Ukraine: Russian military offensive in Ukraine ongoing Feb. 24 /update 4

Event

Russian military forces are continuing their offensive against Ukraine Feb. 24. Clashes are reportedly ongoing between units of the two opposing armed forces in the Hostomel suburb of Kyiv, approximately 25 km (15 miles) northwest of the city center, following a Russian helicopter assault on Hostomel Airport (GML) at around 13:30.

Authorities in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Cherkasy have introduced curfews; curfew hours are 22:00-07:00 in Kyiv and 22:00-06:00 in Kharkiv and Cherkasy. Citizens are to stay at home during curfew hours; exemptions are in place for persons seeking urgent medical care and for shift workers employed in critical infrastructure enterprises; such employees must carry proper identification on them. No public transportation is available during curfew hours.

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.

A bomb struck a Turkish-owned Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier vessel in the vicinity of the Ukrainian port of Odesa. The Turkish Maritime General Directorate has stated that there were no casualties and that the ship is continuing along its route toward Romanian waters. The circumstances regarding the incident remain unclear.

Ukrainian Railways (UZ) has suspended some railway transport services Feb. 24, including all trains to Kharkiv. Most other trains are operating on a normal schedule. UZ is also operating evacuation trains from the Luhansk, Donetsk, and Odesa regions. Freight rail transport to Slovakia has been suspended.

According to Ukrainian military sources, Russian ground forces are pushing further into Ukraine from separatist-held areas in the eastern Donbas region; they have also entered the country from Belarus and Russia in the north into the Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions, as well as from the south from Russian-occupied Crimea into the Kherson and Zaporizhiya regions. Russian troops are reportedly within 5 km (3 miles) of Kharkiv city; the mayor is warning citizens not to leave their homes. Ukraine's military claims to have downed multiple Russian military aircraft and killed at least 50 Russian soldiers during combat operations; 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 assert that they are targeting military infrastructure only; however, Ukrainian officials have reported multiple civilian casualties.

Civilian aviation is suspended in Ukraine and the nation's 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 its border with Ukraine through March 2 and has temporarily stopped commercial shipping in the Sea of Azov. Belarus has also enforced partial airspace closures. Furthermore, 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 effective Feb. 24. Borders remain open, but authorities prohibit strikes, rallies, and mass events. Under martial law, the government can implement special border controls, impose curfews, and evacuate residents from dangerous areas, if necessary. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has called for citizens to protest the Russian invasion and stated the government would 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.

It remains unclear how long Russian military operations in Ukraine may last.

Context

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine during a televised address at around 05:45 (MSK) Feb. 24. According to President Putin, the military action will seek to "demilitarize" Ukraine. Nevertheless, the Kremlin's ultimate territorial objectives remain unclear. However, Moscow formally recognized the breakaway Donestk and Luhansk oblasts in the eastern Donbas region Feb. 21 and supported their claims to the entirety of those two provinces. As a result, Russia will likely attempt to seize control of Ukrainian-held towns in the Donbas region, with major ground operations taking place in areas east of the Dnieper River. Military activity elsewhere in Ukraine is likely to persist as Russian forces seek to degrade Ukrainian military capabilities.

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; consider exiting the country if safe to do so.