Russia establishes no-fly zone over Donbass amid war in Ukraine: Report

Amid Moscow's military offensive in Kyiv, Russia has declared a no-fly zone over Ukraine's Donbass region. development has been confirmed by Eduard Basurin, a representative of "People's militia of Donetsk People's Republic," Nexta TV reported. news about Russia establishing a no-fly zone over Donbass comes as Russian military action in Ukraine entered its 23rd day.

Earlier on Thursday, March 17, Russian President Vlimir Putin accused Ukraine of preparing to launch a "massacre and ethnic cleansing in Donbass," according to a tweet by Russian Foreign Ministry. Putin stressed that Ukraine was being encouraged in action by United States and or Western countries. Furrmore, Russian President ded that Ukraine was planning a "massive onslaught" on Donbass and insisted that ir moves were failed by Russian armed forces.

It should be mentioned here that Moscow's military aggression in Ukraine started after Russian President Vlimir Putin h launched a "special military operation" in Donbass region on February 24. Before launching a military attack on Ukraine, Putin recognised Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic as independent states. 

Russia-Ukraine War on Day 23

As Russian aggression in Ukraine entered its 23rd day, missiles and shelling were reported in Kyiv, Lviv and close to Ukraine's border with NATO countries like Poland, according to AP. According to Ukrainian air force command, six missiles were launched at Lviv from Black Sea, however, two of m were shot down by Ukraine's troops. city's mayor, Andriy Sovyi, informed that missiles h hit a facility that repaired military aircraft near Lviv's international airport and damaged a bus repair facility. No casualties were reported in missile attack, as per AP report.  Ukrainian Defence Ministry in a Facebook post informed that Russian troops managed to temporarily occupy merger paths in Donetsk and South Buzky operating areas. 

Furrmore, Ukrainian Defence Ministry claimed that Russian armed forces have been making efforts to increase military groups towards Kyiv by relocating inconvenient units from Central and Eastern military districts. According to Ukrainian Defence Ministry, movement of troops were not reported in Volyn, Polisky and Siversky directions. Russian troops have not been involved in carrying out offensive actions in Slobozhansky and Sumy's directions. Furrmore, Russian side has been able to activate combat actions in Luhansk region and y did not make active combat activity in Donetsk region. 

(With inputs from AP, Image: AP)