Russia-Ukraine conflict: EU chief vows to hold Kremlin ‘accountable’ for Ukraine attack

Dubbing the Russian military operation as 'unjustified attack', President of the European Commission Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen vehemently criticised Moscow’s actions in Ukraine and said the bloc will hold the Kremlin responsible.

"We strongly condemn Russia's unjustified attack on Ukraine. In these dark hours, our thoughts are with Ukraine and the innocent women, men and children as they face this unprovoked attack and fear for their lives. We will hold the Kremlin accountable," Leyen tweeted.

In a separate occasion, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg condemned Russia's actions, saying that Moscow's operation in Donbas contravenes international law.

"I strongly condemn Russia's reckless attack on Ukraine, which puts at risk countless civilian lives. This is a grave breach of international law and a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security. The NATO allies will meet to address Russia's renewed aggression," the NATO chief tweeted.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday brought in martial law, urging people to remain calm in the midst of Russia's military operations.

During a video address, Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia has launched a special military operation in the Donbas region and is carrying out attacks on its military infrastructure and border guards.

"We're introducing martial law in the whole territory of our country," Zelensky said in a statement. He also told that he spoke with the US President Joe Biden and Washington has already started mobilizing international aid.

Ukraine has shut the airspace for civilian aircraft "due to the high risk of aviation safety."

"The Joint Civil-Military Air Traffic Management System of Ukraine on the use of Ukraine's airspace, in accordance with the requirements of the Air Code of Ukraine and the Regulations on the use of Ukrainian airspace, has taken urgent measures to close Ukraine's airspace to civilian airspace users," the authority said.

Several blasts were heard near the main airport in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev soon after Russia announced a military operation in Ukraine, media reports said on Thursday.

Several reports point to explosions in the Boryspil area to the east of the capital city, CNN reported.

(With ANI inputs)

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