Ukraine: Russian military offensive continues in multiple cities as of early Feb. 28 /update 11

Event

The Russian military offensive against Ukraine is continuing as of early Feb. 28. Local reports indicate ongoing clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the outskirts of Kyiv and Kharkiv. The intensity of the conflict has reduced since the previous day, though unconfirmed reports suggest Russia will resume large-scale offensive actions Feb. 28. Local media reports also indicate that Belarus may be sending troops to support Russian forces in ground operations following a national referendum Feb. 27 on constitutional amendments that lifted the country's neutral and non-nuclear status. Clashes continue to occur near or in Ukraine's southern cities, including Berdyansk, Henichesk, Kherson, Mariupol, Melitopol, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia. Reports suggest hundreds of Ukrainian and Russian military casualties, though specific details remain unclear.

Military Developments
Fighting continues on multiple fronts across Ukraine, including near the line of contact in the Donbas, the outskirts of Kyiv, the country's northeast, and regions north of Crimea. Explosions from purported artillery and airstrikes have also occurred in and around Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, Kyiv, and Mykolaiv early Feb. 28. Missile and artillery strikes have impacted multiple areas, including several civilian buildings, since the conflict began; however, Russian authorities assert that they only target military infrastructure. Nonetheless, Ukrainian officials have reported numerous civilian casualties; Greek officials also reported Feb. 26 that Russian airstrikes near Mariupol had killed 10 Greek expatriates and wounded six others.

Martial Law, Curfews, Disruptions
Martial law and a nationwide general military mobilization are in effect. Under martial law, the government can implement special border controls, impose curfews, and evacuate residents from dangerous areas, if necessary. Authorities prohibit strikes, rallies, and mass events. Curfews are in effect in multiple regions, including Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Poltava, Vinnytsia, Zaporizhiya, and Zhytomyr. Curfew hours are 22:00-05:00 in Odesa and 22:00-06:00 in all other regions, except Kyiv, where the curfew runs from 17:00 Feb. 26 through at least 08:00 Feb. 28. Authorities may extend or amend curfew hours in short notice depending on the ground situation. Civilians must stay indoors during curfew hours; exemptions are in place for persons seeking urgent medical care and workers in critical infrastructure. Public transport is unavailable during curfew hours.

Queues at ATMs, supermarkets, and petrol stations will likely persist, as will significant traffic congestion on major roads leaving conflict-impacted cities. Ukrainian authorities have closed the country's borders with Belarus, Russia, and the Transnistria region of Moldova to foreign nationals; only Ukrainian citizens can enter from these areas. Reports also indicate significant road travel disruptions at Ukraine's western borders as thousands of civilians flee the conflict. Ukraine's borders with Hungary, Moldova, Poland, and Slovakia remain open; increased troop deployment by the respective states are likely at the border regions in the short term as the countries prepare to receive refugees. Significant delays at border crossings into neighboring states will likely continue.

Critical Infrastructure
Metro services in Kyiv have ceased as many stations are functioning as bomb shelters. Ukrainian Railways (UZ) services are reportedly operational, though reports indicate severe delays and congestion. Rail services are subject to disruptions with little warning. For UZ status updates, please click here. Reports indicate large crowds at several operational stations, including Kyiv, where hundreds are reportedly waiting to board trains. UZ is also operating evacuation trains from the Luhansk, Donetsk, and Odesa regions. Long-distance rail services to Kharkiv remain suspended. Authorities have also cancelled train services to Slovakia.

Civilian aviation is suspended in Ukraine, and the nation's seaports are closed. Russia has suspended flights at domestic airports near its border with Ukraine through at least March 2 and has temporarily stopped commercial shipping in the Sea of Azov.

Intermittent telecommunication and internet disruptions continue across the country as of Feb. 28. The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has banned the withdrawal of foreign currency cash from accounts and has limited the permitted cash withdrawal to UAH 100,000 (3,340 USD) per day. The bank has also suspended cross-border currency payments and the replenishment of electronic wallets.

Advice

Avoid travel to Ukraine until the situation stabilizes; consider exiting the country if safe to do so. Where fighting or airstrikes are occurring, 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, particularly when ordered to air-raid shelters. 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. Reconfirm the status of public transport services and borders before departure.

Resources

Ukrainian Railways (Facebook)
State Border Guard Service (Facebook)