Ukraine claims it has downed five Russian planes in east of the country

Ukrainian military has claimed that is downed five Russian planes and a helicopter in the east of the country, AFP reported.

"According to the Joint Forces Command, today, February 24, in the area of the Joint Forces operation, five planes and a helicopter of the aggressors were shot down," the army general staff said.

Russia has denied the claims and said that it has taken out Ukrainian air bases.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered military operation against Ukraine which was immediately followed by explosions including in its capital Kiev.

The move drew sharp reactions from the West with the US President Joe Biden vowing severe economic sanctions against Russia.