Fearing bombardments and injuries due to ongoing military operations in Kyiv, Ukrainians spent their first night in metro stations in the capital and other cities. Photos published by Reuters and AFP showed hundreds of Ukrainian citizens taking refuge in metro stations, in anticipation of a Russian escalation. The images depict entire Ukrainian families trying to find shelter in metro stations, equipped only with small bags and mobile phones.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a major humanitarian crisis with catastrophic implications in Ukraine, stating, "On behalf of humanity, do not allow what could be the worst war in Europe since the beginning of the century to begin." Guterres called on Russia for an "immediate ceasefire and to restore the rule of law," adding that it is time to resume the path of dialogue and negotiations.
The UN Secretary-General appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the war he declared in Eastern Ukraine. Russia launched a ground, air, and naval attack on Thursday after President Putin announced a special military operation. Approximately 100,000 people have fled as explosions and gunfire shook major cities, with reports of dozens being killed.
