New York, Feb 24: Russian troops launched a broad assault on Ukraine from three sides on Thursday, an attack by land, sea and air that began with explosions before dawn in the capital Kyiv and other cities. As residents fled, Ukraine’s leadership declared martial law and said dozens were dead so far in what it called a “full-scale war” targeting the country from the east, north and south. In a televised address as the attack began, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned other countries that any attempt to interfere would “lead to consequences you have never seen in history.”

The White House tweeted that President Biden has “met with his national security team in the Situation Room this morning to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine. He discussed how we will hold Russia accountable for its unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine.”

Shortly after Russia launched its offensive in Ukraine overnight, Biden pledged new sanctions to punish the country for the “unprovoked and unjustified attack.” The president said he planned to speak to Americans on Thursday after a meeting of the Group of Seven leaders. More sanctions against Russia were expected to be announced.

Russia’s Defense Ministry says the Russian military has destroyed 74 Ukrainian military facilities, including 11 air bases.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu ordered that Ukrainian servicemen be treated “with respect” and those who lay down their weapons offered safe corridors.

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the loss of a Su-25 attack jet due to “pilot error.”

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s government vowed an “all-out defense” of its country, saying dozens of Ukrainian soldiers had been killed.

French President Emmanuel Macron says France and its European allies did everything to try to head off the attack on Ukraine. He said that they will show “no weakness” in their response.

Macron said in a televised address to the nation Thursday that Russia’s attack is a “turning point in European history” and as a result “there will be profound consequences for our lives

He said that “to this act of war, we will reply without weakness, we will reply calmly and in a determined and united manner.”

“We have tried everything to avoid this war but it is here and we are ready,” Macron said.

(AP)