Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow accuses Ukraine govt of using civilians as 'human shields'

As Russia's military operation in Ukraine continued for second consecutive day, Russian Defence Ministry has accused Ukrainian ministration of using its citizens as 'human shields.' "Your nationalist government employs same tactics as terrorists. y want to use you as a human shield," Major General Igor Konashenkov, Russian Defence Ministry's spokesperson, warned Ukrainian nationals. As Russian military vanced towards Kyiv, Konashenkov assured that y will not inflict any strikes in residential areas of Ukrainian capital. 

According to General Konashenkov, Ukrainian city of Chernihiv has been successfully sealed off by Russian troops. He also stated that forces are doing everything to prevent casualties among civilians. Notably, Chernihiv is an ancient city located around 93 miles (150 kilometres) north of Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Russian Defence Ministry claimed on Friday that country's armed forces have essentially blocked Kyiv from west after successfully landing at Gostomel airstrip on outskirts of Ukrainian capital.  

" operation featured more than 200 Russian helicopters. More than 200 nationalists from special units of Ukraine were killed during airfield's capture, whereas, Russian Armed Forces suffered no casualties," Russian Defence Ministry's spokesperson stated during press briefing. He furr claimed that Ukrainian military h stationed several 'Gr' rocket launcher systems in Kyiv's residential areas in order to provoke civilian casualties. Gen. Konashenkov blamed Pentagon and US Central Intelligence Agency for training Ukrainian officials on how to use such weapons in populated areas in order to inflict civilian casualties.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy taken to a bunker: Reports

It is pertinent to mention here that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was reportedly taken to a bunker on Friday as Russian troops marched towards Kyiv. Meanwhile, Ukraine forces are said to be putting up a tough fight against ir Russian counterparts in Obolon district - which is less than 10 km away from Central Kyiv. As per reports,  President Zelensky has invited Russian President Putin to negotiating table in an attempt to end ongoing crisis. 

Image: AP/Twitter/@mod_russia/