Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (photo: Reuters)

It marked the first rupture in ties since Russia and Ukraine became independent countries after the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991. Earlier, President Putin announced a special military operation in Donbass, eastern Ukraine. President Zelensky has ordered the Command of Armed Forces in Ukraine to push back the Russian military operation. European Commission Chief Ursula Von der Leyen has announced renewed sanctions targeting strategic sectors of Russia’s economy.  The Italian Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian Ambassador about the issue. Poland has asked its citizens to quickly leave Ukraine.