RTÉ’s Europe Editor Tony Connelly has been sharing on the go coverage of the escalating situation in Ukraine, amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Irish Journalist Tony took to Twitter to share a 16-second clip, depicting back to back traffic can be seen moving slowly on a public motorway, as people are desperate to exit leaving Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv.
Alongside the video clip, RTÉ Europe Editor Tony revealed he was fleeing Kyiv and travelling to the city of Lviv, which is closer to Poland.
In the tweet, Mr Connelly revealed: “En route out of Kyiv, slow going after 1 hour have got this far…”
The brave editor provided another update showing a photo of google maps, as he said: “But no incidents so far. Heading for Lviv…”
It comes as Mr Connelly was on the ground reporting speaking to local people in Kyiv about how they are coping during the Russian invasion.
Ukrainian officials are preparing for a Russian assault on the capital, Kyiv, as the full-scale attack enters a second day.
It is reported Tony and the RTÉ team were moved to a basement due to fears of air raids in the capital city, Kyiv.
Tony revealed on Twitter that two children were dead and discussed the ongoing developing situation, “Early morning picture in Kyiv: a number of heavy airstrikes overnight, air-raid sirens going off throughout the night.
“People staying in shelters and in the metro system. President Zelenskiy in an early address says 137 dead so far across the country” he said.
On Friday morning, RTE editor Tony told Morning Ireland, “It was a fairly disruptive night last night. There were air raid sirens throughout the night, missile strikes on various locations inside the capital.
“The Ukrainian government say they shot down a Russian military airplane and it, in turn, crashed into an apartment block, which has been on fire since then.
He added: “A lot of people left yesterday, tens of thousands thronging the roads heading west. There are reports that people have spent up to 18 hours trying to flee the city.”
“There was a call last night for men aged 18-60 not to leave the country, to be available for territorial defence.”
Russian military continued to blast missiles across Kyiv, as army tanks moved through the city, with locals seeking shelter in the underground travel system, for fear of the air raids.
The UN’s refugee agency says about 100,000 Ukrainians have been displaced, with thousands fleeing to nearby European states.
Western leaders have announced hefty sanctions on Russian banks, oligarchs, and institutions, but have not removed Russia from the Swift transfer system.
It comes as the Ukrainian president revealed that Finland allocated a €50 million aid package to Ukraine.
He said: “Discussed with @niinisto countering the aggressor. Informed about our defence, insidious shelling of Kyiv. Grateful to Finland for allocating $50 million in aid. It’s an effective contribution to the anti-war coalition. We keep working. We need to increase sanctions & defence support.”
Due to Russia's invasion, UEFA has announced it will move this year’s Champions League final from Saint Petersburg to Paris.
As the Ukrainian president has said he is ready to hold talks with Moscow. While Syria has pledged support to Russia.
