Ukraine shoots downs five Russian planes and helicopter, at least 7 die in a bombing by Russian forces

© Provided by The Independent Black smoke rises from a military airport in Chuguyev near Kharkiv (AFP)

Ukraine has claimed shooting down five Russian warplanes and a helicopter following Vladimir Putin’s invasion.

Kiev said that the Russian aircraft were brought down over the eastern Luhansk region, 

Meanwhile, Russia’s defence ministry has denied the claim, saying it had taken Ukrainian bases “out of action” and incapacitated the country’s air defences within hours.

Early this morning Russian troops launched a wide-ranging attack on Ukraine after Mr Putin authorised military action.

READ ALSO: Explosions are heard in Kiev as Russia launches ‘full-scale invasion’ of Ukraine  

He warned other countries any attempt to interfere would lead to “consequences you have never seen”.

The first explosions were heard across the country shortly after 5 am, in cities including Kiev, Kharkiv and Odesa.

© AP

According to Ukrainian police, at least seven people have died in a bombing by Russian forces, 

The officials said that an attack at a military site in Podilsk outside Odessa killed six people and wounded seven others. Nineteen people are also missing.

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One person died in the southeastern city of Mariupol, police revealed.

World leaders have condemned the invasion – saying it could leave many dead, topple Ukraine’s democratic government, and threaten post-Cold War relations.

Source: msn.com