160 Flights Canceled at Moscow Airports

160 flights have been canceled at Moscow airports, according to the RIA Novosti agency.

As we have reported, last night Russian President Putin announced the start of a special military operation in Donbas. This development is linked to the current situation in the country.

In recent weeks, the situation in Donbas has escalated. Reports indicated that Kyiv had concentrated a large part of its military along the contact line and was periodically firing at militia forces using prohibited equipment.

Evacuations of women, children, and the elderly have begun in Luhansk and Donetsk to regions of Russia. General mobilization has been declared. In this situation, on February 19, the leaders of the self-proclaimed republics appealed to Russia to recognize their independence.

On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in a televised address that it is necessary to immediately recognize the sovereignty of Luhansk and Donetsk and signed the relevant decrees. The head of state instructed to ensure peacekeeping in the republics.

As the president explained, he made such a decision because those who chose the paths of bloodshed, violence, and illegality do not recognize any resolution to the Donbas conflict other than military action. Today, Putin delivered a message regarding the commencement of the special military operation in Donbas.