Ukraine’s military attache to South Africa, Oleh Kvasyuk has emphasised his country’s need to defend its territory and its sovereignty as attacks by the Russian armed forces continue on the second day of the invasion.
Earlier today, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had claimed that the invasion of Ukraine was to free it from western oppression and had also called on the Ukrainian army to surrender.
Kvasyuk says that the situation in Ukraine is still dangerous.
“For our armed forces, it’s not only war, it’s actually about our people and our homeland. Our armed forces protect our country, so nobody can tell us just stop fighting for our country. For Mr Putin, it will be very difficult to explain to every Ukrainian soldier, what we should do actually.”
UNSC meeting over Russia/Ukraine crisis
While the of focus continues to be very much what is playing out on the ground in Ukraine, some focus today also on what will be happening at the United Nations in New York, particularly the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Earlier, President Cyril Ramaphosa says more engagement is required from the United Nations Security Council over the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Dozens of people have reportedly been killed, amid Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine by land, air and sea since Thursday.
A number of countries have imposed sanctions on Russia, after its president, Vladimir Putin, claimed that the action is to demilitarise and de-Nazify Ukraine.
New York correspondent Sherwin Bryce-Pease gives more details about the UNSC meeting:
UK says Russian forces continue to advance towards Kyiv
Britain’s defence intelligence chief said on Friday that Russian forces were continuing to advance towards Kyiv as they sought to topple Ukraine’s government.
“Russian forces continue to advance on two axis towards Kyiv. Their objective is to encircle the capital, to secure control of the population and change the regime,” Chief of Defence Intelligence Jim Hockenhull said.
“Russia continues to conduct strikes across Ukraine. Overnight Russia launched a concerted series of strikes on targets in Kyiv. Multiple Rocket Launchers have been employed in Chernihiv and Kharkiv.
“Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to offer strong resistance, focusing on the defence of key cities throughout Ukraine.” – additional reporting by Reuters
