On the third day of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, authorised by President Vladimir Putin on February 24, the United Kingdom’s ministry of defence, in its latest update, said on Saturday that the bulk of Moscow’s troops were 30km away from Kyiv, the east European nation’s Capital.
“We can confirm the latest developments in Ukraine,” the Defence HQ said on Twitter.
Britain, which earlier disputed Russian reports that Russian forces had captured the southeastern city of Melitopol, said the Ukrainian military was continuing to put up staunch resistance across the country.
“Russia has yet to gain control of the airspace over Ukraine greatly reducing the effectiveness of the Russian Air Force. Russian casualties are likely to be heavy and greater than anticipated or acknowledged by the Kremlin,” it said.
Meanwhile, the US has announced sanctions on several Russian business entities and individuals, including President Putin and foreign minister Lavrov.
Earlier in the day, MEA officials said they are coordinating evacuation operations for Indian nationals in Ukraine. The Indian embassy in Kyiv, in an advisory, asked Indians not to proceed towards any land border without coordinating with Indian officials. At least two flights from Bucharest are expected to bring back Indians who crossed into Romania from Ukraine.
(With Inputs from agencies)
