People Seek Shelter in Kyiv Metro Stations, Lines Form at Shops and ATMs

The Verkhovna Rada has declared martial law across Ukraine. People are allowed to ride the Kyiv metro for free, as stations are being used as shelters. Nationwide, individuals are lining up to purchase essential goods as well as at ATMs.

In recent weeks, the situation in Donbas has intensified. It has been reported that Kyiv has concentrated much of its military near the contact line and has periodically fired on militia members using banned munitions. Evacuations of women, children, and the elderly have begun in Luhansk and Donetsk to areas of Russia.

A general mobilization has been declared. In this context, 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 he considers it necessary to immediately recognize the sovereignty of Luhansk and Donetsk and signed relevant decrees. The leader instructed to ensure peacekeeping in the republics.

As the president explained, he made this decision because those who have taken the path of bloodshed, violence, and lawlessness do not recognize any solution to the Donbas conflict other than military action. Today, Putin sent a message regarding the commencement of a special military operation in Donbas.