17 Surreal And Heartbreaking Photos Of Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine That Will Be Shown In History Classes One Day

Last night, Russian president Vladimir Putin gave a televised address in which he announced his military would invade Ukraine. Since then, his forces have attacked military bases and some civilian areas, with fatal consequences.

1.As world leaders decide how to punish Putin for the invasion, life inside Ukraine is growing dangerous. Traffic leaving Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, was heavy Thursday as residents tried to flee as Russia launched its deadly attacks.

2.Due to the conflict, Ukrainian officials are calling the region's airspace "high risk" for travel, and they closed down all of the country's commercial flights.

3.Meanwhile, smoke was seen rising in and near multiple cities before dawn, and large-scale explosions could be heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa.

4.Subway stations throughout the country have been turned into impromptu bomb shelters. Families seeking shelter have begun to pile into stations, bringing along young children and pets. Ukrainian officials have announced that despite curfews being implemented, metro stations will remain open for shelter.

5.Long lines of cars have been spotted outside of gas stations as citizens prepare to fuel up prior to evacuation, amid fears that fuel will soon be rationed.

6.Ukrainians crowd subway stations as they attempt to evacuate Kyiv. Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared a state of emergency in the city, which currently includes a curfew and a strict entrance and exit plan, but could potentially expand to restrict vehicle movement and public gatherings.

7.Throughout the country, people are lining up to withdraw money from ATMs. CNN reported that banks are running out of cash, and people are struggling to use apps for transactions as many bank branches have closed down.

8.As air raid sirens rang, one woman was seen clutching a cross as she prayed on Independence Square in Kyiv.

9.In neighboring Hungary, residents living near the Ukrainian border are setting evacuation plans in motion. The United Nations has sprung into action, setting up refugee operations in both Ukraine and neighboring countries. The agency also asked countries to open their borders for refugees.

10.The growing conflict has sparked protests around the world. Outside of the Russian consulate in Istanbul, demonstrators held pro-Ukrainian signs that read #StopPutin and labeled the Russian president a "bloody killer." According to the Washington Post, US officials worry that the invasion could leave thousands dead.

11.Similar protests were seen in London, where residents took over Downing Street to stand against Russia's invasion...

12....and crowds gathered outside of the Dutch Parliament in The Hague, Netherlands, as well.

13.Emotions ran high during a protest in Berlin, where protesters cloaked in Ukrainian flags gathered.

14.In Paris, residents showed their support by painting their faces in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Russian officials say they plan to press criminal charges against any Russian citizens who participate in anti-war protests.

15.In the Donetsk region of Ukraine, which militants have renamed the Donetsk People's Republic, children walk past apartment buildings that locals say were damaged by the attacks and recent shelling.

16.One woman took in the damage, looking out of her shattered window and onto the militarized street.

17.Donetsk is one of two rebel republics within Ukraine's borders that have been "recognized" as independent by Moscow.

President Biden released the following statement in response to the attack, saying, "The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces."

"President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable.

I will be monitoring the situation from the White House this evening and will continue to get regular updates from my national security team. Tomorrow, I will meet with my G7 counterparts in the morning and then speak to the American people to announce the further consequences the United States and our Allies and partners will impose on Russia for this needless act of aggression against Ukraine and global peace and security. We will also coordinate with our NATO Allies to ensure a strong, united response that deters any aggression against the Alliance. Tonight, Jill and I are praying for the brave and proud people of Ukraine."