Russian’s attack has been strongly condemned by the EU and the West, while Germany on Thursday announced heavy sanctions against Russia. "Putin has made a grave mistake with his war," said Chancellor Scholz.

On Thursday night, Russian President Vladimir Putin reacted to the request of the separatist leader, loyal to Moscow. In a speech, Putin said Russia could not tolerate threats from Ukraine, according to the Interfax news agency. He approved a military operation in the Donbas and called on Ukrainian forces to lay down their arms. Putin added that Russia has no intention of invading Ukraine. He stressed that the responsibility for the bloodshed depends on the "regime" in Kiev. He warned the West that any attempt to meddle would have "unprecedented" consequences.

Russia attacks from several positions

According to the Deutsche Welle correspondent in Kiev, explosions are heard in the eastern part of the capital as well as in the Vasilkov, Brovary and Boryspil regions. Explosions have also been heard in other cities. Explosions are also reported from Odessa to the Black Sea. Russian troops have arrived in Mariupol and Odessa, it is said. The Ukrainian Interior Ministry announced that the army commando centers in Kiev and Karkiv were attacked with rockets. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister spoke of a "comprehensive war" against his country.

Ground troops are advancing on the ground

Ukraine has meanwhile severed diplomatic ties with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared a state of war. According to Ukrainian border defense data, Russian ground troops have entered Ukraine from several directions. The army has crossed, among other things, with tanks and machinery from the annexed Crimean Peninsula. According to its data, Russian ground troops have also entered the eastern regions, Luhansk and Karkiv, Sumy in the northeast and Chernihiv on the border with Belarus.

According to Ukrainian troops, the Ukrainian state border has been attacked by Belarus and Russia. Ukraine reports 40 soldiers killed in the first hours of the attack, writes "Der Spiegel". (and act.24.02. 12:00)

German Chancellor: "Flagrant violation of international law"

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has strongly condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine. "The Russian attack on Ukraine is a flagrant violation of international law. He is not justified by anything. "Germany condemns this brutal act of President Putin in the harshest form," Scholz said. German solidarity is addressed to Ukraine and the people living there. "Russia must immediately stop this military action," Scholz demanded. The German government will coordinate its actions closely with the G7, NATO and the EU. "This is a terrible day for Ukraine and a dark day for Europe," said the German chancellor.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also condemned the attack in Ukraine and announced sanctions against Russia. "We will impose a full package of broader sanctions against Russia," Baerbock said after a meeting of the German government's crisis headquarters. "By attacking Ukraine, Russia is violating the basic rules of international order." "The international community will not forget this day of shame for Russia," Baerbock wrote. The German Foreign Ministry demanded that German citizens leave the country immediately.

Macron: "War must end"

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an immediate end to Russian attacks on Ukraine. "France strongly condemns Russia's decision to launch a war against Ukraine," Macron wrote on Twitter. He called on Moscow to "immediately suspend military operations." "France is in solidarity with Ukraine. "It stands by the Ukrainians and works with partners and allies to end the war." US President Joe Biden also condemned the "unjustified" attack. Biden threatened Moscow with severe consequences. "President Putin has decided on a deliberate war, which will lead to a catastrophic loss of human life and suffering."

The EU will impose new sanctions on Russia

The EU, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Charles Michel, will immediately decide on a new package of sanctions against Russia. Michel and von der Leyen announced that they would have "massive serious consequences" for the country. A crisis summit is scheduled for Thursday evening. Von der Leyen promised further political, financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Charles Michel strongly condemned the Russian attack, as did former EC President Ursula von der Leyen.

New sanctions planned against Russia will detach Russian banks from European financial markets. It will also freeze Russian assets in the EU and deny key sectors of the Russian economy access to key technologies and markets, the Deutsche Welle reported.