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> President Zelenskyy remained in Kyiv, and [[CNN]] reported that he had refused US offers of evacuation, instead requesting more ammunition for Ukrainian troops.<ref>{{cite web |author-last=Braithwaite |author-first=Sharon |date=26 February 2022 |title=Zelensky refuses US offer to evacuate, saying 'I need ammunition, not a ride' |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/26/europe/ukraine-zelensky-evacuation-intl/index.html|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/26/europe/ukraine-zelensky-evacuation-intl/index.html|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=27 February 2022 |website=[[CNN]] |language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
-At 14:25 (UTC+2), the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that they had surrounded Chernihiv and were blockading the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://t.me/bbbreaking/116512|title=Раньше всех. Ну почти.|website=t.me|access-date=25 February 2022|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226020458/https://t.me/bbbreaking/116512|url-status=live}}</ref> Britain's Ministry of Defense claimed that Russian forces failed to capture Chernihiv and instead took another route to Kyiv.
+[[File:Apartment block in Kharkiv damaged during Russian invasion.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Apartment block in [[Kharkiv]] partially ruined by a missile, 26 February]]
+Hundreds of casualties were reported during overnight fighting in Kyiv by the [[Associated Press]], which said shelling had destroyed an apartment building, bridges, and schools.<ref name="AP_stand_firm"/> The [[Ministry of Defence (Russia)|Russian defence ministry]] said it had captured [[Melitopol]], near the [[Sea of Azov]],<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Tsvetkova |author-first1=Maria |title=Russian forces capture Ukrainian city, Interfax reports, amid missile strikes |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/heavy-fighting-kyiv-outskirts-russia-ukraine-signal-possibility-talks-2022-02-26/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/heavy-fighting-kyiv-outskirts-russia-ukraine-signal-possibility-talks-2022-02-26/ |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=26 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> although British minister [[James Heappey]] questioned this claim.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukrainian city of Melitopol not in Russian hands, British minister says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/uk-believes-russians-have-not-taken-melitopol-minister-heappey-says-2022-02-26/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/uk-believes-russians-have-not-taken-melitopol-minister-heappey-says-2022-02-26/ |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=26 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> At 11:00, the Ukrainian General Staff reported that its aircraft had conducted 34 sorties in the past 24 hours, indicating that Russia had continued to, unexpectedly, fail to gain air superiority.<ref name="ISW Feb26">{{cite web |author-last1=Clark |author-first1=Mason |author-last2=Barros |author-first2=George |author-last3=Stepanenko |author-first3=Katya |title=Russia-Ukraine Warning Update: Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 26 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russia-ukraine-warning-update-russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-26|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russia-ukraine-warning-update-russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-26|archive-date=2022-02-27 |website=Institute for the Study of War |access-date=27 February 2022 |language=en |url-status=live |date=26 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
-Around Friday morning, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister [[Dmytro Kuleba]] reported that Russian forces had attacked a kindergarten and an orphanage in the [[Sumy Oblast|Sumy]] region. In a statement on Twitter, he stated that, "Today's Russian attacks on a kindergarten and an orphanage are war crimes and violations of the Rome Statute. Together with the General Prosecutor's Office we are collecting this and other facts, which we will immediately send to the Hague."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brugen|first=Isabel van|date=25 February 2022|title=Russian forces attack kindergarten in Ukraine, casualties reported: Officials|url=https://www.newsweek.com/russia-attacks-ukraine-kindergarten-orphanage-sumy-oblast-shelter-casualties-reported-1682656|access-date=25 February 2022|website=Newsweek|language=en|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225144523/http://www.newsweek.com/russia-attacks-ukraine-kindergarten-orphanage-sumy-oblast-shelter-casualties-reported-1682656|url-status=live}}</ref>
+By the afternoon, most of the Russian forces that had amassed around Ukraine were fighting in the country. Mayor Klitschko of Kyiv imposed a curfew from 5 p.m. Saturday until 8 a.m. Monday, warning that anyone outside during that time would be considered enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukrainian forces slow Russian advance on three cities. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/02/26/world/ukraine-russia-war/ukrainian-forces-fight-back-as-russia-pushes-on-three-cities |access-date=26 February 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226122313/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/02/26/world/ukraine-russia-war/ukrainian-forces-fight-back-as-russia-pushes-on-three-cities |archive-date=26 February 2022}}</ref> Reuters reported that internet connections were disrupted in parts of Ukraine, particularly in the south and east.<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Pearson |author-first1=James |author-last2=Satter |author-first2=Raphael |title=Internet in Ukraine disrupted as Russian troops advance |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/internet-ukraine-disrupted-russian-troops-advance-2022-02-26/ |access-date=26 February 2022 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226105525/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/internet-ukraine-disrupted-russian-troops-advance-2022-02-26/ |archive-date=26 February 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> In response to a request from the [[Vice-Prime Minister of Ukraine|vice Prime Minister]] [[Mykhailo Fedorov]], Elon Musk announced that he had turned on his [[Starlink]] service in Ukraine, with "more terminals en route".<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 February 2022 |title=Elon Musk says SpaceX's Starlink satellites now active over Ukraine |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/starlink-service-ukraine-elon-musk-b2024184.html|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/starlink-service-ukraine-elon-musk-b2024184.html|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=27 February 2022 |website=The Independent |language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Jin |first=Hyunjoo |date=27 February 2022 |title=Musk says Starlink active in Ukraine as Russian invasion disrupts internet |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/musk-says-starlink-active-ukraine-russian-invasion-disrupts-internet-2022-02-27/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.reuters.com/technology/musk-says-starlink-active-ukraine-russian-invasion-disrupts-internet-2022-02-27/|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=27 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
-By mid-morning, Russian troops and armor reached the northern district of Kyiv, whereupon the Ukrainian government urged its citizens to make [[Molotov cocktail|Molotov cocktails]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://euvsdisinfo.eu/?s=RIA+Novosti |title=Archived copy |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225165531/https://euvsdisinfo.eu/?s=RIA+Novosti |url-status=live }}</ref> Numerous "wake-up explosion sounds" were reported.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.people.cn/n3/2022/0225/c90000-9962849.html|title=Chinese Embassy in Kiev prepares to bring back Chinese nationals amid escalating Ukraine-Russia crisis - People's Daily Online|website=en.people.cn|access-date=25 February 2022|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225165353/http://en.people.cn/n3/2022/0225/c90000-9962849.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
+Ukrainian Interior Ministry representative Vadym Denysenko stated that Russian forces had advanced further towards [[Enerhodar]] and the [[Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant]]. He stated that they were deploying Grad missiles there and warned that they may attack the plant.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.polsatnews.pl/wiadomosc/2022-02-26/wojna-na-ukrainie-rosjanie-blisko-elektrowni-atomowej-jest-ryzyko-ze-zostanie-ostrzelana/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.polsatnews.pl/wiadomosc/2022-02-26/wojna-na-ukrainie-rosjanie-blisko-elektrowni-atomowej-jest-ryzyko-ze-zostanie-ostrzelana/|archive-date=2022-02-27|title=Wojna na Ukrainie. Rosjanie blisko elektrowni atomowej. Jest ryzyko, że zostanie ostrzelana|language=pl|trans-title=The war in Ukraine. Russians close to the nuclear power plant. There is a risk that it will be shot at|publisher=[[Polsat News]]|date=26 February 2022|access-date=26 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The Zaporizhia Regional State Administration stated that the Russian forces advancing on Enerhodar had later returned to Bolshaya Belozerka, a village located {{convert|30|km|mi}} from the city, on the same day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nikopol.nikopolnews.net/ru/favorite/oficialno-o-situacii-v-energodare-27-fevralya/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://nikopol.nikopolnews.net/ru/favorite/oficialno-o-situacii-v-energodare-27-fevralya/|archive-date=2022-02-27|title=Официально о ситуации в Энергодаре 27 февраля|author=Ekaterina Andrus|work=Nikopol News|language=Russian|date=February 27, 2022|accessdate=February 27, 2022}}{{cbignore}}
-The [[London Stock Exchange Group]] suspended the trading privileges of [[VTB Bank]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news/card/yOy6NdFGDRWo94GjOdRH|title=London Stock Exchange Suspends VTB Capital's Trading Privileges|website=WSJ|access-date=25 February 2022|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225165511/https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news/card/yOy6NdFGDRWo94GjOdRH|url-status=live}}</ref> and the dollar-pegged [[cryptocurrency]] [[tether (cryptocurrency)|Tether]] became popular amongst Ukrainians,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news/card/ukrainians-buy-dollar-pegged-stablecoin-amid-russian-attack-vGCCIQbH4CQx3Tl4V5D1|title=Ukrainians Buy Dollar-Pegged Stablecoin Amid Russian Attack|website=WSJ|access-date=25 February 2022|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225165450/https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news/card/ukrainians-buy-dollar-pegged-stablecoin-amid-russian-attack-vGCCIQbH4CQx3Tl4V5D1|url-status=live}}</ref> [[money market|currency trading]] having been suspended by the [[Central Bank of Ukraine]] upon Thursday's declaration of [[martial law]].
+</ref>
-A Ukrainian [[Millerovo air base attack|bombardment was launched]] against the [[Millerovo (air base)|Millerovo air base]] in [[Russia]], which resulted in fires. According to Ukrainian officials, two [[Russian Air Force|Russian Air Force planes]] were destroyed.<ref>{{Cite news|date=25 February 2022|title=Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked Millerovo with Tochka-U|work=RostovGazeta|url=https://rostovgazeta.ru/news/politics/25-02-2022/vooruzhennye-sily-ukrainy-atakovali-millerovo-tochkoy-u|access-date=25 February 2022|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225073113/https://rostovgazeta.ru/news/politics/25-02-2022/vooruzhennye-sily-ukrainy-atakovali-millerovo-tochkoy-u|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gabedava |first=Tatyana |date=25 February 2022 |title=Ukraine in response to the shelling of Ukrainian cities launched a missile attack on the Russian airbase Millerovo -Butusov |work=Novoye Vremya |url=https://nv.ua/ukraine/events/vtorzhenie-rossii-v-ukrainu-vsu-nanesli-raketnyy-udar-po-aviabaze-millerovo-novosti-ukrainy-50220081.html |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226203650/https://nv.ua/ukraine/events/vtorzhenie-rossii-v-ukrainu-vsu-nanesli-raketnyy-udar-po-aviabaze-millerovo-novosti-ukrainy-50220081.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
+A Japanese-owned cargo ship, the [[MV Namura Queen|MV ''Namura Queen'']] with 20 crew members onboard was struck by a Russian missile in the Black Sea. A Moldovan ship, [[MV Millennial Spirit|MV ''Millennial Spirit'']], was also shelled by a Russian warship, causing serious injuries.<ref>{{cite web |website=[[CNN]] |author-first1=Adrienne |author-last1=Vogt |author-first2=Lauren |author-last2=Said-Moorhouse |author-first3=Brad |author-last3=Lendon |author-first4=Steve |author-last4=George |author-first5=Meg |author-last5=Wagner |date=26 February 2022 |title=Japanese-owned cargo ship hit by a missile off Ukrainian coast |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-26-22/h_d79d1d542a90f15d7c38c6e3b03d73ab|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-26-22/h_d79d1d542a90f15d7c38c6e3b03d73ab|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=26 February 2022 |language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
-Later in the day, the [[NATO Response Force]] was activated for the first time as a defensive measure against the invasion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=CNN |first=Barbara Starr and Jeremy Herb |title=NATO Response Force activated for first time |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/25/politics/nato-ukraine-russia/index.html |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=CNN}}</ref>
+[[Ramzan Kadyrov]], the [[head of the Chechen Republic]], confirmed that the [[Kadyrovtsy#Ukraine|Kadyrovtsy]], units loyal to the [[Chechnya|Chechen Republic]], had been deployed into Ukraine as well.<ref>{{cite web |date=26 February 2022 |title=Chechen leader, a Putin ally, says his forces deployed to Ukraine |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/26/putins-chechen-ally-says-forces-deployed-ukraine-to-back-russia|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/26/putins-chechen-ally-says-forces-deployed-ukraine-to-back-russia|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=[[Al Jazeera]] |language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
-=== 26 February ===
+CNN obtained footage of a Russian [[TOS-1]] system, which carries [[thermobaric weapon]]s, near the Ukrainian border.<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Zitser |author-first1=Joshua |title=Russian army deploys its TOS-1 heavy flamethrower capable of vaporizing human bodies near Ukrainian border, footage shows |url=https://africa.businessinsider.com/news/russian-army-deploys-its-tos-1-heavy-flamethrower-capable-of-vaporizing-human-bodies/e8sgz30|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://africa.businessinsider.com/news/russian-army-deploys-its-tos-1-heavy-flamethrower-capable-of-vaporizing-human-bodies/e8sgz30|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=26 February 2022 |work=Business Insider Africa |date=26 February 2022 |language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' reported that Western officials warned such weapons would cause indiscriminate violence.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vladimir Putin poised to unleash terrifying new weapon in battle for Kyiv |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/02/25/vladimir-putin-poised-unleash-terrifying-new-weapon-battle-kyiv/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/02/25/vladimir-putin-poised-unleash-terrifying-new-weapon-battle-kyiv/|archive-date=2022-02-27 |author-first1=Robert |author-last1=Mendick |author-first2=James |author-last2=Rothwell |date=26 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |publisher=[[The Daily Telegraph]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The Russian military used these kind of weapons in the Chechnya war in the 1990s and other countries deployed them in military conflicts likewise.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-02-27 |title=What are thermobaric weapons? |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-27/what-are-thermobaric-weapon-which-russia-may-use-against-ukraine/100865560|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-27/what-are-thermobaric-weapon-which-russia-may-use-against-ukraine/100865560|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=2022-02-27}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
-At 00:00 UTC, [[Battle of Vasylkiv|heavy fighting was reported]] to the south of Kyiv, near the city of [[Vasylkiv]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-25-22/index.html |title=Heavy fighting reported to the south of Kyiv |work=[[CNN]] |date=25 February 2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225053554/https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-25-22/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces|Ukrainian General Staff]] claimed that a Ukrainian [[Sukhoi Su-27|Su-27]] fighter had shot down a Russian [[Ilyushin Il-76|Il-76]] transport plane carrying paratroopers near Vasylkiv.<ref name=dav20220226>{{cite news |author-last1=Давыгора |author-first1=Олег |title=Месть за Луганск 2014: возле Василькова сбили Ил-76 с вражескими десантниками |trans-title=Revenge for Luhansk 2014: Il-76 with enemy paratroopers was shot down near Vasilkov |url=https://www.unian.net/war/mest-za-lugansk-2014-vozle-vasilkova-sbili-il-76-s-vrazheskimi-desantnikami-novosti-donbassa-11718622.html |access-date=26 February 2022 |work=Unian |date=26 February 2022 |language=ru |archive-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226000630/https://www.unian.net/war/mest-za-lugansk-2014-vozle-vasilkova-sbili-il-76-s-vrazheskimi-desantnikami-novosti-donbassa-11718622.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A second Russian Ilyushin Il-76 military transport plane was shot down near [[Bila Tserkva]], 85 kilometers (50 miles) south of Kyiv, according to two American officials with direct knowledge of conditions on the ground in Ukraine.<ref name=us20220226>{{cite web |title=US officials say 2 Russian transport planes shot down over Ukraine |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/us-officials-say-2-russian-transport-planes-shot-down-over-ukraine/ |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=www.timesofisrael.com |publisher=[[The Times of Israel]] |language=en-US |archive-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226095640/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/us-officials-say-2-russian-transport-planes-shot-down-over-ukraine/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, no evidence verifying either of the events was released.
+[[File:Solemn Kyiv Copes with Bombs Gunfire.webm|thumb|right|200px|'Solemn Kyiv Copes with Bombs, Gunfire' - Video news report from [[Voice of America]]]]
+A six-year-old boy was killed and multiple others were wounded when artillery fire hit the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv.<ref>{{cite web |author-last1=Vogt |author-first1=Adrienne |author-last2=Moorhouse |author-first2=Lauren |author-last3=Ravindran |author-first3=Jeevan |author-last4=Yeung |author-first4=Jessie |author-last5=Lendon |author-first5=Brad |author-last6=George |author-first6=Steve |author-last7=Wagner |author-first7=Meg |author-last8=Amir |author-first8=Vera |date=26 February 2022 |title=Six-year-old boy killed in Kyiv clashes, several more Ukrainian civilians wounded |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-26-22/h_60a7db10bfe4a64fb7fc9c2232fca43d|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-26-22/h_60a7db10bfe4a64fb7fc9c2232fca43d|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=27 February 2022 |website=[[CNN]] |language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The Ukrainian military claimed to have blown up a convoy of 56 tankers in [[Chernihiv Oblast]] carrying diesel for Russian forces.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/02/26/7326282/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/02/26/7326282/|archive-date=2022-02-27 |title=Ukrainian troops defending Chernihiv blow up 56 tanks of diesel fuel |work=[[Pravda]] |date=26 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
-Around 03:00, more than 48 explosions in 30 minutes were reported around Kyiv, as the Ukrainian military was reported to be fighting near the CHP-6 power station in the northern neighbourhood of [[Troieshchyna]].<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Grady |author-first1=Siobhán |author-last2=Kornfield |author-first2=Meryl |title=Multiple explosions rock Kyiv as Russian forces target city |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/25/ukraine-invasion-russia-news/#link-TAIGHCFPGRBUVBQRFBISDQJSL4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/25/ukraine-invasion-russia-news/#link-TAIGHCFPGRBUVBQRFBISDQJSL4 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=26 February 2022 |date=25 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The [[BBC]] reported the attack may be an attempt to cut off electricity to the city. Heavy fighting was reported near the [[Kyiv Zoo]] and the [[Shuliavka]] neighbourhood. Early on 26 February, the Ukrainian military said it had repelled a Russian attack on an army base located on [[Prospect Peremohy (roadway)|Peremohy Avenue]], a main road in Kyiv;<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine military says it repels Russian troops' attack on Kyiv base |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-troops-attack-kyiv-military-base-are-repelled-ukraine-military-2022-02-26/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220226/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-troops-attack-kyiv-military-base-are-repelled-ukraine-military-2022-02-26/ |archive-date=26 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=26 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> it also claimed to have [[Battle of Mykolaiv|repelled a Russian assault]] on the city of [[Mykolaiv]] on the Black Sea.<ref>{{cite web |title=Heavy fighting reported around Kyiv |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60517447?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=6219818e0ce87e491a0ed0eb%26Battle%20for%20Kyiv%20under%20way%262022-02-26T01%3A32%3A51.226Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:e339c122-dc88-4e8b-a964-67b828e1e1b2&pinned_post_asset_id=6219818e0ce87e491a0ed0eb |website=[[BBC News]] |access-date=26 February 2022 |date=25 February 2022 |author-last1=Perera |author-first1=Ayeshea |archive-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226203658/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60517447?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=6219818e0ce87e491a0ed0eb%26Battle+for+Kyiv+under+way%262022-02-26T01%3A32%3A51.226Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn%3Aasset%3Ae339c122-dc88-4e8b-a964-67b828e1e1b2&pinned_post_asset_id=6219818e0ce87e491a0ed0eb |url-status=live }}</ref>
+By the end of the day, Russian forces had failed in their attempts to encircle and isolate Kyiv, despite mechanised and airborne attacks.<ref name="CT Update 9">{{cite web |date=26 February 2022 |title=Ukraine Conflict Update 9: February 26, 2022 |url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/ukraine-conflict-update-9|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/ukraine-conflict-update-9|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=27 February 2022 |website=Critical Threats |publisher=Institute for the Study of War}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russia had committed its operational northern reserve of 17 [[battalion tactical group]]s (BTGs) after Ukrainian forces halted the advance of 14 BTGs to the north of Kyiv.<ref name="ISW Feb26" /> Russia temporarily abandoned attempts to seize Chernihiv and Kharkiv after attacks were repelled by determined Ukrainian resistance, and bypassed those cities to continue towards Kyiv.<ref name="CT Update 9" /> The [[Institute for the Study of War]] (ISW) noted that Ukraine may soon be forced to decide between ceding much of the eastern part of the country, or withdrawing its forces in the Donbas in order to avoid encirclement. In the south, Russia took [[Berdyansk]] and threatened to encircle [[Mariupol]].<ref name="ISW Feb26" /> The ISW also said that poor planning and execution was leading to morale and logistical issues for the Russian military in northern Ukraine.<ref name="CT Update 9" /> US and British officials reported that Russian forces faced shortages of gasoline and diesel, leading to tanks and armoured vehicles stalling and slowing their advance.<ref>{{cite news |title=UK says Russian advance has slowed, likely caused by logistical problems, resistance |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-says-russian-advance-has-slowed-likely-caused-by-logistical-problems-2022-02-26/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-says-russian-advance-has-slowed-likely-caused-by-logistical-problems-2022-02-26/|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=27 February 2022 |work=Reuters |date=27 February 2022 |language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Videos also emerged online of Russian tanks and [[armoured personnel carrier]]s (APCs) stranded on the roadside.<ref>{{cite news |date=26 February 2022 |title=U.S., British Officials Say Russia Slowed By Logistics, 'Viable Ukrainian Resistance' |work=[[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]] |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/31724528.html|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.rferl.org/a/31724528.html|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=26 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Russia continued to not use its full arsenal; the ISW said this was likely to avoid the diplomatic and public relations consequences of mass civilian casualties, as well as to avoid creating rubble that would impede the advance of its own forces.<ref name="ISW Feb26"/>
 === 27 February ===
-{{see also|Kherson offensive|Kyiv offensive (2022)|Battle of Kyiv (2022)|Battle of Kharkiv (2022)|Battle of Sumy}}
+[[File:Equipment of the sabotage and reconnaissance group captured in Odessa Oblast, 2022 (2) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Equipment of Russian sabotage and reconnaissance group captured in [[Odessa Oblast]]]]
-Overnight, a gas pipeline outside Kharkiv was reported to have been blown up by a Russian attack,<ref>{{cite news|title=What's happening in the Ukraine crisis now |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60542877 |publisher=[[BBC]] |access-date=27 February 2022 |date=27 February 2022}}</ref> while an oil depot in the village of Kriachky near Vasylkiv ignited after being hit by missiles.<ref>{{cite news |title=Update on Russian invasion: Vasylkiv hit with Russian missiles, oil depot nearby on fire |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3414231-russia-hits-kyiv-regions-vasylkiv-with-cruise-or-ballistic-missiles.html |publisher=UkrInform |access-date=27 February 2022 |date=27 February 2022}}</ref> Heavy fighting near the Vasylkiv air base prevented firefighters from tackling the blaze.<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Орлова |author-first1=Віолетта |title=Під Васильковом продовжується бій за аеропорт |trans-title=The battle for the airport continues near Vasylkiv |url=https://www.unian.ua/war/pid-vasilkovom-prodovzhuyetsya-biy-za-aeroport-novini-donbasu-11720173.html |access-date=27 February 2022 |work=[[Unian]] |date=27 February 2022 |language=uk}}</ref> The Presidential Office claimed that the [[Kyiv International Airport (Zhuliany)|Zhuliany Airport]] was also bombed.<ref name="AP-2022-02-27">{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-volodymyr-zelenskyy-kyiv-europe-united-nations-edc6df79755195b29473cfd6d38b1ebb |title=Russia hits Ukraine fuel supplies, airfields in new attacks |work=[[Associated Press]] |date=27 February 2022 |access-date=27 February 2022}}</ref> Russian-backed separatists in Luhansk province claimed an oil terminal in the town of [[Rovenky]] was hit by a Ukrainian missile.<ref>{{cite news |title=Town near Ukraine's Kyiv hit by missiles, oil terminal on fire |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/town-near-ukraines-kyiv-hit-by-missiles-oil-terminal-fire-2022-02-27/ |access-date=27 February 2022 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=27 February 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
+{{see also|Battle of Kharkiv (2022)||Battle of Kyiv (2022)|Battle of Sumy|Kherson offensive|Kyiv offensive (2022)}}
-Later, President Putin directed the [[Minister of Defence (Russia)|Russian Defence Minister]] and [[Chief of the General Staff (Russia)|Chief of the General Staff]] to put Russia's nuclear deterrent forces in a "special regime of combat duty."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Putin puts Russia's nuclear forces on high alert as fighting in Ukraine continues |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-russia-invasion-war-putin-nuclear-forces-high-alert/ |access-date=27 February 2022 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Several Russian banks were removed from [[SWIFT]],<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/27/swift-action-at-last-brings-meaningful-sanctions-against-putin-regime</ref> and Turkey proclaimed that a state of war exists in the [[Black Sea]], allowing it to intercept ships of the Russian Navy. The [[European Union]] banned Russian aircraft from its airspace.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news-2022-02-26|title=The Russia-Ukraine War: Latest News|newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=26 February 2022|access-date=27 February 2022}}</ref>
+Overnight, a gas pipeline outside Kharkiv was reported to have been blown up by a Russian attack,<ref>{{cite news|title=What's happening in the Ukraine crisis now |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60542877|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60542877|archive-date=2022-02-27 |publisher=[[BBC]] |access-date=27 February 2022 |date=27 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> while an oil depot in the village of Kriachky near Vasylkiv ignited after being hit by missiles.<ref>{{cite news |title=Update on Russian invasion: Vasylkiv hit with Russian missiles, oil depot nearby on fire |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3414231-russia-hits-kyiv-regions-vasylkiv-with-cruise-or-ballistic-missiles.html|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3414231-russia-hits-kyiv-regions-vasylkiv-with-cruise-or-ballistic-missiles.html|archive-date=2022-02-27 |publisher=UkrInform |access-date=27 February 2022 |date=27 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Heavy fighting near the Vasylkiv air base prevented firefighters from tackling the blaze.<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Орлова |author-first1=Віолетта |title=Під Васильковом продовжується бій за аеропорт |trans-title=The battle for the airport continues near Vasylkiv |url=https://www.unian.ua/war/pid-vasilkovom-prodovzhuyetsya-biy-za-aeroport-novini-donbasu-11720173.html|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.unian.ua/war/pid-vasilkovom-prodovzhuyetsya-biy-za-aeroport-novini-donbasu-11720173.html|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=27 February 2022 |work=[[Unian]] |date=27 February 2022 |language=uk}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Also at night, it was reported that a group of [[Romani people in Ukraine|Ukrainian Roma]] (Gypsies) had seized a Russian tank in [[Liubymivka]], close to [[Kakhovka]], in the Kherson Oblast.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.unian.ua/war/pid-kahovkoyu-ukrajinski-romi-vkrali-u-rosiyskih-okupantiv-tank-novini-donbasu-11720335.html|title=Під Каховкою українські роми вкрали у російських окупантів танк - місцеві|first=Violetta|last=Orlova|newspaper=Ukrainian Independent Information Agency|date=27 February 2022|language=uk}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.diglogs.com/cesko/the-ukrainian-roma-achieved-success-seizing-the-russian-tank/|title=The Ukrainian Roma achieved success, seizing the Russian tank|newspaper=DigLogs|date=27 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Furthermore, the Presidential Office stated that [[Kyiv International Airport (Zhuliany)|Zhuliany Airport]] was also bombed.<ref name="AP-2022-02-27">{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-volodymyr-zelenskyy-kyiv-europe-united-nations-edc6df79755195b29473cfd6d38b1ebb|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-volodymyr-zelenskyy-kyiv-europe-united-nations-edc6df79755195b29473cfd6d38b1ebb|archive-date=2022-02-27 |title=Russia hits Ukraine fuel supplies, airfields in new attacks |work=[[Associated Press]] |date=27 February 2022 |access-date=27 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Russian-backed separatists in Luhansk province said that an oil terminal in the town of [[Rovenky]] was hit by a Ukrainian missile.<ref>{{cite news |title=Town near Ukraine's Kyiv hit by missiles, oil terminal on fire |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/town-near-ukraines-kyiv-hit-by-missiles-oil-terminal-fire-2022-02-27/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/town-near-ukraines-kyiv-hit-by-missiles-oil-terminal-fire-2022-02-27/|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=27 February 2022 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=27 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The [[State Emergency Service of Ukraine]] rescued 80 people from a nine-story residential building in Kharkiv after Russian artillery hit the building, extensively damaging it and killing a woman.<ref>{{cite web |author-first1=Adrienne |author-last1=Vogt |author-first2=Lauren |author-last2=Said-Moorhouse |author-first3=Jeevan |author-last3=Ravindran |author-first4=Peter |author-last4=Wilkinson |author-first5=Jessie |author-last5=Yeung |author-first6=Brad |author-last6=Lendon |author-first7=Steve |author-last7=George |author-first8=Meg |author-last8=Wagner |author-first9=Amir |author-last9=Vera |date=26 February 2022 |title=Russian aircraft banned from German airspace |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-26-22/h_b166502aee8fd3e6916eed56d4c443f5 |access-date=27 February 2022 |website=[[CNN]] }}</ref>
+[[Nova Kakhovka]]'s mayor, Vladimir Kovalenko, confirmed that the city had been seized by Russian troops, and he accused them of destroying the settlements of [[Kozatske]] and {{ill|Vesele, Beryslav Raion|lt=Vesele|uk|Веселе (Бериславський район)|ru|Весёлое (Бериславский район)}}.<ref>{{cite news |author-last=Vinogradova |author-first=Ulyana |title=Новая Каховка полностью под контролем российских оккупантов - мэр |trans-title=New Kakhovka is completely under the control of Russian invaders - the mayor |url=https://korrespondent.net/ukraine/4452018-novaia-kakhovka-polnostui-pod-kontrolem-rossyiskykh-okkupantov-mer1|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://korrespondent.net/ukraine/4452018-novaia-kakhovka-polnostui-pod-kontrolem-rossyiskykh-okkupantov-mer1|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=27 February 2022 |work=[[Korrespondent]] |language=uk}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Russian troops also entered Kharkiv, with fighting taking place in the city streets, including in the city centre.<ref>{{cite news |title=Russian troops enter Ukraine's Kharkiv -Ukrainian official |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-troops-enter-ukraines-kharkiv-ukrainian-official-2022-02-27/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-troops-enter-ukraines-kharkiv-ukrainian-official-2022-02-27/|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=27 February 2022 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=27 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> At the same time, Russian tanks started [[Battle of Sumy|pushing into Sumy]].<ref>{{cite web |date=27 February 2022 |title=A large column of Russian vehicles is pushing into the city of Sumy from the side of Khimprom |url=https://kyivindependent.com/uncategorized/a-large-column-of-russian-vehicles-is-pushing-into-the-city-of-sumy-from-the-side-of-khimprom/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://kyivindependent.com/uncategorized/a-large-column-of-russian-vehicles-is-pushing-into-the-city-of-sumy-from-the-side-of-khimprom/|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=27 February 2022 |website=The Kyiv Independent}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that Russian forces had completely surrounded Kherson and Berdyansk, in addition to capturing Henichesk and [[Kherson International Airport]] in Chernobaevka.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-it-blocks-ukraines-kherson-berdyansk-ria-2022-02-27/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-it-blocks-ukraines-kherson-berdyansk-ria-2022-02-27/|archive-date=2022-02-27 |title=Russia says it "blocks" Ukraine's Kherson, Berdyansk - RIA |author-first1=Olzhas |author-last1=Auyezov |author-first2=William |author-last2=Mallard |publisher=[[Reuters]] |date=27 February 2022 |access-date=27 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pnp.ru/politics/v-minoborony-soobshhili-ob-unichtozhenii-975-voennykh-obektov-ukrainy.html|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.pnp.ru/politics/v-minoborony-soobshhili-ob-unichtozhenii-975-voennykh-obektov-ukrainy.html|archive-date=2022-02-27 |title=В Минобороны сообщили об уничтожении 975 военных объектов Украины |trans-title=The Ministry of Defense announced the destruction of 975 military facilities of Ukraine |language=ru |date=27 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> By the early afternoon, [[Kharkiv Oblast]] governor [[Oleh Synyehubov]] stated that Ukrainian forces had regained full control of Kharkiv,<ref>{{cite web |title=Ukraine restores full control over Kharkiv: City governor |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/world/ukraine-restores-full-control-over-kharkiv-city-governor/news|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.dailysabah.com/world/ukraine-restores-full-control-over-kharkiv-city-governor/news|archive-date=2022-02-27 |website=[[Daily Sabah]] |access-date=27 February 2022 |date=27 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and Ukranian authorities said that dozens of Russian troops in the city had surrendered.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-27-22/index.html|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-27-22/index.html|archive-date=2022-02-27 |title=Ukrainian commander in Kharkiv says dozens of Russians surrendered |work=[[CNN]] |date=27 February 2022 |access-date=27 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
+[[Sergey Melikov]], the [[head of the Republic of Dagestan]], announced that a high-ranking [[Dagestan]]i officer died in Ukraine when he detonated a grenade, killing several Ukrainian military personnel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hindustannewshub.com/russia-ukraine-news/the-head-of-dagestan-announced-the-death-of-a-russian-soldier-in-ukraine-the-moscow-times/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://hindustannewshub.com/russia-ukraine-news/the-head-of-dagestan-announced-the-death-of-a-russian-soldier-in-ukraine-the-moscow-times/|archive-date=2022-02-27 |title=The head of Dagestan announced the death of a Russian soldier in Ukraine – The Moscow Times |work=Hinduistan News Hub |date=27 February 2022 |access-date=27 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The [[Verkhovna Rada]] claimed that a unit of [[Kadyrovtsy]] soldiers was destroyed in [[Hostomel]], though it took time because of them hiding behind civilian infrastructure, with the commander of the 141st Regiment killed along with them.<ref>{{cite web |title=Russian invasion update: Ukrainian military destroy Kadyrov forces unit near Hostomel |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3414341-russian-invasion-update-ukrainian-military-destroy-kadyrov-forces-unit-near-hostomel.html|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3414341-russian-invasion-update-ukrainian-military-destroy-kadyrov-forces-unit-near-hostomel.html|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=27 February 2022 |website=Ukrinform}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
+Putin ordered Russian nuclear forces on a high alert, a "special regime of combat duty", in response to what he called "aggressive statements" by NATO members.<ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Karmanau |author-first1=Yuras |author-last2=Heintz |author-first2=Jim |author-last3=Isachenkov |author-first3=Vladimir |title=Putin puts Russia's nuclear forces on alert, cites sanctions |newspaper=The Washington Post |publisher=Associated Press |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/russia-hits-ukraine-fuel-supplies-airfields-in-new-attacks/2022/02/27/761e5432-9791-11ec-bb31-74fc06c0a3a5_story.html|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/russia-hits-ukraine-fuel-supplies-airfields-in-new-attacks/2022/02/27/761e5432-9791-11ec-bb31-74fc06c0a3a5_story.html|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=27 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author-last=Colton |author-first=Emma |date=27 February 2022 |title=Putin orders nuclear deterrent forces be put on high alert |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/putin-orders-nuclear-deterrent-forces-be-put-on-high-alert|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.foxnews.com/world/putin-orders-nuclear-deterrent-forces-be-put-on-high-alert|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=27 February 2022 |website=[[Fox News]] }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author-last1=Roth |author-first1=Andrew |title=Vladimir Putin puts Russia's nuclear deterrence forces on high alert |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/27/vladimir-putin-puts-russia-nuclear-deterrence-forces-on-high-alert-ukraine|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/27/vladimir-putin-puts-russia-nuclear-deterrence-forces-on-high-alert-ukraine|archive-date=2022-02-27 |access-date=27 February 2022 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=27 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> This statement was met with harsh criticism from [[NATO]], the [[European Union]] and the [[United Nations]]: [[Secretary General of NATO|Secretary-General of NATO]] [[Jens Stoltenberg]] described it as being "dangerous and irresponsible", while UN official [[Stéphane Dujarric]] called the idea of a nuclear war "inconceivable".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-27 |title=NATO chief calls Putin's alert irresponsible, dangerous rhetoric |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2345548/nato-chief-calls-putin-alert-order-irresponsible-cites-dangerous-rhetoric |access-date= |website=[[The Express Tribune]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-02-27 |title=UN spokesman says idea of nuclear conflict ‘inconceivable’ |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/un-spokesman-says-idea-of-nuclear-conflict-inconceivable/ |access-date= |website=[[Times of Israel]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
+Ukraine said that it would send a delegation to meet with a Russian delegation for talks in [[Gomel]], [[Belarus]]. Zelenskyy's office said that they agreed to meet without preconditions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/27/ukraine-says-will-meet-russia-as-putin-puts-nuclear-defenses-on-alert-a76629|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/27/ukraine-says-will-meet-russia-as-putin-puts-nuclear-defenses-on-alert-a76629|archive-date=2022-02-27|title=Ukraine Says Will Meet Russia as Putin Puts Nuclear Defenses on Alert|website=The Moscow Times|date=27 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.interfax.ru/world/824950|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.interfax.ru/world/824950|archive-date=2022-02-27 |title=Российская и украинская делегации выехали в Гомель на переговоры |trans-title=Russian and Ukrainian delegations left for Gomel for negotiations |language=ru |website=[[Interfax]] |date=27 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://meduza.io/news/2022/02/27/rossiya-snova-anonsirovala-peregovory-s-ukrainoy-istochniki-ukrainskih-smi-eto-podtverzhdayut|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://meduza.io/news/2022/02/27/rossiya-snova-anonsirovala-peregovory-s-ukrainoy-istochniki-ukrainskih-smi-eto-podtverzhdayut|archive-date=2022-02-27 |title=Делегации России и Украины встретятся на белорусско-украинской границе |trans-title=Delegations of Russia and Ukraine will meet at the Belarusian-Ukrainian border |language=ru |website=Meduza |date=27 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Zelenskyy also said that he talked by telephone with Belarusian president [[Alexander Lukashenko]] and stated that he was promised that Belarusian troops would not be sent to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.interfax.ru/world/824987|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220227/https://www.interfax.ru/world/824987|archive-date=2022-02-27 |title=Зеленский сообщил об обещании Лукашенко не посылать войска на Украину |trans-title=Zelensky announced Lukashenka's promise not to send troops to Ukraine |language=ru |website=[[Interfax]] |date=27 February 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
+According to the intelligence analyst firm Rochan Consulting, Russia had been able to connect Crimea with areas in eastern Ukraine held by pro-Russian forces by besieging Mariupol and Berdiansk.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/dd28dd4c-ab02-4f06-a56a-e930d1ce0ffd|title=Russia homes in on Kyiv and Kharkiv and pushes across Black Sea coast|work=Financial Times|author1=Henry Foy|author2=John Paul Rathbone|date=February 28, 2022|accessdate=February 28, 2022}}</ref> Hennadiy Matsegora, the mayor of [[Kupiansk]], agreed to hand over control of the city to Russian forces.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/02/27/7326623/|title=In Kharkiv region, mayor admits to handing over city to occupiers|work=Pravda|date=February 27, 2022|accessdate=February 28, 2022}}</ref> Oleksiy Arestovych, an advisor to the President of Ukraine, later stated that Berdiansk had been captured by Russian forces.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fakty.com.ua/ua/ukraine/suspilstvo/20220228-melitopol-zahopyly-bojovyky-u-harkovi-ta-sumah-tysha-arestovych-pro-sytuacziyu-v-ukrayini/|title=Бердянськ захопили бойовики, у Харкові та Сумах – тиша: Арестович про ситуацію в Україні|work=Fakty i Kommentarii|author=Yulia Zakharchenko|date=February 28, 2022|accessdate=February 28, 2022|language=Ukrainian}}</ref> The ISW stated that Russian forces in the north of Ukraine likely conducted an "operational pause," starting the previous day in order to deploy additional forces and supplies. Russian military resources not previously part of the invasion force were being moved toward Ukraine in anticipation of a more difficult conflict than initially expected. The main Russian force from the Crimea was advancing north towards [[Zaporizhzhia]], while a Russian force on the east bank of the Dnipro threatened [[Mykolaiv]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ukraine Conflict Update 10 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/ukraine-conflict-update-10 |website=Institute for the Study of War |access-date=28 February 2022 |language=en |date=27 February 2022}}</ref>
 === 28 February ===
-{{See also|Zhytomyr Airport attack}}
+{{see also||Kherson offensive|Kyiv offensive (2022)|Battle of Kyiv (2022)}}
-[[Donetsk People's Republic]] suspended general mobilization, saying no additional troops are needed.<ref>{{cite web |title=Donetsk People's Republic suspends general mobilization, says no additional troops are needed |url=https://twitter.com/BNONews/status/1498184875144269829 |website=[[Twitter]] |publisher=BNO News |access-date=28 February 2022}}</ref>
+A U.S. official stated that Belarus is preparing to send its own soldiers into Ukraine in support of the Russian invasion, despite previous agreements with Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web |title=Belarus preparing to join Russian invasion of Ukraine, U.S. official says |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/27/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-news/ |website=Washington Post |access-date=28 February 2022 |language=en |date=27 February 2022}}</ref> ''[[The Kyiv Independent]]'' relayed an anonymous report by unnamed Belarusian opposition journalists that Belarusian paratroopers were to be deployed, likely to either the Kyiv or [[Zhytomyr]] areas.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ponomarenko |first1=Illia |title=Sources: Belarus to join Russia’s war on Ukraine within hours |url=https://kyivindependent.com/national/sources-belarus-to-join-russias-war-on-ukraine-within-hours/ |website=The Kyiv Independent |date=28 February 2022}}</ref>
 == See also ==