The Latest Breaking News from Kyiv

Russia has launched a military attack on Ukraine and residents and journalists are on the ground reporting and recording on social media.

SHCHASTIA, Ukraine — While the U.N. Security Council was meeting to avert war, several loud explosions were reportedly heard outside the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, early Thursday, as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that his forces were conducting a military operation to disarm the country but not take it over.

SHCHASTIA, Ukraine — Moments after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced late Wednesday that he would proceed with a military operation in Ukraine, several loud explosions were heard outside Kyiv.

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At least 137 soldiers and civilians have died in the first day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine after Moscow unleashed the biggest attack on a European state since World War II.

Ukrainian forces battled Russian invaders on three sides on Thursday after Moscow unleashed the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two, prompting tens of thousands of people to flee their homes.

The latest updates from multiple news agencies on the Russian invasion of Ukraine:

As explosions, artillery fire and air raid sirens are heard in the Ukraine capital Kyiv, NATO has agreed to beef up its land, sea and air forces on its eastern flank near Ukraine and Russia.