Vladimir Putin is attempting to “decapitate” Ukrainian government, US officials have said, as Russian troops continue to advance on Kyiv.
“The indications we’ve seen thus far, in just these first, not even 12 hours, are in keeping with our assessment earlier, that would be his goal: to decapitate this government,” the official told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Currently, Russian troops are attempting to seize the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has warned.
“Our defenders are giving their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 will not be repeated,” Mr Zelensky tweeted.
“This is a declaration of war against the whole of Europe.”
The attack comes as airborne Russian troops captured Antonov international airport on the outskirts of Kyiv.
Russia claims it has destroyed “over 70 military targets”, including 11 airfields.
Ukraine’s armed forces have been ordered to repel the invasion by inflicting “maximum losses” on the enemy, Major General Valeriy Zaluzhn said.
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