Thousands of Ukrainians packed their bags, bundled up against the cold, and took shelter in underground subway stations, basements and purpose-built bunkers after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine early on Thursday morning.
As martial law was imposed in the face of a Russian offensive, people in Kyiv were seen heading to underground metro stations, reported Agence France Presse.
People take shelter in a Kyiv subway station after Russian forces invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. (REUTERS)
Many metro stations were seen full of families and children, who had brought along everything from sleeping bags and blankets to dogs.
In Kyiv #Ukraine, people are sleeping in deep underground metro stations as Russia is expected to conduct a heavy overnight bombing campaign of the capital. pic.twitter.com/6IZj1EspTh
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) February 24, 2022
Kyiv’s extensive subway system doubles as bomb shelters. It is the oldest and largest underground network in the eastern European country.
Kharkiv: Hundreds huddle on the train platform, dark subway cars and on the stairwells as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues. The station also serves as bomb shelter. Some have been here since 4am, most are restless. For safety the name of the station is not mentioned. pic.twitter.com/cuxiH4Ei3q
— Marcus Yam (@yamphoto) February 24, 2022
The subway stations were seen becoming improvised bunkers in Kyiv.
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Air alarm in Kharkiv, people are hiding in the basements, bunkers and metro stations. pic.twitter.com/LTarSg4oZT
— Olya (@olya_borderless) February 24, 2022
Earlier this month, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko had said the city had prepared to provide shelter to people in the underground metro stations in the event of a Russian invasion. “
A family takes shelter in a subway station in Kyiv.(REUTERS)
People are also sheltering in subway stations in cities such as Kharkiv, near Ukraine’s north-eastern border with Russia and the second-largest city in Ukraine.
In the picture on the left
Londoners sought refuge in metro stations to escape bombings during #WW2
In the picture on the right #Tonight in Kharkiv #Ukraine
People take shelter in the metro as Russian artillery falls on the city
Shame on the world #StopWar#WeStandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/o9ODu0XfzH— alexia moutafidou (@alexiapatata) February 24, 2022
Roads leading out of Kyiv — the country’s capital — were clogged with cars as residents tried to escape.
Meanwhile, long lines at ATMs and gas stations are witnessed around Ukraine.
Kramatorsk: Long lines at atms and gas stations. Ukrainian armored vehicles with troops atop speeding down the highway. Fire truck and ambulance roaring down the street. pic.twitter.com/1uCxlQ756S
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) February 24, 2022
Missiles and shelling have been reported all over the country, including cities like Kyiv that were previously unaffected by the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
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