As Russian military forces and Russian-backed separatists continued striking targets across Ukraine on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the public to remain calm while declaring martial law.
Missile strikes and military barrages struck Ukrainian targets from the country's northern, eastern and southern borders.
The strikes drew quick international condemnation of Russia, from capitals across Europe to Asia. The invasion also shook financial markets around the world; global oil and gold prices soared, U.S. stocks tumbled and indices across Asia recorded significant losses while European markets opened with a downward reaction.
Zelenskyy said in his morning public address that he had been in touch with U.S. President Biden following the Russian invasion, reported NPR's Tim Mak. "We are strong," Zelenskyy said in his address, adding, "Glory to Ukraine."
Biden called Putin's actions an "unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine" and warned of "a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering."
Biden is to make an address to the U.S. public on Thursday after a meeting with G-7 leaders.
The U.S., the EU and their allies are hitting Russia with sanctions in response to Putin's decision to recognize two Ukrainian territories as independent republics — and send troops there. Biden ordered new sanctions Wednesday on the Russian-owned company that is building the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline between Russia and Germany as well as its officers. The American president vowed more sanctions to punish Russia.
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https://www.npr.org/2022/02/23/1082510234/russia-ukraine-updates
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