Vladimir Putin's soldiers have raised the Russian flag hours after entering Ukraine as a second wave of attacks begins.
Troops have been seen streaming across the border following this morning's initial deadly aerial blitz.
Their fearsome tanks, trucks and armoured vehicles - some marked with the distinctive "Z" symbol - have been seen storming into the nation from Crimea.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said the attack on Chernobyl today was a "declaration of war on Europe" as his country tries to fight off Putin's invading forces.
Now troops have been spotted flying their country's flag following Russia's major assault on the country.
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Four soldiers put on a show of strength as they paraded the red, white and blue striped flag on top of the power plant in Kharkiv, southern Ukraine.
Russia is said to have surrounded its neighbours with around 200,000 troops.
They earlier seized the Chernobyl power plant after a fierce battle near the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster.
It has now been claimed other vehicles crossed the border from Belarus marked with an "O".
The "Z" symbol has already become a telling image of the early stages of the invasion.
Various theories about the menacing markings have been aired since the symbol was spotted on Russian tanks and trucks which have entered eastern Ukraine.
“It would suggest final preparations are complete," a military source explained.
“It’s vital that any attacking force can be distinguished, particularly from the air where Russian forces will have complete control.
“The Ukrainians have very similar tanks and vehicles and will want to reduce the risk of friendly fire,” they told The Sun.
But Russia analyst Rob Lee believes the symbols may refer to "contingents of the invasion force assigned to Ukraine regions".
Others, however, simply believe the Z stands for "Zorro squad". It could refer to a new unit or the whole invasion army.
Putin has told allies of Ukraine who try to interfere that they will "face consequences greater than any you have faced in history", in a chilling warning, thought to be hinting towards his country's massive nuclear arsenal.
President Joe Biden said additional U.S. forces will also be sent to Germany.
“Our forces are not, and will not be, engaged in the conflict with Russia in Ukraine,” Biden said in an address tonight in the States.
“Our forces are not going to Europe to fight in Ukraine, but to defend our Nato allies and reassure those allies in the east.”
Russian police have detained at least 1,000 people at anti-war protests in 47 cities.
This afternoon, Ukrainian protesters hit the streets of London today as they pleaded with the UK to do more to stop Vladimir Putin taking over their country.
They say they are "heartbroken" and "terrified" as they called on Boris Johnson to adopt a stronger stance following Russia's major assault on their nation.
