Russia says it has destroyed Ukrainian air bases and shot down five Russian planes and a helicopter.

The Russian military on Thursday said it had destroyed Ukrainian air defense systems and “shut down” Ukrainian air bases.Moscow launched a military operation a few hours ago.

“Military infrastructure of air bases of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is not in service”The Russian Defense Ministry quoted local news agencies as saying. “Anti-aircraft security facilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were destroyed,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military said on Thursday that it had shot down five Russian planes and a helicopter in eastern Ukraine. Shortly after the start of the Moscow military offensive.

“Five planes of the invader and one helicopter were shot down”The civil servants of the Ukrainian army said in a statement.

The world must form an “anti-Putin coalition” to force Russia into peace.Announced by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zhelensky.

“We are forming an anti-Putin coalition.”Zhelensky said after talks with leaders of countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany. “The world must force Russia to make peace,” he added.

In addition, On Thursday, the European Commission and Council condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine and promised that the European Union (EU) would seek to hold the Kremlin accountable for this “unjustified” occupation.

“We strongly condemn Russia’s unjustified attack on Ukraine. In this dark time, our thoughts are with Ukrainian and innocent women, men and children.Commission chairmen Ursula van der Leyen and councilor Charles Michel pointed to similar messages posted on Twitter.

“We will hold the Kremlin accountable.” As for the consequences of the attack, they warned.

EU leaders will hold an emergency summit on Thursday afternoon, convened before the announcement of Russian military action and the start of the bombing.

In a joint statement, the two European leaders said they wanted to talk at the summit about “new penal measures” in the form of major sanctions that would have “severe consequences for Russia.”

Michel and Von der Leyen noted that the new restrictions “must be accepted quickly.”

“Through its unprovoked and unjust military actions, Russia is seriously violating international law and undermining European and global security and stability. We regret the loss of life and human suffering.”They added.

EU members have already agreed to early-stage sanctions against Russia after Putin recognized independence on Monday from rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine.

(With information from AFP)

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