KYIV (Parliament Politics Magazine) – President Zelensky addressed the Ukrainian people once more this afternoon, this time wearing a military uniform instead of his dark suit.
In a recent speech, he compared the fighting to the “sound of the new iron curtain falling and closing Russia from the civilised world,” adding that “our task is to prevent that curtain from falling on Ukrainian territory.”
He claimed Ukrainian soldiers have successfully defended the eastern Donbas region, as well as combat near Kharkiv, during an operational pause.
The most troublesome place, according to Zelensky, is Kherson in the country’s south, where Russian forces have advanced north from annexed Crimea.
He said the enemy is continuing to press into the territory in the north, and he has described severe fighting at Chernobyl.
He also discusses troop casualties and Russian soldiers seized.
According to Zelensky, a large number of Russian aircraft and vehicles have been destroyed, and many Russians are appalled by the situation.
What’s the most recent news on the ground?
- Things are happening quickly in Ukraine, so here’s a rundown of the most recent ground events and reactions to Russia’s incursion. Although much of the intelligence coming from both sides is unconfirmed, it is evident that Russia is launching a big assault.
- Government forces are attempting to retake an airfield and airport on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, after Russian airborne troops took control of it.
- President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has promised that the country will retake the airport and push Russian troops back.
- Hundreds of explosions have been reported in Mariupol, Ukraine’s port city.
- According to the BBC, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees believes that over 100,000 people have already fled Ukraine, with thousands more crossing into Moldova and Romania.
- According to an independent monitor, Russian police detained over 700 people at anti-war protests around the country.
- Fighting has erupted around the former Chernobyl nuclear power plant, with Russian forces capturing it.
- More sanctions on Russia have been announced by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, including a comprehensive asset freeze on all major Russian banks and a list of oligarchs who will be sanctioned.
- Russian missile attacks and explosions targeting military facilities have been reported near major cities. More than 70 military targets have been destroyed, according to Russia.
- Although the Ukrainian military claims to have shot down at least six Russian planes, this has yet to be verified.
- The Antonov airbase, about 15-20 miles outside of Kyiv, appears to be under Russian control. Ukraine, on the other hand, claims to be fighting back, and the war looks to be ongoing.
- It’s still unclear how many people were killed in total. Hundreds of military personnel and civilians have been killed, according to reports.
- Air-raid sirens are blaring in Kyiv and curfew has been imposed on the city by Mayor Vitali Klitschko from 22:00 until 07:00 local time.
In a nutshell, the new UK sanctions
- The assets of all major Russian banks will be frozen, and they will be barred from the UK financial system. They will be unable to access sterling or make payments through the UK as a result of this. This includes a complete and immediate bank freeze at VTB.
- Major Russian corporations and the government would be barred from soliciting funds or borrowing money on UK markets under new legislation.
- A total of 100 new persons or entities will have their assets frozen.
- The airline Aeroflot will be barred from landing in the United Kingdom.
- Dual-use export licences will be suspended to cover items that could be used for military objectives.
- The UK will put a stop at exporting hi-tech items and oil refinery equipment within days.
- The amount of money that Russians can deposit in UK bank accounts will be limited.
- He claims that cutting Russia out of Swift payments is a possibility, and that “nothing is off the table.”
- Belarus will face similar financial sanctions as a result of its role in the invasion of Ukraine.
- Before the Easter break, the UK will bring forward elements of the economic crime bill.
