Russia Launches Major Invasion of Ukraine, Shelling Kyiv and Kharkiv

Russia's invasion began with a coordinated attack on multiple fronts, including Kyiv and Kharkiv, where heavy artillery fire and air strikes were reported. The Russian military deployed troops and armored vehicles, with initial advances reported in the east and south of the country. Ukraine's armed forces, under the command of the Ukrainian military, began mobilizing reserves and defending key cities. The invasion led to immediate civilian casualties and widespread destruction, with reports of power outages and infrastructure damage across the country. News outlets such as Reuters, dw.com, and CNN confirmed the invasion, with each providing updates on the military actions and international reactions. The conflict drew condemnation from the United Nations and led to sanctions against Russia. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for international support, while Russian President Vladimir Putin justified the invasion as a 'special military operation' to 'de-Nazify' Ukraine. The invasion marked a turning point in the geopolitical relationship between Russia and Ukraine, with long-term consequences for both nations and the international community.