Ukrainians on Friday braced for a violent battle for their capital, Kyiv, as officials warned residents to stay indoors and “prepare Molotov cocktails” to defend against advancing Russian forces who had entered a northern district of the city.
As missile strikes hammered Kyiv and a rocket crashed into a residential building, Moscow made clear that its goal is to topple the government of President Volodymyr Zelensky. He, in turn, urged Ukrainians in a televised address to defend the country, saying that no foreign troops were coming to their aid.
– US intelligence officials are concerned Kyiv could fall under Russian control within days.
– Russian forces have moved to within 20 miles of the capital. But Ukrainian military putting up stiff resistance.
– U.K. Defence Minister says he estimates that 450 Russian soldiers were killed in first day of fighting.
– 18,000 assault rifles distributed to residents in Kyiv.
– Russian FM Lavrov says Moscow would be ready to negotiate with Ukraine once the Ukrainian military lays down its weapons.
