A video of a dad saying a heartfelt farewell to his young daughter as she leaves a war-torn area of Ukraine to head for safety has perfectly captured the emotions of those who are currently suffering through Russia’s invasion of the country. You can see the video below:
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In the video, the father is seen placing a white hat on his daughter’s head as he kisses her on the cheek before embracing her through tears and allows her to get on a bus.
According to the Ukrainian Health Minister, at least 137 people have so far died during the conflict, which started when Russia entered the country yesterday morning.
Russia launched a ‘military operation’ at the command of President Vladimir Putin, targeting airports, and strategic military locations across a wide-range in Ukraine.
Explosions have been heard in the capital Kyiv, as well as incidents of fighting between forces in other cities and towns.
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Large queues of traffic and huge crowds at railway stations have also been seen as people attempt to flee the fighting.
The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has ordered a general military mobilisation with men aged between 18 and 60 not allowed to leave the country at the borders.
In a declaration signed on Thursday night, Zelenskyy agreed that ‘’in order to ensure the defense of the state, maintaining combat and mobilization readiness of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations,’ a broad mobilisation would be ordered, including in Kyiv.
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He said: "Mobilization shall be carried out within 90 days from the date of entry into force of this Decree,"
The decree also ordered ‘the Security Service of Ukraine to take counterintelligence measures during the general mobilization’ and ‘conscription of conscripts, reservists for military service, their delivery to military units and institutions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine’.
The declaration was signed after martial law – where the army assumes control of the country – was introduced.
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That statement read: "In particular, it is forbidden for men aged 18-60, Ukraine citizens, to leave the borders of Ukraine,
"This regulation will remain in effect for the period of the legal regime of martial law.
“We ask the citizens to take this information into consideration."
Zelenskyy has also said that weapons will be provided to any Ukrainians that wish to stay in the country and resist the Russian invasion force, with many thought to have taken up the offer to stay and defend their country.
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If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information.
Topics: World News, Russia
Tom Wood