Sounds resembling explosions have been reported in several Ukraine cities after Moscow launched special operation in Donbass
Speaking from a rooftop in central Kiev, reporter Mathew Chance said he heard “four or five explosions” erupt in the city, though stated “I can’t explain what they are.” The report came moments after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation on behalf of the newly recognized breakaway republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, where a military conflict has raged between separatist forces and the Ukrainian government for years.
Live on @CNN air- Matthew Chance hears loud explosions in the Capital City of Kyiv. Unclear where they came from- but they happened just minutes after Putin effectively declared war on Ukraine. Moments later Chance put a flack jacket on live on the air. pic.twitter.com/EQgsKPzlJQ
— Ryan Nobles (@ryanobles) February 24, 2022
Blasts were also reportedly heard in Kharkiv, some 400km (250 miles) east of Kiev.
Now hearing jets over Belgorod. Possibly flying towards the Kharkiv area. #CNN #Russia #Ukraine
— Frederik Pleitgen (@fpleitgenCNN) February 24, 2022
An unnamed US official described the activity as “pre assault fire,” with a “land attack to follow,” according to Fox News national security correspondent Jennifer Griffin. The official reportedly added that blasts had been heard in the cities of Odessa, a major seaport at the Black Sea and Mariupol, a city on the north coast of the Sea of Azov, saying “It’s begun.”
US official tells me: Right now we are seeing the pre assault fires. Expect this to go on for a few hours. Land attack to follow with ALL of the full forces Putin has arrayed. Explosions heard in Kiev, Odessa, Mariupol. “It’s begun.”
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) February 24, 2022
Reuters journalist Idress Ali, citing a witness, said a “series of explosions” could be heard in Belgorod, Russia, while CNN international correspondent Frederik Pleitgen claimed to hear “what sounds like outgoing artillery and rocket fire” from the same area. He later added that jets were heard over the city.
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from RT – Daily news