The invasion began early on Thursday, soon after Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address, called for Ukraine to lay down its arms. Soon after his address, explosions were heard in the cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa.
Explosions echoed across Ukraine after Russian forces launched a major attack on Thursday, pouring in from across the border, firing missiles on cities and military bases. Over 137 people have been killed so far, according to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The invasion began early on Thursday, soon after Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address, called for Ukraine to lay down its arms. Soon after his address, explosions were heard in the cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa. Despite warnings from the West, Russian troops then launched their attack by land, air and sea, prompting Ukraine to declare martial law and sever all diplomatic relations with Russia.
Cities and villages across Ukraine were bombarded with air attacks, explosions and ground invasions. As tensions mounted, a Ukrainian military plan with 14 people onboard crashed south of Kyiv on Thursday
Besides the country’s military bases, videos show private property being destroyed in air strikes and counter fire. Early on Friday, Ukrainian downed an enemy aircraft over Kiev, which then crashed into a residential building setting it on fire, Reuters reported.