Russia-Ukraine crisis LIVE: Ukraine says 5 Russian planes, 1 helicopter shot down in Luhansk

12:26 pm: Russian-backed separatists say they now control two towns in the Luhansk region of Ukraine: Reuters

12.20 pm: All those who are travelling to Kyiv, incl those travelling from western parts of Kyiv, are advised to return to their respective cities temporarily, especially towards safer places along the western bordering countries: Embassy of India in Kyiv, Ukraine 

All those who are travelling to Kyiv, incl those travelling from western parts of Kyiv, are advised to return to their respective cities temporarily, especially towards safer places along the western bordering countries: Embassy of India in Kyiv, Ukraine #RussiaUkraineConflict pic.twitter.com/QAxAdK0FQ4 — ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2022

12 pm (IST): Australian PM holds news conference after Russia's military operation in Ukraine

11:50 am (IST): Turkish Airlines cancels Ukraine flights on Thursday

11:38 am (IST): Ukraine military says five Russian planes and a Russian helicopter were shot down in Luhansk region: Reuters

10:50 am (IST): India calls for ‘immediate de-escalation’

India on Thursday called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine and cautioned that the situation is in danger of spiraling into a major crisis, just as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his decision to launch a 'military operation' in eastern Ukraine.

10:40 am (IST): Ukraine will defend itself and will win. Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes. This is a war of aggression. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now: Ukraine Foreign Minister

10:38 am (IST): Gold jumps over 2% as Russia attacks Ukraine

Gold prices on Thursday jumped over 2% to their highest in more than a year as investors rushed to safe havens after Russian forces invaded Ukraine in what could be the start of war in Europe.

Spot gold jumped 1.9% to $1,943.86 per ounce by 0428 GMT, its highest level since early Jan. 2021. U.S. gold futures climbed 2% to $1,949.20.

10.35 am (IST): EU says it will hold the Kremlin accountable for attack on Ukraine

The European Union will hold Moscow accountable for the "unjustified" attack on Ukraine, the chief of the bloc`s Executive Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said on Thursday.

"In these dark hours, our thoughts are with Ukraine and the innocent women, men and children as they face this unprovoked attack and fear for their lives," she said on Twitter.

"We will hold the Kremlin accountable," von der Leyen added.

EU leaders are set to hold an emergency summit in Brussels later on Thursday, after a first round of EU sanctions on Russia took effect on Wednesday. - Reuters

10:31 am (IST): Zelenskyy, in an address to Ukrainians, says the entire security, defence sector of Ukraine is working. Zelenskyy adds Russia carried out a strike on Ukraine's military infrastructure.

10.31 am: Military infrastructure, air defenses, military airfields, aircraft of Ukraine being disabled by high-precision weapons: Russian Defense Ministry

10:31 am: Dmytro Kuleba (Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine)

The world must act immediately. Future of Europe & the world is at stake. To do list:

1. Devastating sanctions on Russia NOW, including SWIFT
2. Fully isolate Russia by all means, in all formats
3. Weapons, equipment for Ukraine
4. Financial assistance
5. Humanitarian assistance

10:30 am (IST): Air India flight AI1947 is coming back to Delhi due to NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) at, Kyiv, Ukraine.

10:27 am (IST): Europe warns airlines not to fly over or near Ukraine

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) warned airlines on Thursday to avoid flying over Ukraine and exercise "extreme caution" in airspace within 100 nautical miles (185 km) of the Belarus-Ukraine and Russia-Ukraine borders.

10:26 am (IST): Ukraine plans to impose martial law, official tells local media.

Multiple explosions were heard near the main airport in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev soon after Russia announced a military operation in Ukraine, media reports said on Thursday. Several reports indicate several explosions in the Boryspil area to the east of the capital, CNN reported. According to the American broadcaster, at least two massive explosions were reported in the early hours of Thursday.