Ukraine, Russia: Russian military offensive against Ukraine ongoing Feb. 24 /update 3

Event

Russian military forces are continuing their offensive against Ukraine Feb. 24. Reports state that Russian forces are deployed in the Hostomel suburb of Kyiv, approximately 25 km (15 miles) northwest of the city center, following a helicopter assault on Hostomel Airport (GML) at around 13:30. Additionally, missile strikes were reported against the Ukrainian Intelligence Defence headquarters in central Kyiv around the same time.

The Ukrainian military states Russian ground forces are pushing further into Ukraine from separatist-held areas in the eastern Donbas region, and have entered Ukraine from Belarus and Russia in the north, into the Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions, and from the south into the Kherson and Zaporizhiya regions from the Russian-occupied Crimea. Russian troops are reportedly within 5 km (3 miles) of Kharkiv city; the mayor is warning citizens not to leave their homes. The Ukrainian military claims it has downed multiple Russian military aircraft and killed at least 50 Russian service members as it resists the offensives; at least 40 casualties are reported among Ukrainian armed forces.

Missile strikes continue to be reported against cities across Ukraine, including Dnipro, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kramatorsk, Lutsk, Mariupol, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia, among others. Russian authorities state they are targeting military infrastructure only. Ukrainian authorities report multiple civilian casualties.

Civilian aviation is suspended in Ukraine, and Ukrainian seaports are closed. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is warning against flying in areas bordering Russia and Belarus due to military activities. Russia has suspended flights at domestic airports near the Ukrainian border through March 2 and suspended commercial shipping in the Sea of Azov. Belarus has enforced partial airspace closures Feb. 24. Neighboring Moldova declared a state of emergency and closed its airspace Feb. 24.

The Ukrainian government has cut all diplomatic ties with Russia and declared martial law for 30 days Feb. 24. Borders remain open, but authorities prohibit strikes, rallies, and mass events. Under martial law, the government can implement special border controls, curfews and evacuate residents from dangerous areas if necessary. Ukrainian president Zelensky has called for citizens to protest against the Russian invasion and will issue weapons to anyone who wants to fight. Several cities have reported queues at ATMs, supermarkets, and petrol stations, and significant traffic congestion is reported on major roads leaving Kyiv and other targeted cities. Telecommunication and internet disruptions are reported in Kharkiv and may spread to other regions over the coming hours and days.

Russian military forces are likely to continue operations in Ukraine over the coming hours and days.

Context

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine during a televised address at around 5:45 (MSK) Feb. 24. According to President Putin, the military action will seek to "demilitarize" Ukraine. The ultimate territorial objectives of the Russian offensive are currently unconfirmed. However, the Kremlin formally recognized the breakaway separatist areas in the eastern Donbas region Feb. 21 and supported their claims to the entirety of Donestk and Luhansk oblasts. As a result, Russia will likely attempt to seize control of Ukrainian-held towns in the Donbas region and could confine ground operations to areas east of the Dnieper River. Military activity elsewhere in Ukraine is likely to persist as Russian forces seek to degrade Ukrainian military capability to advance its stated demilitarisation goal.

Advice

Shelter in place until the situation becomes clear. If officials report incoming fire, stay away from windows and exterior walls. Strictly heed the instructions of local security personnel. Stockpile food, fuel, and water when possible and safe to do so. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Confirm that a thorough communication plan exists to ensure rapid accountability for all personnel operating in Ukraine. Avoid travel to Ukraine until the situation stabilizes.