16:16
Russia has begun evacuating its embassy in Kiev and returning its diplomats from across Ukraine, according to reports in Kiev and Russian news agencies TASS and AFP. The decision to do so was made last night by the Russian Foreign Minister.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that the evacuation took place after “multiple attacks” on Russian diplomats across Ukraine.
15:15
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement of support for Ukraine. After deliberations and discussions, Israel issued a political statement on the issue of Ukraine in which it expressed support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. This is a relatively moderate statement that has no direct reference to Russia or condemnation of its recent steps, including the recognition of the two provinces of separatists in eastern Ukraine.
14:30
The Council of Defense and National Security of Ukraine has submitted a request to Parliament for a state of emergency throughout the country except in the Luhansk and Donetsk Oblasts – the pro-Russian separatist Donbass region Shuldimir Putin has recognized its independence. The Ukrainian Security Council was convened immediately after Putin announced that military forces would be sent to eastern Ukraine to “keep quiet” and the U.S. stressed that the invasion had begun for her.
Oleksiy Danilov, chairman of the Security Council and Ukrainian defense minister, told a news conference that the state of emergency would allow the government to better protect the country, through restrictions on movement and detainees. He added that each county in the state would be able to choose which emergency measures to use, “as needed.”
At the end of Danilov’s remarks, a Foreign Ministry spokesman stated that the country calls on all Ukrainian citizens to leave Russia as soon as possible.
12:06
Ukraine has begun recruiting reservists for men aged 18-60, following an order at the request of President Vladimir Zalansky. This was announced this morning by the Ukrainian army. The maximum period of service according to the publication will be one year.
Earlier this morning, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a video statement that Russia’s interests were “non-negotiable” but was open to discussion for “the most difficult issues”. Putin added in a statement that “we see how difficult the evolving international situation is, what dangers pose to current challenges – such as the weakening of the regime and military forces in NATO territories”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin at the official laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in honor of the Russian Homeland Security Day / Photo: Reuters, Alexei Nikolsky
Putin added that Russia still calls for the establishment of a meaningful and egalitarian security system to ensure that all countries around the Donbass region are not harmed. The Russian president noted that “the country has always been open to diplomatic solutions to the most complicated problems,” but reiterated that “Russia’s interests and the security of its citizens are not negotiable for us.”
06:50
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said yesterday (Tuesday) that the invasion of Ukraine was Vladimir Putin’s plan “all the way”. According to him, the plan of the Russian president in the first place was “to invade Ukraine, to control it and its people, to destroy democracy in the country and return it to Russia.” “This is why it is the biggest security threat in Europe since World War II,” he added.
According to Blinken, Russia’s problems with NATO are in fact “just an excuse to disguise the fact that the matter is President Putin’s view that Ukraine is not a sovereign state.”
US President Joe Biden appeared in front of the cameras last night and announced an initial package of sanctions to be imposed on the government and the Russian economy, in response to what he called a “blatant violation of international law.” And said the U.S. sees “the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.” He said the current sanctions are just a “first wave” of sanctions. “If Russia intensifies its invasion of Ukraine – we will increase sanctions.”
Biden has announced sanctions that include boycotting business with two Russian banks. He announced the “disconnection” of the Russian government and the Central Bank of Russia from the international financial market. “It means they will not be able to raise debt in our financial markets,” Biden said. This step was taken in coordination with the European Union. Biden also announced that in the coming days the U.S. would impose sanctions on senior Russian officials and their families. If Russia continues to be aggressive, Biden said, “it will pay a more expensive price.”
In Australia sanctions are imposed, in Canada arms are sent
At the same time, Australia has confirmed that it will impose a series of sanctions on Russia, including sanctions in the fields of energy, communications, oil and gas. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that, among other things, sanctions and travel bans will target Russian banks and eight members of Russia’s Security Council, and existing sanctions against Russia will be expanded.
Morrison said he expects more sanctions to be imposed soon. “The Australians have always stood up against thugs, and we will stand up against Russia along with all our partners and all those who believe it is unacceptable for Russia to invade its neighbor,” he declared. He said the government would “immediately” impose sanctions and also adapt a regulation from 2011 so that the existing sanctions on Crimea and Sevastopol would be extended to the Donetsk and Luhansk regions as well.
Canada yesterday handed over to Ukraine for the second time a plane full of “lethal military equipment.” Anita Anand, the Canadian national defense minister, tweeted: “Russia’s invasion of a sovereign state is completely unacceptable, and we will continue to stand by Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and independence.”
Today, our @CanadianForces made a second delivery of lethal military aid to support our Ukrainian partners. Russia’s further invasion of a sovereign state is absolutely unacceptable, and we will continue to stand by Ukraine as the country defends its sovereignty and independence. pic.twitter.com/lYZRIu8JOE
– Anita Anand (nAnitaAnandMP) February 23, 2022
“Putin’s ultimate goal is to destroy Ukraine”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kolba said in an interview with CNN yesterday that “no sanction will be enough until the Russian boots are withdrawn from Ukrainian soil.” He said Biden’s sanctions on Russia were “just the beginning of the process of deterring President Putin,” adding that “it will certainly not be enough.”
Asked what he thought Putin’s intentions were, Kolba replied that “his ultimate goal is the destruction of Ukraine. He does not want parts of Ukraine, he does not even want to leave the whole country under his control – he wants the idea of a Ukrainian state to fail”.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister noted that the government has no plans to evacuate the east of the country following Putin’s steps. He said Ukraine has two plans: “Plan A is to use any diplomatic tool to deter Russia and prevent further escalation. If that fails, Plan B is to fight every inch of our country, every city and every village – to fight until we win, of course.” .
“If Putin succeeds in Ukraine, others around the world who want to change the laws, who want to bypass the United States, will be able to see that it is possible – that the West is unable to defend what it stands for,” Kolba said.
According to reports in Ukraine, six Ukrainian soldiers were injured in shelling on Tuesday and needed medical attention. Ukraine reportedly recorded another 72 violations of ceasefires by Russian-backed forces yesterday, 53 of which used weapons banned under the Minsk agreements.
Following tensions in Eastern Europe, oil has peaked yesterday since 2014. Brent oil contract for April delivery rose 1.8%, to $ 1.71, and closed at $ 97.1 a barrel. During the trading day the price reached $ 99.5 per barrel. WTI U.S. oil for March delivery jumped 2.2%, $ 1.96, and closed at $ 93.03 a barrel.