At about 0600 Moscow time, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in eastern Ukraine; minutes later, missile strikes began at locations across the country, including in the capital Kyiv.

Here’s what has happened since.

This list was updated at 1930.

Videos from Ukraine

The following are tweets showing important events in the invasion so far.

This will be updated as the day goes on.

George Allison
George Allison
George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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250 COMMENTS

    • Daniele. Surely NATO passed on where these amphib ships were? They are after all Landing Ship Tank, not rapid assault vessels at all. Surely they could have rustled up some sort of reception committee? Even a Javelin at the opening dock doors would have ruined their day.

      • It does seem odd that not much, or anything, was loosed off at them.

        Even a few RPG out of a windows, through the open doors, in a coordinated hit and dive would have probably lit off something on board.

        Mind you there is a 30mm on board those old heaps so wouldn’t want to get too close.

      • They are probably taking a page from the recent US invasions of Iraq and Afgan. Just sit back and do very little to oppose the invasion then after a few weeks, months start launching hit and run attacks, roadside bombs, ect. They know that have no chance going head to head with the commies.

    • Hi Daniele,

      Not if they were targetted by Russian airpower, or perhaps a cyber attack? The latter could have had a significant impact on C2 capabilities an dthere have been reports of massive cyber attacks on the Ukraine. As you know ASM are seriously dependent on C2 systems.

      Cheers CR

      • Yes, true, and cyber works both ways. So many here mention Russia’s missile tech as if it’s unstoppable.
        Who is to say we are not even more advanced and can turn off their C4 too.
        People underestimate our own EW, Cyber capabilities.

        • I doubt we are mounting any cyber attacks on the Russian military at the moment, just in case the Russians see it as ‘interfering’ with their invasion! However, I bet they are stood up and on a war footing or damn close to it.

          If Russia did think they could take on NATO then I would put my money on our cyber capabilities, but it would not all be one sided I suspect.

          Those interesting times I used to refer to have suddenly turned dangerous…

          CR

          • Agree, I did not imply that we were. Putin would retaliate.
            I’m talking hypothetically going forward.

          • I didn’t think you were implying that mate, some of my comments are aimed at those readers who may not post or may not be as well read in on the subject. I often worry about how the regular posters might see my comments so try to strike a balance.

            I wonder what the traffic on here is like today?

            Putin has broken cover and the version we are seeing is pretty scarry frankly. To quote him, “To anyone who would consider interfering from the outside, if you do you will face consequences greater than any you have faced in history.” Given what we know about Russian military doctrine and the use of Nuclear weapons that is a clear threat of nuclear war.

            This is probably at least as dangerous as the Cuban missile crisis, probably more so.

            If Russian troops start to show up on the Baltic states boarders…

            CR

          • Putin with those comments must have been getting coaching from Trump. It sounded so familiar to his North Korea comments.

          • The bit that frustrates me is that this will only encourage him. Ukraine is low-hanging fruit- it’s not in the EU, not in NATO and has genuine problems with corruption and the far-right (although I think Putin’s claims of needing ‘de-Nazification’ are massively overblown).
            But if we do nothing now, where will it stop? How many other Ukraines are there out there, what’s the next level up?
            It’s a difficult place to sit, and I’m very mindful that if we were to go to war it wouldn’t be me on the front line. I don’t think there’s a good answer.

          • Hi Joe16,

            Your questions are are good ones and there are no easy answers. Putin needs to feel the pain, or we will have a lot more regrets in the future.

            Sanctions will provide the long term impact but the only thing we can do in the short term is to continue to support the Ukrainian’s with arms in the short term.

            Cheers CR

        • The painful truth is that we are not going to expose our offensive cyber capability to the Russians for the sake of Ukraine. NATO has made its decision clear not to get involved in any kinetic operations in Ukraine. I’m sure that includes offensive cyber as well

          • If this does escalate not saying it will if things don’t go well for Putin and he’s acting like a Sociapath then 1 emp burst would render Us as well as him back in the Dark ages for fighting And he is the kind of person who would play that Card if things don’t go his way regardless of the consequences SR

  2. Seen lots of destroyed Russian armoured personnel carriers and dead soldiers on the ground, multiple reports of this and aircraft being shot down.

    Massive queues of men signing up to fight around Ukraine and hundreds lining up to give blood as we speak.

    It’s a desperate gamble from Putin that may not pay off if Ukraine fight hard.

      • Unfortunately I see it succeeding as I don’t think he’s ultimately after occupation and total victory, just regime change or forced negotiations for Ukrainian neutrality and he will be seen as a hero in Russia.

        Although that’s not guaranteed as the Ukrainian army are not Syrian farmers and the leadership seem to be steadfast, it could backfire.

        • …he will be seen as a hero in Russia.

          It really depends what kind of lasting damage is done to the Russian economy. If there is lasting and serious damage (which there should be if Western leaders can find a collective spine) then he might well be seen as someone who took Russia into a needless war with a hitherto friendly neighbour and trashed the quality of life for ordinary Russians as a result.

          • I think their quality of life is already trashed. Startling fact 80% of Russian GDP is owned by just 500 individuals. All no doubt friends and close confidants of Putin. Go after those 500. Freeze all their assets and take possession of them as war reparations to Ukraine.
            I think the average Russian is so destitute and poor they will hardly notice crippling sanctions. As long as electrictity is still on and water comes through the pipes so they can continue to earn a meagre wage they wont care.

        • Dont like bringing up past sole but weren’t you one of those apologist for Russia replying to me of being scared of the red underneath the bed lol happy to see you’re back though.

          • Haha I certainly did. I meant apologists on here defending cuts to our armed forces.

            And I haven’t changed my opinion Dave, I still think the USA has to take some of the blame for this, for reasons I have said multiple times.

            But I certainly don’t agree with what Putin is doing, but I expected this, I’m sure I said this would happen years ago?

      • KievUkraineLive and a few more independent Ukrainian Twitter accounts, click on the Ukraine trending tab on Twitter and click on top, then refresh and keep scrolling, all the major sources and news are there but in between are a lot of video footage from the ground, I’ve seen hundreds of videos from European journalists in the last couple of hours.

        • Thank you, I’m only getting major news, which is nearly all bad news. I’m hoping the Ukrainian defenses are having more of an impact then what has been reported

          • For Once and I have never said this before and hopefully will never say it again… Twitter is your friend on this one.

            But only if you can spot the wheat in the chaff. Some of the propoganda is, if it wasn’t on a serious subject, laughable.

            OISNT is also a good source.

          • A lot of Twitter waded through, and the overall conclusion, Ukraine is certainly up for the fight in spite of being out gunned. Good luck to them.

      • Just watched a clip of a damaged Su-27 land in Bacău, Romania, fair play to those Ukrainian pilots taking on the Russians in the air btw, ultimate bravery.

      • Why do you want to know? So FSB and Russian havkers can shut them down? We shouldnt ask for the source of news and videos coming out of Ukraine just be grateful we are still receiving documented evidence of Russian aggression and breaches of international law.

    • Hi Sole, I think what may be hampering Ukrainian defences is the Army does not appear to be fully mobilised.
      Based on reports from the last few hours, there are big Russian gains in the south – and it looks like Putin is also using airborne forces to cut-off Kiev from the rest of the country.

      • “Despite the brute-force attack from Russia, Ukrainians are able to hold their own against all odds. For the last few hours there’s heavy fighting near Gostomel between Russian paratroopers dropped earlier, and US-equipped Ukrainian spetznaz – plan don’t always work out.“

        Bellingcat at 16:05

        “Chechen forces reportedly engaged in combat in eastern Ukraine – on both sides. Kadyrov government forces vs Chechen volunteer battalions (many veterans of 1st and 2nd Chechen wars) fighting alongside Ukrainian troops.”

        “Needless to say, anyone who fought in the urban hell of Grozny and the mountains of Chechnya against the Russian army – and lived to tell about it – is one tough motherf*****”

        Neil Hauer 15:50 bne news

        Don’t think they will be able to stop the Russian gains in large parts.

      • Yes and they’re not just suffering losses in Ukraine, as of right now official Kremlin website and all Russian government websites down.

  3. Seems very chaotic as to be expected. I would have thought Ukraine would have prepared from such an initial strike and would have been dispersed appropriately. Although, it unfortunately seems that the Ukraine military is not doing well. However, this blatantly demonstrates Putin for what he is a dictator and total lie, Russia must be completely shutoff from the civilized world. My only hope is that it will finally cause European nations, including ours, to start taking our defence seriously. Hopefully we will see a significant military spending increase. But I doubt it.

    • The cuts need to stop, we massively underestimated the chance of war in Europe even though Crimea was so recent.
      There also needs to a stopping of the spin, a budget increase but reduction in numbers and capability does not mean defence is being managed well.

      • i agree but in a weeks time the news headlines will be “cost of living”, “NHS wait time” and “starving School Children” and again no one will care about defence.

      • Agree reinvest in defence urgently.
        All C2s upto Chally 3 standard asap
        Scrap Ajax get Boxers and/or CV90s
        More frigates ordered. Type 26 back upto 13. Type 31s fitted with mk41 vls. Type 45s sea ceptor and mk41 vls asap.
        3-4 more astutes.
        Personnel numbers back upto levels seen at end of cold war.
        Putin only respects military might. Its time the British lion regrew its claws and sharepened its teeth.

        • What Putin does not respect is useless babbling … and that is what the West has engaged in for the better part of a year. I have no doubt that Western leaders will not stick to the same play book. … cue an outraged statement in the Commons as HMS Diamond still sits in port and both Wave-class tankers are put in extended readiness.

        • I agree Mr. Bell but I truly feel that even with the events currently unfolding in Ukraine, that an increase in defence spending as you outlined above – with which I wholeheartedly agree – simply will never happen. ‘Buried head-in-sand’ syndrome I’m afraid…….

          • Why air dropped nukes? If tactical nukes are needed(I hope & pray they’re never used by either or any side) then missiles or drones are easily the best & “safest” means of deploying them.

          • At the time of their removal from the roster, our air dropped tactical nuclear capability took up 10% of our defence budget. I’d rather that be spent on conventional capabilities to be honest, as they’re the ones that will actually be used.
            Let the US and France work out how to successfully safely deliver nuclear gravity bombs through a distributed AADS. I want Spear 3 in all its potential flavours; a full size air- and surface-launched AShM with land attack capabilities; sufficient enablers and equipment for the army to deploy in the strength they already have, let alone an increase. Small things to ask, except for Army, who haven’t shown themselves capable of delivering on the ORBAT and equipment fronts recently…

        • With you Mr Bell, I can hear the 🦁 roar coming back already!! C’mon 🇬🇧! 🇦🇺 🇳🇿 🇺🇦 🇺🇸, Europe and all the freer 🗺

      • Oh Gosh, we all agree here. But I and others have been warning of Russian advances for ages but we’re often drowned out as needlessly pessimistic, even on this board from time to time.

    • None of us know the true situation on the ground. In the air, or at sea. So it’s just wild speculation to say the Ukraine military is not doing well.

        • Agreed. Hopefully the arms sent to them prove useful, and that Western leaders have the spine to step up, though that might be asking for too much.

      • 100% agree. As I said I would have thought they where prepared, so I am expecting more “positive” news to follow. But it just seems from what is available at the moment it seems very one sided.

        • Any offensive of this nature is likely to meet with success at least initially. The defender is at a disadvantage until they can identify the main threat is coming from.

          A former American NATO Commander was on the BBC this morning and he suggested that a) the Ukrainian Army was better placed today than in 2014; b) Russia probably could not support all of the attacks, so there was likely to be significant diversionary action.

          So hopefully the Ukrainian’s can quickly identify the main attack and deploy effectively, but as I have said before I think their best chance is asymmetric warfare. Their regular forces need to hold the line long enough for the irregular forces to be organised…

          This is grim and dangerous times.

          I am struck that very few Wester Leaders have been visible, I can only think that the ‘hotline’ are red hot at the moment.

          CR

      • You’re quite right. In both the US and the UK we have leaders, parties and institutions that are incapable of talking truthfully. Which always makes people question their motives. I think this is why there’s so many conspiracy theories and vaccine hesitancy – we simply don’t trust those in authority.

        That being said. The 24hr news cycle is a disaster for openness. Problems are usually nuanced and require thoughtful answers but the media reduces everything to sound bits to score points and do political harm. Is it any wonder politicians are elusive or out right liars when our gateways on the truth is so polarising and combative themselves.

  5. Hi People, I’m a long-time reader but first-time commenter. What does Britain do now? Obviously we wont be sending troops and equipment on our own to help Ukraine, but will our forces be coming to a higher state of readiness in the (admittedly unlikely) event that Putin isn’t content with just Ukraine and keeps heading West? Can we rapidly send a hundred tanks (just by way of an example) and associated equipment to Latvia say?

  6. Sadly, there’s only so much Ukraine could do when faced by both short range ballistic missile (Iskander) and cruise missile attacks. That have not just targeted military installations in the disputed regions, but the whole country. The air defence systems based around the S300 system would not have been able to intercept these type of attacks. The widespread general invasion is as predicted, with Russian units heading to Kiev (Kyiv) from Belarus to unseat the Government. I wonder if any of the units were also Belarussian? Whilst amphibious landings in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea are determined to cut Ukraine off from the sea. It remains to be seen if they will stop at the Dnieper river. If they have momentum, they will keep pushing.

    It looks like Iskander have been used to target air defences, military airfields and in particular parked aircraft. Whilst cruise missiles have been used against military and Government buildings.

    The NLAWs we gave Ukraine will come into its own soon enough, as there is going to plenty of urban combat. Where the weapon is ideally fired from above and down onto a target from a room. If Russia has learnt any lessons from Chechnya and Syria, we may see towns and cities encircled and besieged, rather than just blazing through them. Though they are going to be deploying vehicles purposefully designed for urban combat, such as the BMPT-72 “Terminator”.

    Ukraine’s forces have been training to fight an insurgency war, hence the plethora of lighter weapons been delivered by NATO countries. This could and probably will get very bloody.

    • Belarus has stated it has not engaged any forces in the conflict but they are available to be used if needed.

      The Russians will have full knowledge of Ukraines air defence systems and will work around its limitations to the full.

      • You can guarantee, that most if not all military and Government installations have been spied upon and staked out for months. Russia would have had plenty of targeting data to use their Iskander and cruise missiles.

      • On BBC news. Direct from Ukraine government stated Belarusian forces had crossed Ukraine’s border alongside Russian troops. So it is more like a generalised war then we at the moment are acknowledging. The key to the rest of European and NATO defence is Poland, Slovakia and Romania. Those nations must be defended and supported against any follow-up to Russias aggression.
        The baltic states have been NATO members long enough to have properly armed themselves. Sadly they choose not to spend adequately and are thus a strategic liability for NATO to have to defend.

        • Sure I read Latvia has mobilised its forces to defend the border just incase, hope this doesnt keep spreading as could get out of hand quickly!

  7. I’ve been watching the news, one most notable thing is the shock by many journalists on the networks about events unfolding even the great Lyse Doucet of the BBC.

  8. If Putin is successful, his next objective will be Kalingrad. To push through the Baltic States to join up this area with Belarus. Our civil servants will tell the politicians unlikely to happen then might happen and then oh it has happened but too late to do anything about it. We then decide scrap NATO or start WW3 with a guy coming to the end of his life who thinks he has a moral right to use nukes. Psychopath’s think like that. Only they are of any importance as he cowers deep in his bunker and we burn.

      • The border regions need to stand – I hope that the US PMCs are going to be operating there – they’ll be better than any of the Russian conscripts that will operate under the title ‘spetsnatz’ who will be sent there.

        Russian military doctrine is pile it high, sell it cheap – they are very worried about having any highly trained forces….and let’s hope they pay the price for that now.

      • It was indefensible in the first place. British defence policy has been grounded in a delusion for the last decade or more.

        On so many topics we are 10 years behind where we need to be. It seemed to start with New Labour, maybe John Major but simply stopped investing in anything for fear the optics looked poor.

        We sold our only nuclear design office and didn’t build any more plants despite Climate Change warnings and existing aged infrastructure demanding investment in the late 90s. We knew small modular could have been a solution but we didn’t act until three or four years ago. Same things for defence, energy transmission it goes on and on.

        • I think there is general military ignorance amongst most British and western politicians.
          We need to defend the UK itself with its own ABM system and get some ship killing missiles. Nothing done to defend the Home base since the 60’s. We have to work with our NATO partners and Irish Republic with great urgency. You think Putin will stop at the Polish border?

  11. At this point in 1939 a British Government issued an ultimatum to Germany to withdraw from Poland or we would declare war on them……

    After 12 years of savage defence cuts, I cannot see Johnsonski doing anything of the sort. And neither can I see Biden emulating JFK (over the Cuba missile crisis in 1962).

  12. Bugger, this is one of those days that will mark change of the world order. Not a great day. My thoughts to all those affected by war.

    Well it looks like the historians will be spending a lot of time looking at the last 2 decades of Western delusions and failures in strategic vision .

    China is sitting back and making well its the west’s faults noises so we know the strategic partnership announcement after the 4 March summit is holding up.

    • However, what do you make of China’s vote last at the UNSC?

      I wonder if they are seeing a negative exercise outcome for Putin and are hedging or if they want no part of sanctions put on the Chinese State due to their own precarious financial situation.

      Interesting times.

      • I think they will not make a major noise on this, it’s important to note domestically they are really focusing on it being a problem created by the west…they will play the neutral party, gain power and influence over Russia ( as a friend, but the leader). They will show the west as being overly assertive on the world stage and needing China to balance.

        it plays to China as they want Russia in their area of influence….they will lead from the back until ready.

  13. The fact Putin has effectively told the west he is willing to go all the way and go to war with NATO means I think he as longer term plans beyond Ukraine.

      • My worry, that this does mean China will take forward a planned invasion. No way of knowing when, but I think it is now when not if. I also think the Baltic states will be held more at risk going forward.

        NATO and the west is being backed more and more into a corner I think. At some point we are going to have a general war, I would say it’s now inevitable, what we don’t know is will it be this year, within 2, 5 or 10 years. But I think the west needs to rearm on the assumption of general war within the decade.

        • I agree but it could come later this summer. Putin will see himself on a roll. He will go into the Baltics. We need tactical nukes because that’s where this will go next. Putin wont like it if he sees hard resistance or even being pushed back. We should go onto a much higher state of readiness and dispersal.

          • This is a nightmare, because what you have just said could become reality and I can’t argue it will not happen. All I can really come back with is fuck fuck fuck.

          • There is a video of a column of Russian tanks knocked out. This may cost Putin yet. You know what, I hope some of the Russian military say we aren’t doing this.

          • It’s the only way out for the west I think, if Russia is knocked back hard and the military rebel. I think it’s unlikely as we are talking about a large professional military from a proud military nation with centuries of history and not some tin pot army. I think the material difference is just to great for Ukraine, to many combat aircraft, tanks, guns and helicopters compared to Ukraine and Ukraine does not even have the technology edge that the western armies have ( or hope we have, cus otherwise….) . Bad days ahead.

  14. Siren sounding live on the BBC lunchtime news. Hopefully that will bring it home to people around the world what is happening.

    The BBC also aired a pre-recorded statement from Boris. I found this part interesting:

    “Our mission is clear: diplomatically, politically, economically and eventually militarily, this hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure,” he said.

    Could the point about “eventually militarily” suggest that the UK government might be considering additional defence spending..?

    It is definately needed.

    CR

    • I think it’s more that increased defence spending, I now think we need a planned rearming on the assumption of general war within a decade, this needs to be the approach of all western nations.

      • Yes. Invading Crimea was our Rhineland remilitarisation, and this is Anschluss. More to come. We need to be prepared

      • Hi Jonathan,

        I agree. I have said in some other posts that the defence industrial base needs to be put on notice of a coordinated reamament programme. Such a move might well involve those companies loosing some independence rather as it happened in WW2.

        We are definately in a different world today and it is not a nice one.

        CR

        • Yes we need to now be considering all our nations strategic industries and reserves ( massive increase in gas, fuel reserves) and as you say potential nationalisation or state capitalisation of some industries if needed.

          we need a complete rethink of our commercial links with China and acknowledge that Russia invaded a European democracy within 3 weeks of a summit in which they and Russia challenged the west and formally stated they have a strategic alliance ( not yet a formal defence alliance). At a minimum NATO nations need a heavy political push against China and back them into a corner around supporting sanctions and condemnation or we cut economic ties. We need to have china’s cards on the table before we find out their position on the back of an invasion of the republic of China.

          The west needs to let go of the end of history and neoliberalism and start fighting its corner in every domain even if they costs, I would much prefer to live in a poorer free liberal democracy that a rich democracy that was a client of a chinese Russian hegemony.

          But in the back of my mind ( well the front ad well) I know where this can all go and global warming plenty of realisable risk of human extinction within a lifetime….one thing global warming would not be an issue after a major nuclear exchange…..see positives 😢😢😱😰

  15. It’s not the people it’s the idiots at the top how also have all the money, the people don’t.

    Russia has never ever been a free democratic state and never will be when such have control (President for Life).

    • In some ways I like your optimism, and I respect your opinion. But I do think the Russian people are very nationalistic and are cheering on the evil being done in their name.

      Some things in this world make you value what you do have living in a country such as we have – thank you Angus for your level headed reply to what was a bit of a hot-headed post by me.

  16. What a terrible situation. Fight well Ukranians. You are fighting for your land, your homes, your children and their future.
    I cant believe in 2022 this is happening. A madman in charge of one of the worlds most powerful countries.
    Ukraine has asked for a no fly zone to be enforced over its airspace. Will NATO at least consider that?
    I think if we did the Ukranians stand a chance of defeating the Russians on the ground.

    • He isn’t mad. He has real strategic aims and doesn’t care who he upsets to accomplish them. The failure lies with us to take him seriously and not invest in the defensive assets needed to restrain his plans.

      • This is a well thought out set of planning and geopolitical moves again the west by a new Russian China power block. I’m convinced of that.

    • I was asking for a no flyzone to have been declared couple of weeks ago. Big mistake not to have been more proactive. Biden is playing a cynical game and wasting a lot of time as we knew he would. USA needs to send 2 armoured Divisions to Europe fast.

  17. We need to get our airpower striking Rusian columns etc & contest Russian air superiority right now. Putin holds a gun at our heads & we either back down paralysed allowing Russia & China to remold the global scene in their own dystopian image or give a “Hell-NO!” & check them.

    I’m pleasantly surprised how much support there appears across the usual domestic news forums for a stronger stand against this rather than the expected “don’t get involved” head in the sand view & just harsh words & sanctions. It is terrifying, but strong action now could save millions of lives & save our freedom.

    Pity the poor Ukrainian people.

    • Without the mobilisation of all Europe or NATO, preferably both, we mustn’t get involved. Yes our air force is capable but we lack depth and our land forces are severely reduced, outranged and lack firepower.

      I’d fear for our troops if we sent them into this mess with the numbers and kit they have. Yes the Commandos and Apaches could cause a lot of trouble but I fear (I know) we have left ourselves unprepared and denuded.

    • Given Putin’s pride and desire to leave a legacy, the best thing Western (and other) leaders could do now is come out publicly stating the breadth and severity of economic sanctions to be levied will reduce Russia to the status of a vassal state of China, as Xi has intended.

      Yes it will hurt our economies as well but not as much as nukes getting thrown which Putin is warning would be the outcome of any physical intervention

      • I don’t see Putin using nukes. It’s a no win situation from there (for everyone). No point creating an empire if your dead. Much more likely IMO is he means take the Baltic states. The Baltic states are the easiest target & the hardest to take back, unless you want to directly invade Russia & Belarus territory. The only land connection is a short strip of Poland.

        Quite a few think Putin is referring to nukes with his threats. I don’t see it. Three NATO members are nuclear armed. If he uses nukes, they will use nukes. If he invades the Baltic states & doesn’t use nukes – they won’t either (use nukes). To me, the message to NATO is stay out of Ukraine or we will expand this into your territory at a place you are most likely to loose & even if we then eventually pull back, it’s NATO territory that has taken the battering. Any invasion of the Baltic states is most likely going to be confined to there rather than striking Russia directly, in an attempt to avoid all out European war. The same goes for Russia – they will likely stay away from the territory of the Great Powers in NATO.

    • So you wish a nuclear power aka the UK to start striking Russian forces in the Ukraine? What exactly do you expect the response to be?

      • Hi James, He’ll be furious. But will then hopefully realise he can’t do whatever he pleases. We must meet force with measured force. He’s hoping for an easy coup & needs to realise we’ll not allow it. Otherwise it’s just on to the next target, millions more subjected, PRC will roll too, until we belatedly decide we finally have to stand up to a stronger & larger enemy.

  18. Based on mobile phone footage from Twitter, contrary to recent western operations – fast-jets of the Russian air-force seem to be operating at very low-level.

    • Two reasons for that. Firstly Ukraine has SAMs systems so the Russians are operating under their radar. Secondly, however much they like to say they have precision strike capability, they don’t. They are toss bombing to get the needed accuracy.

      • Hi Rob, Yes – but NATO air-forces over Bosnia (1995) and Serbia (1999), plus western strikes on Libya (2012) and Syria (2018) also encountered modern SAM systems – but had the assets (albeit, American) to support medium-level operations.
        From initial reports, this seems a very different air-war ……………..
        As you say, the Russian air-force seems to lack PGM capabilities (it was carpet bombing parts of Syria), and toss bombing from low-altitude is unlikely to be accurate ………….

      • No LGB capability? Are you sure about that? If you are right would that mean that the Russian jets are vulnerable to Stingers?

  19. Here’s a thing: Why does the UK not immediately self-declare a 200-mile exclusion zone around the UK (air and maritime) against all Russian, Belarussion & Moldovan military and civilian traffic. That would help stuff ’em up for starters – especially the ships returning north, and help protect the UK airspace and seas. Then try and persuade the EU, NATO, and the US & CAN to do the same. Now that would really stuff ’em up -especially Putin’s cronies.

    If we don’t now fully deploy the full strength of NATO to the borders and the likes of Sweden and Finland quickly join NATO then the domino effect will start. Finlad was mentioned by (Ras)Putin at th estart of his rambling speech.

    Oh hang on. The UK has basically ditched its MBT force and ability to design and make more, and Sleepy Joe is not inclined to do anything as he is having a nap….ooops! Silly, silly, stupid short-sighted politicians…

    • What are you proposing, we shoot down Russian aircraft and sink their ships? I think that may cause more problems than it solves

      • Levi, they have declared an exclusion zone in the Black Sea and during the Cold War they sunk our ships and shot down our aircraft and it did not start WWIII.

        What I am suggesting is that we don’t give flight plans to civilian traffic and anything like military incursions are more seriously challenged and a lot earlier before they get close to the UK. A few rounds of 27mm cannon and the odd missile flying about the place initially, may well then deter their current actions around the UK. If others adopted this then financially their air travel would suffer and no more bullying militarily in others space.

        If the Turkey boys & girls did this (e.g. close off the Black Sea) then that would really stuff the Russian Navy. i.e. then give the Ukrainians lots of land-launched anti-ship missiles for a “Turkey shoot.”

        • Not a hot war granted – yet. I don’t want a war with Russia. What I am saying is that Putin only understands one language. There is a small window of opportunity to act robustly now – else he will just carry on with his imperial ambitions. Look back at history and see what happens if we do not act robustly now.

          • You’ll get a war with Russia if we start shooting down aircraft and sinking warships. Keep it sensible.

          • …but a shot across the bows or a few tracer going past a cockpit may make the point. We must be more robust from now on. Putin is doing far worse.

          • Normally I would agree with you all that cool heads must prevail. However, the path that Putin is on is so dangerous for humanity and the rule of law that we must change our usual reactions to such things. Borris has already banned Aeroflot and Putin banned BA. MPs are openly discussing a “no-fly-zone” over Ukraine. What I am suggesting is much less dangerous than that and would be fully under our control for the UK 200-mile exclusion zone for Russia/Belarus traffic.

    • We don’t have the legal authority to declare a 200 mile exclusion zone around the UK. It’s not UK sovereign territory (especially the bits over the EU). Of course our Home Secretary would approve the bombing of all ships leaving France, just in case.

      What on earth has Moldova done to deserve your wrath?

      • …I may be beinbg a bit harsh on Moldova as a whole, but the Transnistria region is housing Russian forces and is part of the threat to Ukraine from the rear.

  20. So much going on at the moment it’s hard to know what to comment on – points of significance to me are a Major Helibourne Assault on Hostomel/Gostomel Airbase near to Kiev ,Manpads were used with limited success,also Russian Forces located and active at Antonov Airbase some 15km from Kiev,guess they are going for the jugular straight away.

    • Air assault was allegedly by helicopter. I don’t see how it was possible to fly that far undetected. Especially with the air space shut down.

    • The Russians have certainly moved very fast.

      Providing the Ukrainians can keep control of their assets in the field (resupply with fuel, ammunition food etc) and maintain C4, along with Western supplied ISTAR information, they can start inflicting a tremendous amount of damage to the Russians via highly mobile battle groups, to hit and run and hopefully go for Russian supply lines…

      It all hangs on the next few days, the Russians ‘might’ roll the Ukrainians up with their Blitzkrieg tactics, especially if the Ukrainians loose C4…

      However, then the Russians will face an increasingly organised and well coordinated (Western supported) insurgency, if their wrecking Ball invasion initially seems successful, the occupation will be anything but, it will rapidly become a nightmare for Russia.

      • Yeah John ,what is happening has been pretty much predicted on here and other sites for a long time,you have to admire the Balls and Arrogance of Russia to think they can achieve even some of what they are setting out to do.Ukraine resistance seems mixed but to be expected in a confused and fluid situation.

  21. So once again, empty words and hopeless gestures from the west, as Vlad Adolph Putin, sticks it to Ukraine, and sticks a middle digit up at the world at large.

    Unthinkable…

  22. I see that the FIA have already removed Russia from this years F1 calender as well various drivers stating they would not race in Russia. UEFA will announce tomorrow that the Champions League final will be moved to another host country. Manchester Utd are stated they are ending their sponsership with Areoflot. Little things I know but one hopes that it will snowball and Russia ostriacized from the global sporting arena. Just need Boris to step up to the plate and make a meaningful statement later this afternoon.

    • Russian assets abroad should be seized and distributed to Ukrainians displaced by this.

      There are entire luxury apartment blocks in Miami bought, paid and lived in by Russia mafia money.

      • If only they could find Putins money. O have seen reports estimating his net worth any thing between 100 – 200 billion easily making him the richest man on the planet, most of it stolen from Russian state assets and the rest in payoffs, money that rightly belongs to the Russian state/people.

  23. See that Ukrainian government are asking for

    Ukraine is calling on the European Union and its member states to urgently provide air-defence and anti-missile systems, as well as use “all means” to jam Russian satellite signals.

    I wonder how feasible this would be, it might give Putin the escalation that he is looking for but would be of real help to Ukraine.

  25. David Davis is calling for a no fly zone over the UK. This would be an inflammatory and irresponsible move. More realistic would be to train provide Ukraine forces in mobile AA systems and deliver these through Poland land bridge; secure Lviv and an airbase in the west of Ukraine from which the Ukraine airforce can operate and equipment sustained.
    The Russians will go for encirclement of cities and economic siege tactics. Best outcome would be partition with Odessa in the West.

  26. The BBC are reporting that they have verified a video of a Russian attack helicopter that has been shot down at Hostomel airport near Kyiv! If this is true does this mean the Russians have landed airborne forces near Kyiv?

    No reports yet, but the helicopter is a Kamov Ka-50 with a combat range of 250nmi. Also, the Ukrainian commander has confirmed fighting at the airport..!

    This could be moving faster than is yet being reported.

    CR

    • Check out Twitter, guy farouk has given the heads up on. Babak Taghvaee.

      Video of an apparant Ukrainian Mig29 launching rockets at Russian airborne troops in civilian housing very close to the camera. The poor child is terrified.

      • Crete ’41 or the Belgium Forts in 1940. The Ukrainians will need to hit that bridgehead hard. Of course it could turn into Russia’s “bridge too far”. I certainly hope so, but I fear for Ukraine.

        CR

      • Just looked at the video. Brit reporter! He apparently walked up to the base and started talking to the soldiers only to find out that they were Russians!

        No mention of follow up troops, yet. The Ukrainian’s appear to be trying to mount a counter attack but clearly it is not working and not properly coordinated.

        I get the impression that the Ukrainain command and control is being overwhelmed perhaps with the help of cyber attacks and the speed of events. May 1940…

        Ukrainian refugees alreay starting to arrive at Poland’s border with reception centres being set up.

        This is a very sad day.

        CR

        • 90% of the Ukranian regular army were deployed to the east expecting pushes along the front. NATO had been warning that Russia might attack through Belarus but they didnt heed the warning or have the forces to spare even if they did. I understand the counterattacks to try and retake the airfields are primarily being given to the national guard and volunteer/reserve units but they will likely be poorly equipped compared to regular troops and there are a lot of Russian helicopter gunships at the airport, so they will need some decent AA equipment if they have any hope.

          • Watchzero,

            I’ve said this before but it looks like 1939 to me.

            The Polish Army was deployed forward and got encircled. If what you say is correct, and I have no reason to doubt you, then the Ukrainian regulars may already be in trouble…

            To be fair the initiative always lies with the attacker to start with as they can pick the time and place of the attack. The defender can turn things around IF they can maneouvre quickly enough and have sufficient forces in reserve positions able to move to where the need is greatest. Its a big if!

            I have a sinking feeling about this but I so hope I’m wrong.

            CR

    • I don’t think Russian airborne troops will last long in a city of 4.5 million hostiles.

      They may have gone ‘A Bridge Too Far.’

      Hope the Ukrainians can surround them and completely crush them with lots of lovely prisoners.

      • Apparently “a lot” of transport aircraft currently in the air from Russia to reinforce

        Airbourne only need to hold out until they arrive and can push out to lay siege

        • Well hopefully the Ukrainians can get them with SAMs. Hundreds of casualties would make Putin think about it. In built up areas putting some stingers on the top of those ex Soviet tower blocks could be decisive.

  27. From what I can see of the situation so far, initial Russia strike was devastating particularly to Ukranian airforce. Artillery bombardment all along the 2000km border, by far largest artillery bombardment since WW2. The ground war doesnt seem to be going as well with the Russians being mostly held up along the border outside their main armored thrusts. The attack on Kiev itself that was thought likely but many argued was too risky to be attempted seems to have had some success, two kiev airports attacked by airborne forces and Russian have sucessfully taken the Antonov factory. In a similar situation to the German assault on Crete during WW2 much could hinge on whether the Ukranians are able to rally the forces to retake the airfields before further Russian troops can be landed to reinforce the bridgeheads.

    • Doesn’t matter how ‘statesman like’ he sounds when he surrounds himself with left wingers, practising Student union level politics.

    • CR, the TV is full of politicians & political analysts who have not quite grasped the full magnitude of this. Forget sanctions how can we defend NATO countries, give the Ukrainians what they need to give Putin a really bad day and fill our screens full of the realities of what this means for our future lives. Not sure Kier is there yet?

      • Hi Mark,

        His words were pretty bellicose to be honest and surprised me. Mac is right to highlight the problems of left wingers around him, but nevertheless his words suggest he is no left winger.

        We need other Western politicians to step up – including Boris…

        CR

    • I agree. Whilst I don’t think he has been that great as opposition leader, unlike Corbyn, at least Starmer is willing to put politics aside when the situation demands it. I respect that.

    • I’m more impressed he threatened to kick out the 11 labour mps who signed the stop the war petition until they all took their names off it, he is no corbyn thats for sure.

  30. Hello
    I am an Iranian and I hate the Iran News Network. lie. All support Russia. They say Russia attacked at the instigation of the United States. Those cowards always said that the West was lying about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Is Ukraine resolving the resistance? Is there any hope for Russia’s defeat? You can not hear the right news from IRIB.

    • Hello Amin, welcome to the community, nice to have an Iranian as we do like to get wider views, we do have posters from lots of nations. As for what’s going on it’s hard to say, but what the BBC are reporting is:

      1) Russian forces have undertaken a massive, land, sea and air invasion of Ukraine, this is no small controlled response or reaction etc. It’s a full invasion of another sovereign nation with everything Russia could concentrate, its come from Belarus, Crimea, sea, air and Russia, so it’s a generalised invasion, with air assaults on airports close to the a Ukrainian capital. in my view It looks very much like a full decapitation move and Putin has told the west he is going to demilitarise ( destroy the armed forces) and de-Nazi the government, so he’s going to removed the elected government on the pretext they are a totalitarian facist dictatorship ( which they are not) so it looks like he’s going for complete national destruction.

      The big worry is that he has told NATO that any military action to try and prevent the invasion by NATO will lead to massive instant retaliation by Russia in a way that has never happened before. He has basically come out and said if NATO interferes it will be a nuclear war ( that’s the western nations reading of what he has said).

      The Ukrainians are still fighting hard by what can been seen and they are mobilising their who population ( the Ukrainian government has basically said to its population fight and we will give you a gun, which shows the Desperate situation and the resolve). But the difference in scale of the two countries means Ukraine does not have any real hope without military support from allies.

    • Early days Amin. Unfortunately everything is in Russia’s favour militarily. Though expect to hear about lots of fierce urban fighting pretty soon. Ukraine will be no push over!

      The problem is if Russia do build momentum, they will be emboldened to push to the border. Unlike Chechnya, there are around 30 million Ukrainians, which will need to be heavily policed. As they have been training for an insurgency for years. That’s a very large population that needs to be pacified, though Russia have past history in this department. It won’t go well for them.

      The biggest worry is what happens when they look about conquering or have conquered Ukraine, what next? For the Europeans it will look very bad and the West, as their measures and sanctions failed to stop the invasion and take-over of an independent sovereign Nation. Will they see thousand of Ukrainians fleeing to the Polish, Slovakian, Hungarian, Romanian and Moldavian borders and do nothing?

      There has been a lot of discussion on what comes next. This is why both Finland and Sweden are deeply worried. Not to mention Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The Kaliningrad enclave is cut off from Belarus by the Polish and Lithuanian borders. Although Russians have a free visa to pass through to Belarus, no military equipment is allowed, it has to be transported by sea or by air.

      This piece of land is known as the Suwalki gap. The distance between Kaliningrad to Belarus is less than 70km long. There is already tension between Poland and Belarus, due to Poland closing down the border and preventing people trafficking from Belarus. Poland has mobilised at lot of its forces near to the border.

      But why are Finland and Sweden worried? It is because if “Russia” can force a land corridor through to Kaliningrad, then Russia can then by force close down the Baltic if they wished to do so. Similarly by forcing the land corridor, the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will be cut-off from Poland and the rest of Europe. People in Latvia are deeply worried, as they have a very large Russian speaking population left over from the Cold War.

      As Putin has shown, just by having a Russian speaking population is enough to justify causing not only mischief, but also insurrection and then pretence for invasion!

    • damn it
      Twitter is a filter in my country. Interestingly, Iran’s foreign minister has said that we know the root of the Ukraine crisis in U.S. provocations. That damn thing didn’t get any convictions. It only invited the two sides to peace. It’s very interesting Twitter doesn’t filter for him. But it’s a filter for ordinary people. Iran News is always spreading news that benefits Russia

      • This is from Dan Lamothe who covers the pentagon for the Washington Post.

        More than 100 missiles launched at Ukrainian targets last night. They came from Belarus, Russia and the sea. Airports and other military targets were the primary emphasis last night. But it appears Russia is moving to take control of Kyiv and other cities next, official says.

        “We would describe what you are seeing as an initial phase” of a “large-scale invasion,” senior U.S. defense official says. Cautions that the U.S. will not have perfect visibility of what is happening. No U.S. aircraft overhead.

        Three main axis of assault so far, official says. From Belarus south, from Crimea north, and from the Belgorad area of Russia to around Kharkiv, official says. Ground incursion from Belarus to north of Kyiv and helicopter troop inserts into Kharkiv area.

        “They’re making a move on Kyiv,” senior U.S. defense official says. “What they’re doing with Kyiv is hard to say.”

        U.S. estimates that about 75 Russian fixed-wing aircraft, including bombers, were involved last night. Among the targets were nearly 10 airfields, senior U.S. defense official says.

        No amphibious assault took place. There were rumors of that. False, at least so far.

        Senior U.S. defense official, longer quote:

        “We would describe what we are seeing as an initial phase, and it is likely we will see this unfold in multiple phases. How many? How long? We don’t know. But what we are seeing is initial phases of a large-scale invasion.”

  32. Just heard Sky Sabre is getting its first operational deployment, they’re off to Poland!!

    Will expect to hear of more unit deployments, including JHC assets soon….

  33. Seems there is a major battle going on around Chernobyl. All it needs is a shell to hit the casing and a radioactive cloud could be released. Maybe the USAF nuke sniffer is in Europe for a reason?

    Lets hope the wind blows towards Russia.

  34. Does Russia have a Brimstone equivalent? Can they destroy Ukrainian armour from standoff range where MANPAD’s can hit them?

    • No not yet. They have both video and laser guided missiles though. Such as the Hermes used by the Ka52 which uses laser and infrared guidance. There is the Kh29, but at 600kg its not in the same class, it does have various forms of guidance from video, laser, infrared or active radar so its more like the Maverick missile.

  37. And Biden and NATO sit by and do nothing while a peaceful, democratically elected country and taken over by a madman. Nice going to the American voters that elected Biden. It was like giving Putin the OK to invade Ukraine.

      • All this talk of NATO is a smoke screen and an excuse.
        We are watching in real time a democratic East European country get attacked and taken over by someone who is deperate to return Russia to some semblence of ‘power’.
        Just because Ukraine used to be part of the USSR does not mean they should again succumb to Russia’s ‘sphere of influence’ .
        & just beacuse Ukraine is not part of NATO does not mean it shoud be ignored .
        If Russia is allowed to take Ukraine it will signal justification to Putin of his actions -and that does not auger well for Europe- he has already threatened Sweden & Finland what next Poland?
        People need to stop harping on about NATO and consider the potential impact of what is happening.

        • What about the potential impact of WW3? If NATO fights Russia that’s what we’ll have. What is the point of NATO if not collective defence? It isn’t a police force for non member nations. I say that in horror at what is happening in Ukraine and I really hope they bloody the Russian’s nose enough to turn public opinion against Putin.

  38. If Kiev is taken why is it assumed the Ukraine will surrender and accept a Russian installed puppet? Why assume the Ukrainian people will just roll over and accept this? Sounds a bit of wishful thinking on putins part!

  39. Putin is crazy. Eats tension.
    Iran is not at war and most of the sanctions are only from the United States, but still its economy is awful.
    Russia cannot be at war at the same time, nor can it fight sanctions against many different countries. Sanctions should put the most pressure and their number should be crippling.

  40. Ed Davey asked the Prime Minister directly if the cuts to be British Army would be reversed. Boris did not give a direct answer other than to say we had already deployed extra troops to Eastern European NATO countries.

    That is not encouraging that the leason is being learnt.

    At least two MP’s have questioned the continuing validity of the Integrated Review given what is a very different world today. Again no indication of any review or change in defence policy…

    This suggests that there will be no real change to UK defence posture – madness.

    CR

    • I think it’s a bit too soon to expect fundamental changes to the Integrated Review, at present I expect the whole of MOD is looking at urgent operational requirements and how they can get more missiles and bullets to the Ukraine. When the dust settles a bit there is going to be one almighty argument as to what, when and how we need to make changes, and they will be big ones. If they are not big enough and effective enough it will be up to places like this forum to make a hell of a stink until the dead heads in Westminster are prepared to put up the cash.

      • Hi Nick,

        I agree it is too early and that the MoD staffers will be busy, but it should have been easy to say that ‘nothing is off the table’ and hint that such a review could happen. Such a hint might have a bigger impact in the long run, especially if it actually carried through and is backed by much needed extra funding for the UK armed forces.

        CR

        • Agreed, there is still far too much weasel speak, and hiding behind sanctions is close to wet. I wonder who is going to be first to say that Putin appears to have, or actually has, gone mad. Not Alex Salmond!

      • The problem is if we’re sending more NLAWs, where are they coming from? If it’s from UK stocks how quickly can they be restocked, especially as they only made in Sweden?

        The other issue is that some equipment the Army has is now so old, UORs may not be of any use. As the manufacturer has either moved on and longer makes the parts or they don’t exist anymore. Putting equipment obsolescence on replacement holidays is all well and good, when there’s nothing happening in the World. But look how quickly events turn for the worst, which immediately means your equipment holiday bites you in the arse!

        • Absolutely true, and the way the MOD procurement system grinds on you aren’t going to get anything any time soon. This has been brewing since the middle of last year, ample time to build more Typhoons, train the pilots and maintainers, recruit and train the soldiers and construct new ships!!

    • Maybe not straight away, but Boris was never going to stand there and change the integrated review on the hoof. Besides, we know he doesn’t know his frigates from destroyers. It’ll be the rest of the party that may put enough pressure on to change things. I’m not holding my breath though.

  42. Unfortunately this has been coming for some time and worryingly China has seen and also gone down the same route as Russia

    russia has been very smart in what it spends it’s limited defence funding on probably has the best Artillery, long range fires, Area Denial systems, cyber, special forces and submarines whilst maintaining a very large and well equipped Air Force.

    we have taken our eye off the ball on this for too long, partly due to Brexit, partly to our follies in the Middle East.

    I would urge a commitment to 3% of GDP to defence and we really need to invest in our submarine and Anti submarine forces as a matter of priority.

    For me the no1 priority now is a ballistic missile defence shield as the playbook of any attack is fairly straight forward starting with missile attacks to take out key infrastructure and secure air dominance, we must have the ability to ensure that the uk can defend itself from anyone. It is the most important defence force we can have after CASD.

    I am very sorry for Ukraine and for the Russian people who will ultimately feel the long term pain of this.

    in all cases the world has changed and the UK needs to wise up fast as I don’t think we can trust anyone to defend us anymore.

    no use having a n expeditionary force if all their bases and assets are taken out in the first 4 hours, time to make Britain the unsinkable carrier again and once that is accomplished we can project.

  44. Some brave Russian needs to stand up and take out that tiny, mentally unstable Putin so others don’t have to suffer. The events of the past year or so proves he has dementia even worse than Biden.

  45. And still hours later not a SINGLE Russian person who has property in the UK, or Russian company that trades in the UK has been hit by sanctions – you don’t think playing tennis with politicians is worth the money? Think again.

    He gets his name added to a ‘interesting lilst though: Georgy Zhukov, Boris Johnson, Nikolai Nikolaevich, Anton Denikin…

      • That is patently false – there has been NO action against Russia individulas in the UK….in fact the UK has (thus far) not done a single tjhing against Russian assets in the UK….business as usual for the New Nazis.

        Anyone for Tennis? (Anyone have a Russian translation for that phrase, it seems to be very lucrative.)

  46. Hi everyone. Am not attacking George or anyone else but twitter is a gold mine for what’s happening in Ukraine. It’s very confused and trying to guess truth from Russian BS isn’t easy. If there’s one place i’m watching it’s Mariupol. If the Ukrainians can stop them there that would be a very big deal. Pray for the Ukrainians if that’s how your inclined or keep your fingers crossed if not.

    • Russian police are busy arresting anti-invasion protestors in Russia.
      Putin will keep pushing until/unless the west stands up & stops him.

      • Putin will be brought down internally. Russians are decent people. Many have family ties to Ukraine. As every day passes Russian forces will puzzle to reconcile the BS orders they have been given with the courage and resistance they witness of their ‘brother’ opponents. The Russian people just need to find their courage and get rid of the madman.
        Russia has failed with its Day 1 objectives.

  47. I’ve just done the maths (so you don’t have to) and the MASSIVE effects of the HUGE sanctions package the UK has smashed Russia with have cost the Russian state £4.58….that will certainly teach them.

    I want to cut down a protected tree near my back garden, so I’m off to play a game of tennis with the planning officer…..It’s a tactic that really seems to work!

  48. Is Ukraine able to counter-attack anywhere? All the TV images seem to show Russian forces every where like locusts. Hope they can get pushed back and defeated. Much 💪💪 💪 to the people of 🇺🇦!

    • Ben Wallace talking on TV just now saying no day 1 objectives have been apparently achieved by the Russians. Including a Spetznaz raid on the Gostomel airfield, which is alongside the Antonov airport, on the northern edge of Kyiv, where Ukrainian forces seemed to have kicked the backside of these so called elite troops and retaken the airbase.

      Russian forces have apparently not been able to breakout of the Donbas containment area – a primary Russian objective – and have taken a number of AFV losses.

    • The Ukrainians are certainly fighting back

      There are numerous Twitter posts with pics showing Russian armoured columns top and tailed, numerous vehicles on fire in ambushes

      And one from Illia Ponomarenko, a reporter with The Kyiv Independent reporting this picture as being of a Russian airfield in Millerovo, Rostov Oblast. He claims a number of enemy aircraft were destroyed in a strike by the Ukrainian military.

      https://twitter.com/IAPonomarenko/status/1497128097140858901

      Something is deffo on fire

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