Russia-Ukraine Crisis: 5 russian military planes,1 helicopter shot down by Ukraine forces

Kyiv: Ukraine military says five Russian planes and a Russian helicopter were shot down in Luhansk region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a ‘military operation’ in Ukraine to protect the Donbas, the separatist-held region in eastern Ukraine.

The Russian president has also vowed retaliation against those who interfere with Moscow’s Ukraine operation.

As Russia launches military strikes, Ukraine’s president has declared martial law and urged the citizens to not panic.

The US condemned the announcement by Vladimir Putin and said that the world will “hold Russia accountable” for the war against Ukraine.

European airlines have been warned not to fly over or near Ukraine, and the Indian government is working at speed to repatriate over 20,000 of its nationals, several of whom are medical students. Two flights have landed so far, carrying over 420 people.

Multiple explosions were heard near the main airport in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv soon after Russia announced a military operation in Ukraine.