Ukraine’s conflict: Kyiv prepared for a Russian counter-offensive

As Russian tanks were recorded entering Kyiv for the first time, the sound of gunfire rang around the city.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has urged residents in the northern fringes of the country to create fire bombs in order to “neutralise the enemy.”

Vladimir Putin’s personal assets in Europe have been frozen by the European Union.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Kremlin claims that it is prepared to talk to Ukraine.

Dmitry Peskov, Ukraine’s spokesman, said negotiations would have to focus on the country adopting “neutral status,” which would include “demilitarisation.” Russia is pressuring Ukraine to rule out joining NATO in the future.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has frequently sought for negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but he has shown no sign of agreeing to talks based on “demilitarisation.”

Blasts ripped across Kyiv overnight, destroying at least one block of apartments and injuring a number of citizens.

Strikes were not carried out by Russia, according to the Russian government.

According to the Reuters news agency, an anonymous source in Russia’s defence ministry reported a jet shot down over Kyiv was Ukrainian. The plane was Russian, according to Ukraine.

Moscow looked to have Kyiv firmly in its sights as the second day of conflict began. Moscow is striking from the east, north, and south. “The adversary” is attempting to bring Kyiv “to its knees,” Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated.

Russia’s defence ministry stated on Friday afternoon that it has taken control of the Antonov airport in Ukraine, employing 200 helicopters and a landing force. Russia was assembling a “overwhelming force” to seize control of the city, according to Western intelligence officials.

City officials have advised residents in the northern Obolon area to stay at home to prevent “active military actions,” according to Reuters. Tanks were spotted earlier in the day near Obolon.

On its Facebook page, the Ministry of Defence has previously urged citizens to “tell us of military movements, construct Molotov cocktails [firebombs], and neutralise the enemy.”

Families sought refuge in Kyiv metro stations overnight as aerial assaults hit the city, particularly the heavily populated Pozniake region, hurting at least eight people.

One Kyiv citizen told the BBC’s Nick Beake, “We want to see you butchered like an animal.”

“How can we live with it in our time?” As she picked up shattered glass from one blow, Oxana Gulenko inquired to Reuters. “What should we think about it? Putin, along with his entire family, should be damned to hell.”

Breaking News: Kyiv braces for battle as Russian troops entered the capital

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