Russian military forces launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine early Thursday, a coordinated effort using missiles, troops, tanks and aircraft.
More than 100 ballistic, cruise and surface-to-air missiles were launched, said a senior defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, USA TODAY reported. The assault also included 75 medium and heavy bombers.
More than 40 Ukrainian soldiers and 10 civilians were killed by Russian artillery shells, Reuters reported. US and Western allies condemned the attack and prepared a second round of tough economic sanctions against Russia.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called the invasion a “brutal act of war”.
Here is an overview of the key moments of the invasion:
Satellite imagery shows hundreds of helicopters and ground attack vehicles in Belarus
According to Maxar Technologies, a space technology and intelligence company, images on Friday revealed large deployments of ground forces, attack helicopters and ground transports (nearly 150) and support equipment in the south from Belarus. A large helicopter deployment is seen near the Belarusian town of Chojniki and contains over 90 helicopters parked on a road, with the deployment stretching over 5 miles. To the northeast of the city, a large deployment of ground forces with several hundred vehicles is observed in a convoy position in several fields.
An additional set of more than 50 helicopters along with additional troops and equipment are also seen at VD Bokov airfield near Mazyr, Belarus.
Explosions early Thursday in Kharkiv
Footage from Kharkiv shows explosions early Thursday morning. This footage was broadcast on a webcam operated by EA Integration Group.
Troops enter Ukraine from various locations
On Thursday, the BBC reported Russian incursions from areas controlled by Russian-backed militants in the Donbass, in addition to Belarus and occupied Crimea. Central European countries, including Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Romania, are preparing to help Ukrainians fleeing the invading forces:
Russian soldiers seen entering Ukraine from Crimea
Video footage released by the Ukrainian Border Guard Service shows Russian vehicles crossing the border from the Crimean Peninsula on Thursday:
The bombed airfield at Chuhuiv
Maxar Technologies captured images on Thursday revealing damage to fuel storage areas and other airport infrastructure at Chuhuiv Airfield.
Russian troops advance towards Ukrainian border
On Friday, a large convoy of military vehicles is seen near Sergievka, Russia, about 6 miles east of the Ukrainian border, and heading west towards Ukraine.
Apartment complex hit by a large explosion
Footage filmed by Terrell Jermaine Starr shows the extent of the damage to an apartment complex in Kiev. A crater can be seen in front of the building with debris and structural damage.
Missile spotted over Kramatorsk
In the city of Kramatorsk, a missile is seen flying overhead on Thursday. The footage, filmed by Australian photojournalist Bryce Wilson, shows two men walking down a city street before they heard the sound of something overhead. The video below is slowed down to show the missile.
Ukraine says 13 soldiers were killed after refusing to surrender to Snake Island
Thirteen Ukrainian border guards stationed on Snake Island, a small strategic Black Sea outpost, were reportedly killed after a Russian warship called on them to surrender. A border guard told the Russian warship “Go (expletive) yourself” before being killed, according to unverified audio. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said all 13 will receive the Hero of Ukraine title posthumously.
THE SOURCE USA TODAY Network reports and research; Associated press
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