War shatters Europe’s peace

Kyiv (Ukraine): Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Thursday, killing dozens and forcing hundreds to flee for their lives to the neighbouring countries. Russia said that its military had destroyed more than 70 military targets including 11 airfields in Ukraine.

“As a result of strikes carried out by the Russian armed forces, 74 Ukrainian military ground facilities were destroyed,” said Igor Konashenkov, a defence ministry spokesman, specifying that destroyed facilities included 11 airfields.

He said a Ukrainian military helicopter and four drones had also been shot down. A presidential adviser says Ukraine lost control of the Chernobyl nuclear site, where Ukranian forces had waged a fierce battle with Russian troops.

Adviser Myhailo Podolyak told The Associated Press that Ukrainian authorities did not know the current condition of the facilities at Chernobyl, the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster. “After the absolutely senseless attack of the Russians in this direction, it is impossible to say that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe,” he said.

A nuclear reactor at the plant 130 km north of Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, exploded in April 1986, sending a radioactive cloud across Europe. The exploded reactor was covered by a protective shelter several years ago to prevent radiation leaks.

Meanwhile, flights have been allowed to resume from Ukraine under India-Qatar bilateral air bubble arrangement, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said, after air space was closed by the ‘under attack’ country.