RIGA, Feb 24 (LETA) - In order to support and show solidarity, Jelgava city council will provide EUR 5,000 assistance to Jelgava's sister city Ivano-Frankivsk in Ukraine, LETA learned from the local government.

The money should help Ukrainian residents who are in a war situation.

Jelgava Mayor Andris Ravins (Greens/Farmers) today, in the light of Russia's military attack on Ukraine, contacted the administration of Ivano-Frankivsk and received confirmation about the grave situation in the city and the country in general.

As reported, Putin unexpectedly made an address on Russian TV channel Rossiya-24 on Thursday, announcing that Russia has started a "military operation" in Ukraine, calling on the Ukrainian army to "put down the weapons".

After that, Dozhd TV channel reported that blasts have been heard in different Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv.

CNN, citing the Ukrainian Interior Ministry, said that the blasts in Kyiv are missile attacks.