NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Russian troops have failed to take the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv after two nights of fighting. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Velenskyy announced in a video address early Saturday morning that Ukraine had "withstood and successfully repelled enemy attacks." Meanwhile, the European Union has closed its airspace to Russian flights and cut select Russian banks off from the SWIFT banking system.
5:29: Russian state media says talks with Ukraine in Belarus are scheduled for Monday
Russia said the meeting will take place in the Gomel region of Belarus and that its delegation is already on its way.
Until now, Russia had refused diplomatic contact with Ukraine since the invasion.
4:58 p.m.: Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order preventing New York State from doing business with Russian entities
The executive order initiates an audit of all state investments and finances. Any money entangled with Russian-based companies or Russian state-sponsored entities will be divested.
"We stand firmly with Ukraine and condemn Putin’s actions," said Hochul in a Tweet about the executive order.
4:10 p.m.: United States warns American nationals to leave Russia immediately
The U.S. embassy in Russia pointed to airlines cancelling flights out of Russia and the European Union's recent closure of airspace to Russian flights as reasons U.S. citizens should consider leaving the country.
“An increasing number of airlines are cancelling flights into and out of Russia, and numerous countries have closed their airspace to Russian airlines," the embassy said in an advisory. "U.S. citizens should consider departing Russia immediately via commercial options still available."
The State Department currently has a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory on Russia.
3:40 p.m.: European countries shut down airspace to Russian airlines
The European Union announced on Sunday they plan to shut down airspace to Russian airlines.
“We are proposing a prohibition on all Russian-owned, Russian registered or Russian-controlled aircraft. These aircraft will no more be able to land in, take off or overfly the territory of the EU,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
9:30 a.m.: Archbishop of New York attends mass at Ukrainian Catholic Church
Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, attended the 8:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday at Saint George Ukrainian Catholic Church as a sign of solidarity and concern for the people of the Ukraine during this troubled time.
8:22 a.m.: Putin puts Russia's nuclear deterrent forces on alert
President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian nuclear deterrent forces on alert amid tensions with the West over his invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking at a meeting with his top officials, Putin asserted on Sunday that leading NATO powers had made "aggressive statements" along with the West imposing hard-hitting financial sanctions against Russia, including the president himself.
Putin ordered the Russian defense minister and the chief of the military's General Staff to put the nuclear deterrent forces in a "special regime of combat duty."
Street fighting broke out in Ukraine's second-largest city and Russian troops squeezed strategic ports in the country's south Sunday, advances that appeared to mark a new phase of Russia's invasion following a wave of attacks on airfields and fuel facilities elsewhere in the country.
The capital, Kyiv, was eerily quiet after huge explosions lit up the morning sky and authorities reported blasts at one of the airports. Only an occasional car appeared on a deserted main boulevard as a strict 39-hour curfew kept people off the streets. Terrified residents instead hunkered down in homes, underground garages and subway stations in anticipation of a full-scale Russian assault.
"The past night was tough – more shelling, more bombing of residential areas and civilian infrastructure," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. "There is not a single facility in the country that the occupiers wouldn't consider as admissible targets."
Following its gains to the east in the city of Kharkiv and multiple ports, Russia sent a delegation to Belarus for peace talks with Ukraine, according to the Kremlin. Zelenskyy suggested other locations, saying his country was unwilling to meet in Belarus because it served as a staging ground for the invasion.
Until Sunday, Russia's troops had remained on the outskirts of Kharkiv, a city of 1.4 million about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) south of the border with Russia, while other forces rolled past to press the offensive deeper into Ukraine.
Videos posted on Ukrainian media and social networks showed Russian vehicles moving across Kharkiv and Russian troops roaming the city in small groups. One showed Ukrainian troops firing at the Russians and damaged Russian light utility vehicles abandoned nearby.
The images underscored the determined resistance Russian troops face while attempting to enter Ukraine's bigger cities. Ukrainians have volunteered en masse to help defend the capital, Kyiv, and other cities, taking guns distributed by authorities and preparing firebombs to fight Russian forces.
Ukraine's government also is releasing prisoners with military experience who want to fight for the country, a prosecutor's office official, Andriy Sinyuk, told the Hromadske TV channel Sunday. He did not specify whether the move applied to prisoners convicted of all levels of crimes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hasn't disclosed his ultimate plans, but Western officials believe he is determined to overthrow Ukraine's government and replace it with a regime of his own, redrawing the map of Europe and reviving Moscow's Cold War-era influence.
5:38 p.m.: The United States and European Union announced expulsion of "selected Russian banks" from the SWIFT banking network.
SWIFT, or the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, is a global, high-security messaging system that allows for rapid, international payments.
5:21 p.m.: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will light up monuments blue and yellow, the color of the Ukrainian flag, in solidarity with Ukraine.
Landmarks to be lit include the One World Trade Center building, the Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct, and the Kosciuszko Bridge in New York City. Hochul said New York will work with President Joe Biden to take in refugees from Ukraine.
The governor plans to continue lighting up the monuments through Sunday night.
1:03 p.m.: On Saturday, an independent protest monitoring site, OVD-Info, said a total of 2,692 people have been detained in anti-war protests in Russia since Thursday.
According to the site, a least 1,370 of them were detained in protests in Moscow.
OVD-Info also said there are protests going on in at least 27 cities.
Russia's Investigative Committee warned on Thursday it is illegal to participate in any anti-war protest. It also said that offenses could “leave a mark on the person’s future" if it is entered on the participant's criminal record.
12:15 p.m.: The Kremlin website targeted by cyberattack.
This cyber attack is part of the ongoing battle for digital infrastructure. Other Russian government websites, including the Ministry of Defense website, have been down for three days in a row.
The hacker collective Anonymous claimed responsibility for the cyber attacks.
"Anonymous has ongoing operations to keep .ru government websites offline, and to push information to the Russian people so they can be free of Putin's state censorship machine," wrote the group in a Tweet.
Russia has also been targeting Ukrainian websites, wireless phone service and internet service with cyberattacks.
"8:15 a.m.: After a barrage of airstrikes on cities and military bases around the country, Russian forces were closing in on Ukraine's capital on Saturday. The city warned of street fighting and urged residents to stay inside and take cover.
With growing signs that Russia aims to overthrow him, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Ukrainians to “stand firm,” saying the "fate of Ukraine is being decided right now.” He refused American help to leave, according to a senior U.S. intelligence official.
Zelenskyy said in a video released Saturday that Russian attempts to forge into Kyiv have been repelled and Moscow’s plan to quickly seize the capital and install a puppet government has been thwarted.
Ukrainian officials reported some success in fending off assaults, but fighting persisted near the capital. Skirmishes reported on the edge of the city suggested that small Russian units were trying to clear a path for the main forces.
However, U.S. defense officials said they believe the Russian offensive has encountered considerable resistance and is proceeding more slowly than Moscow had envisioned, though that could change quickly.
7:21 p.m.: Kazakhstan denied Russia's request to send troops to fight Ukraine.
Kazakhstan is Russia's neighbor, a former Soviet republic and one of its closest allies.
The country also announced it won't recognize the Luhansk and Donetsk People's Republics, the two separatist states in Eastern Ukraine that Russia recognized as part of its pretext to war.
“We welcome Kazakhstan’s announcement that they will not recognize the LPR and DPR," the United States National Security Council said in a statement. "We also welcome Kazakhstan’s refusal to send its forces to join Putin’s war in Ukraine."
6:50 p.m.: The Biden administration is asking Congress for $6.4 billion to aid Ukraine.
Anonymous sources told the Associated Press most of the money would go toward military and humanitarian aid distributed via the Department of Defense, the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
5:56 p.m.: Russia vetoed a UN security council vote demanding Russia withdraw all troops from Ukraine.
The vote was 11 to 1 in favor. China, India and the United Arab Emirates abstained.
The veto was expected, but the United States hoped it would demonstrate Russia's international isolation in the conflict. The vote paves the way for a resolution to be introduced to the 193-member UN general assembly, where there are no vetoes.
5:23 p.m.: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian troops will "storm" the Ukrainian capital Kyiv tonight.
“The night will be more difficult than the day,” he said in a televised address. "We cannot lose Kyiv."
4:25 p.m. - Gov. Kathy Hochul announces NY landmarks illuminate yellow and blue through Sunday night to honor Ukraine
Several New York landmarks will be lit blue and yellow Friday night through Sunday night "in solidarity with the people of Ukraine," Hochul announced Friday.
The landmarks set to show their support include:
-- One World Trade Center
-- Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
-- Kosciuszko Bridge
-- The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
-- State Education Building
-- Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
-- Empire State Plaza
-- State Fairgrounds - Main Gate and Expo Center
-- The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
-- Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
-- Albany International Airport Gateway
-- Fairport Lift Bridge
"New York is the proud home of the largest Ukrainian population in the United States and we condemn the unjust and unconscionable violence being perpetrated against the people of Ukraine," Governor Hochul said.
She added, "We stand in solidarity with those in New York who are scared for their family and loved ones, and our prayers are with the innocent victims as they fight to maintain their freedom as a sovereign people and nation."
Several landmarks around the world have also illuminated to honor the country's flag, including Berlin's Brandenburg Bridge to Liverpool's St. George's Hall
4:12 p.m. - The United States imposes sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
The United States government imposed sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki confirmed Friday.
Psaki said the move is intended send “a clear message about the the strength of the opposition to the actions” by the West against President Putin.
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson will also impose sanctions against Putin and Lavrov, in addition to sanctions previously announced on Thursday, he told NATO leaders during a call Friday.
The European Union added sanctions against Putin and Lavrov to its sanction list, said Josep Borrell, spokesperson for the EU, on Friday.
2:45 p.m. - NYC's Empire State Building will illuminate yellow and blue in honor of Ukraine
The famous Empire State Building will light up yellow and blue on Friday night in honor of the Ukrainian flag, officials said Friday.
12:50 p.m. - Ukrainian president posts video from Kyiv: “We defend Ukraine”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted a video with his his senior aides from the country’s besieged capital of Kyiv on Friday evening local time vowing to defend the city as Russian forces closed in.
“Our troops are here, citizens are here,” Zelenskyy said, adding that “All of us are here protecting our independence of our country. And it will continue to be this way. Glory to our defenders, Glory to Ukraine, Glory to Heroes.”
“We're in here. We are in Kiev. We defend Ukraine,” the president wrote in a Facebook post along with video. He also tweeted that he was in communication with the White House.
Russian troops bore down on Ukraine’s capital Friday, with gunfire and explosions resonating ever closer to the government quarter.
In the fog of war, it was unclear how much of Ukraine remains under Ukrainian control and how much or little Russian forces have seized. The Kremlin accepted Kyiv’s offer to hold talks, but it appeared to be an effort to squeeze concessions out of Ukraine’s embattled president instead of a gesture toward a diplomatic solution.
Speaking during a meeting Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that most Ukrainian military units are reluctant to engage Russian forces and said they should end their resistance.
Zelenskyy has urged Ukrainians to fight back and has called up the country’s reservist troops to stop an invasion.
In an address earlier in the day, Zelenskyy said he was “enemy number one” of Russia.
“The enemy has marked me as enemy number one,” Zelenskyy said. “They want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of the state.”
11:45 a.m. - Over 50,000 flee Ukraine in 48 hours, estimated 100,000 internally displaced: UN
An estimated 100,000 people may be displaced within Ukraine, and more than 50,000 Ukrainians have fled their country in two days, the United Nation said.
“More than 50,000 Ukrainian refugees have fled their country in less than 48 hours — a majority to Poland and Moldova — and many more are moving towards its borders,” tweeted Filippo Grandi, the head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
“Heartfelt thanks to the governments and people of countries keeping their borders open and welcoming refugees,” Grandi added.
Shabia Mantoo, a UNHCR spokesperson, said an estimated 100,000 people have left their homes and may be displaced inside the country in addition to the thousands who have crossed international borders in the region.
U.N. Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said the agency has received reports of at least 127 civilian casualties, including 25 killed and 102 injured from shelling and airstrikes.
“This is very likely to be an underestimate,” Shamdasani said.
Afshan Khan, a regional director for UNICEF, said there have been major attacks in Kyiv that have “created greater fear and panic among the population, with families really scared, moving alongside their children into subways and shelters.”
“This is clearly a terrifying moment for children across the country,” Khan said.
11:00 a.m. - Moscow says talks with Ukraine uncertain
The Kremlin says prospects for possible peace talks between Russia and Ukraine look uncertain due to apparent differences over a venue.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to send a delegation for talks with Ukrainian officials in Minsk, Belarus, where President Alexander Lukashenko runs a pro-Russian government.
That agreement came in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s offer earlier in the day to discuss non-aligned status for Ukraine.
Peskov told reporters that after the parties discussed Minsk as a possible venue, Ukrainian officials changed course and said they were unwilling to travel to Minsk and would prefer to meet in NATO member Poland. They then halted further communication, Peskov said.
9:30 a.m. - Putin hails his troops for Ukraine offensive
Russian President Vladimir Putin has hailed his troops for their courage as they press their offensive across Ukraine and bear down on Kyiv.
Speaking during Friday’s meeting of his Security Council, Putin claimed that most Ukrainian military units are reluctant to engage with Russian forces.
He said the units offering resistance are mostly volunteer battalions made up of right-wing Ukrainian nationalists. He offered no evidence for his claims, which could not be independently verified.
Echoing an earlier Russian military statement, Putin accused Ukrainian forces of deploying heavy weapons in urban areas in several big cities, including Kyiv and Kharkiv, to use civilians as shields.
The Russian president urged the Ukrainian military to end their resistance and turn on their leaders.
9:15 a.m. - Russia ready for talks with Ukrainian officials, Kremlin says
The Kremlin says Russia is ready to send a delegation to Belarus for talks with Ukrainian officials.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to send the delegation in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's offer to discuss a non-aligned status for Ukraine.
That indicates Zelenskyy would be willing to negotiate dropping his country’s bid to join NATO, as Russia has demanded.
Before the invasion, the West had rejected the demand. Putin claimed the refusal to discuss keeping Ukraine out of NATO prompted him to order a military action in Ukraine to “demilitarize” it.
In a readout of Putin’s call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Kremlin said Xi underlined that he “views the Russian leadership’s action in the crisis situation with respect.”
In a reference to new Western sanctions against Russia over its invasion in Ukraine, the Kremlin noted that Putin and Xi agreed “it’s inadmissible to use illegitimate sanctions for achieving selfish goals of certain countries.”
Chinese state TV reported that Xi emphasized that China “supports Russia and Ukraine resolving the problem through negotiations.”
9:00 a.m. - Russia claims to take control of airport near capital, kills over 200 Ukrainian troops
The Russian military claims it has taken control of an airport just outside Kyiv, as Kremlin forces bear down on the Ukrainian capital.
The claim could not be independently verified.
Taking possession of the airport in Hostomel—just 4 miles northwest of the city—which has a long runway allowing the landing of heavy-lift transport planes, would mean Russia can airlift troops directly to Kyiv’s outskirts.
Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Friday that the Russian airborne forces used 200 helicopters to land in Hostomel and killed over 200 troops belonging to Ukraine's special forces.
Konashenkov claimed that Russian troops suffered no casualties. That contradicts Ukrainian claims that Russian troops sustained heavy casualties in the fighting there.
8:30 a.m. - Ukrainian civilians in fear as invasion closes in
Many Ukrainian civilians, horrified to find their lives at risk, fled or took cover in and around Kyiv on the second day of Russia’s invasion.
People hunkered down in bomb shelters, basements and subways before emerging to face another day of upheaval.
Those who didn’t wake to explosions were roused by air raid sirens.
The body of a dead soldier lay near a Kyiv underpass. Elsewhere, fragments of a downed aircraft smoked in a residential area. Black plastic was draped over body parts found amid the brick homes.
Armored personnel carriers drove down the city’s streets. Soldiers on empty bridges established defensive positions. Residents stood uneasily in doorways of apartment buildings, watching.
The U.N. human rights office said it was receiving increasing reports of civilian casualties, with at least 25 deaths verified, mostly from shelling and airstrikes. “The figures, we fear, could be much higher,” agency spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said.
Meanwhile, at a train station just across the border in Poland, hundreds of people from Ukraine sought shelter.
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