Kherson city without heat due to power station damage from shelling, local authorities say

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine started within the early hours of February 24, 2022. Its first indicators had been the emergence of tanks on the horizon, storming in the direction of the border. Quickly after, rockets rained down on Ukraine’s cities. 

In a chilling speech that morning steeped in innuendo and false pretences, Russian President Vladimir Putin introduced what he known as a “particular navy operation.”

The handle included a risk that anybody “who could also be tempted to intervene” within the lethal and unlawful assault on Ukraine would face “such penalties as you could have by no means skilled in your historical past.”

That morning, it appeared to the Kremlin and to many observers world wide that the invasion can be full in weeks, if not days, given Russia’s supposed navy would possibly. 

Thousands and thousands of ladies and youngsters bolted to Ukraine’s western borders, in search of security additional into Europe, whereas Kyiv ordered Ukrainian males to remain within the nation. 

Roads and practice stations had been clogged with residents who had frantically packed baggage and left their properties, the place moments earlier that they had been woken by missile fireplace and air raid sirens. 

It usually took many days to get to the borders. After they did, they confronted prolonged traces. Ultimately, hundreds of Ukrainians arrived in Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania or Moldova, in relative security finally.

However for many who might or wouldn’t go away, February 24 was a day of terror and bloodshed.

Russian missile strikes destroyed properties, killed dozens and left many with bodily and psychological scars.

The missiles seemingly fell in every single place — within the capital Kyiv, on which Moscow’s forces invading from the north had set their sights; in western cities comparable to Lviv, a whole lot of miles from the Russian border; and in cities and concrete areas all through Ukraine. 

In a video assertion, Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky mentioned he believed “enemy sabotage teams” had entered Kyiv and that he was their primary goal. His household, he mentioned, was the second goal.

“They wish to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the pinnacle of state,” he mentioned, including he was staying within the authorities quarter.

Zelensky and his prime workforce rejected alternatives to evacuate, as a substitute staying to coordinate the response.

Ukraine’s troops launched a defiant defence of their nation. Within the coming weeks, they might slowly however absolutely flip the tide of the battle, repelling Russia’s forces from the middle of the nation.

However none of that was recognized on February 24, a day Ukrainians will keep in mind as one among confusion, concern and resistance.