Critical Event Update 12: Russian Military Offensive Continues in Multiple Cities | Crisis24

Event
The Russian military offensive is continuing despite the start of talks between the two countries. Fighting continues on multiple fronts across Ukraine including multiple points on the line of contact in the Donbas, the outskirts of Kyiv, the Chernihiv and Sumy regions in the northeast, and the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions in the south. Local reports indicate that Belarus may be sending troops to support Russian forces in ground operations following a national referendum Feb. 27 on constitutional amendments that lifted the country's neutral and non-nuclear status.

Military Developments
Clashes continue in or near multiple southern cities including Berdyansk, Henichesk, Kherson, Mariupol, Melitopol, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia. Explosions from purported artillery and airstrikes have also occurred in and around Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, Kyiv, and Mykolaiv Feb. 28. Missile and artillery strikes have impacted multiple areas, including several civilian buildings since the conflict began; airstrikes have also struck civilian infrastructure. Additionally, Greek officials reported Feb. 26 that Russian airstrikes near Mariupol killed 10 Greek expatriates and wounded six others.

Martial Law, Curfews, Disruptions
Martial law and a nationwide general military mobilization are in effect. Curfews are in effect 22:00-06:00 in multiple regions including Cherkasy, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Vinnytsia, Zaporizhia, and Zhytomyr. Curfew hours are 16:00-06:00 in Kharkiv, 19:00-06:00 in Odesa, 20:00-06:00 in Dniper, 21:00-0600 in Chernihiv, and 22:00-08:00 in Kyiv and Ivano-Frankivsk.

Authorities may extend or amend curfew hours on short notice depending on the ground situation. Civilians must stay indoors during curfew hours; exemptions are in place for persons seeking urgent medical care and workers in critical infrastructure. Public transport is unavailable during curfew hours.

Queues at ATMs, supermarkets, and petrol stations will likely persist, as will significant traffic congestion on major roads leaving conflict-impacted cities. Ukrainian authorities have closed the country's borders with Belarus, Russia, and the Transnistria region of Moldova to foreign nationals; only Ukrainian citizens can enter from these areas. Reports also indicate significant road travel disruptions at Ukraine's western borders as thousands of civilians flee the conflict.

Critical Infrastructure
Metro services in Kyiv have resumed; however, trains will not operate during curfew hours and will likely cease during air raids as many stations are functioning as bomb shelters. Civilian aviation is suspended in Ukraine, and the nation's seaports are closed. Russia has temporarily stopped commercial shipping in the Sea of Azov.

UZ services are operational, though reports indicate severe delays and congestion. Rail services are subject to disruptions with little warning. Reports indicate large crowds at several operational stations, including in Kyiv, where large crowds are likely attempting to board trains. UZ is also operating evacuation trains from the Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, and Odesa regions. Authorities have cancelled train services to Slovakia.

Intermittent telecommunication and internet disruptions continue across the country as of Feb. 28. The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has banned the withdrawal of foreign currency cash from accounts and has limited the permitted cash withdrawal to UAH 100,000 (3,340 USD) per day. The bank has also suspended cross-border currency payments and the replenishment of electronic wallets.

Context
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has agreed to hold talks with Russia amid the ongoing offensive. Senior Ukrainian officials, including Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov, are meeting with their Russian counterparts near the Belarus-Ukraine border Feb. 28. Ukraine is calling for an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian forces; however, Russia demands the unconditional surrender of Ukrainian forces. Zelensky agreed to hold the talks without preconditions but believes the talks have little chance of successfully halting Russia's offensive.

Advice
Avoid travel to Ukraine until the situation stabilizes; consider exiting the country if safe to do so. Where fighting or airstrikes are occurring, shelter in place until the situation becomes clear. If officials report incoming fire, stay away from windows and exterior walls. Strictly heed the instructions of local security personnel, particularly when ordered to air-raid shelters. Stockpile food, fuel, and water when possible and safe to do so. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Confirm that a thorough communication plan exists to ensure rapid accountability for all personnel operating in Ukraine. Reconfirm the status of public transport services and borders before departure.