The operation of the Russian troops against Ukraine has already entered its second day, with incursions from all sides and even explosions in Kiev. President Volodomir Zelensky confirmed multiple missile strikes and denounced the targeting of civilian areas . He also reiterated the call to Western allies to stop the offensive promoted by Vladimir Putin .

France offered help to the President of Ukraine because it believes he is in danger

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Friday that the personal security of Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky is in danger and offered his country’s help “if necessary.”

” The security of President Zelenski is a central element at the moment, we are in a position to help him if necessary. It is important that he maintain his position,” said Le Drian, who said he was willing to “take the necessary measures” to preserve its integrity.

Ukraine battles Russian tanks advancing on Kiev

The Ukrainian Army is fighting in the town of Ivankiv against Russian tanks advancing towards Kiev, from the regions surrounding the old Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

“Russian tanks are advancing in the direction of Kiev, but a battle broke out in the vicinity of Ivankiv . Ukrainian forces blew up a bridge to stop the Russian column,” said the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The International Criminal Court warned that it could investigate war crimes in Ukraine

The International Criminal Court reminded the world on Friday that it is watching Russia’s attack on Ukraine and could investigate any “acts of genocide” and “war crimes” seen there.

“I remind all parties conducting hostilities on the territory of Ukraine that  my office can exercise its jurisdiction and investigate any acts of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes committed within the territory of Ukraine since February 20, 2014 onwards,” said prosecutor Karim Khan.

And he closed: “My office will continue to closely monitor the situation in Ukraine. In the independent and impartial exercise of its mandate, the Office of the Prosecutor remains fully committed to preventing heinous crimes and ensuring that all those responsible for such crimes are held accountable.”

NATO meets urgently to prepare the response to the Russian invasion

NATO leaders will meet in an emergency this Friday to prepare the response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, allied sources confirmed to Europa Press.

After an emergency meeting of the Atlantic Council at the level of ambassadors after activating article 4 of the treaty, which provides for assistance to allies in the face of the risk of attack, NATO, led by the United States, convened for this Friday the leaders for videoconference.

On the table will be the activation of NATO Defense plans and the decision to reinforce the presence of the Atlantic Alliance on the eastern flank after the Russian military operation in eastern Ukraine

Dawn in Kiev and a disturbing tranquility reigns

While the nightly curfew was officially lifted at 7 a.m., the city of Kiev remained eerily quiet with most residents opting to stay home while many others have already fled the Ukrainian capital after the start of the lockdown. the Russian offensive.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported that the country’s airborne assault troops blew up a bridge over the Teteriv River in Ivankiv, some 50 kilometers north of Kiev, in an effort to prevent Russian forces from advancing on the capital. from the country.

The UN secretary general said that the priority is “the protection of civilians”

The Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, assured this Friday that the “protection” of civilians in Ukraine must be the number one priority .

In a message posted on his Twitter account, Guterres noted that with “the increase in the number of deaths” in the Russian invasion of Ukrainian territory, “images of fear, anguish and terror are seen in all corners of Ukraine.”

“The protection of civilians must be the number one priority. International humanitarian and human rights law must be respected,” stressed the UN official.

Categorized in:

World