Live: Zelensky Says Russia Wants to 'Erase' Ukraine

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday accused Russia, which has launched an invasion of his country, of seeking to "erase" Ukrainians, their country and their history, reports AFP. 

In a video address, the Ukrainian leader said a missile strike on a target at the site of a Holocaust massacre shows that "for many people in Russia our Kyiv is completely foreign.

"They know nothing about our capital and our history. But they have an order to erase our history. Erase our country. Erase us all," he said.

Russian airborne troops land in Ukraine's second city Kharkiv

Russian airborne troops landed in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Wednesday, the Ukrainian army said, adding that there were immediate clashes, reports AFP.

"Russian airborne troops landed in Kharkiv... and attacked a local hospital," the army said in a statement on messaging app Telegram. "There is an ongoing fight between the invaders and the Ukrainians."

Zelensky urges Jews not to remain silent on Ukraine

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the world's Jews to speak out Wednesday after a Russian missile strike on a Kyiv television tower built on the site of a Holocaust massacre, reports AFP.

"I am now addressing all the Jews of the world. Don't you see what is happening? That is why it is very important that millions of Jews around the world not remain silent right now," he said.

"Nazism is born in silence. So shout about killings of civilians. Shout about the murders of Ukrainians."

Russian military claims to have taken control of Ukraine's Kherson

The Russian army claimed on Wednesday it had taken control of the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson as Moscow's invasion of the pro-Western country went into its seventh day, reports AFP.

"The Russian divisions of the armed forces have taken the regional centre of Kherson under full control," defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in televised remarks.

Over 450,000 people came to Poland since Ukraine invasion started

Over 450,000 people entered Poland from Ukraine since a Russian invasion of the country started last Thursday, Deputy Interior Minister Pawel Szefernaker told private Radio Zet on Wednesday.

He added that the number of people entering Poland fell slightly on Tuesday to 98,000 from a record number of over 100,000 on Monday, reports Reuters.

Biden warns Putin, Russia steps up attack on Ukraine cities

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday, in a speech to Congress, said that Vladimir Putin underestimated the West's response to the Ukraine war.  

"Putin’s war was premeditated and unprovoked," he said - but NATO was ready and the world was united in its response.

Biden made the comment following the Russian military intensified their attacks on Ukrainian cities.

At least 136 dead in Ukraine, including 13 children: UN

The United Nations says at least 136 civilians have been killed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began last Thursday.

Thirteen children are believed to be among the dead, reports BBC.

But Liz Throssell, a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the real death toll is likely to be much higher.

Biden says US to ban Russian flights from American airspace

The US government on Tuesday announced a ban on Russian flights from American airspace following similar moves by the European Union and Canada after Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, reports Reuters.

"I am announcing that we will join our allies in closing off American airspace to all Russian flights, further isolating Russia and adding an additional squeeze on their economy," Biden said in his State of the Union address.

Five killed in Russian strike on Kyiv TV tower

An apparent Russian airstrike aimed at Kyiv's main television tower killed five people on Tuesday, officials said, knocking out some broadcasts but leaving the structure intact, reports AFP.

After a blast sounded around the city and smoke was seen rising in the Babi Yar district, the emergencies service said five people were also injured in the attack.