Russia-Ukraine war news: Ukranian army provides 10,000 assault rifles to locals to defend country

A day after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Ukranian army has provided 10,000 assault rifles to locals to defend the country, Kiyv media reported on Friday.

This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday called on all citizens who are ready to defend the country from Russian forces to come forward, saying Kyiv will issue weapons to everyone who wants them.

However, Ukraine’s armed forces claimed that the raid by Russia on Antonov International Airport in Hostomel had failed. The airport is under control of the Ukranian army, the officials said.

On Thursday morning, AFP reported that the Russian forces had attacked and seized Hostomel (Gostomel) airfield, a cargo airport near Kyiv that is also known as Antonov airport.

Ukraine’s defence ministry has claimed that 50 Russian soldiers have been killed and 25 Russian soldiers have surrendered after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised a military operation in Ukraine.

It also said a total of six Russian Air Force aircraft, including Su-30s and two helicopters had been shot down since the attack began.

Several tanks and and armored personnel carrier (APCs) have also been destroyed, the ministry said.