Residents in Ukraine's Donbas describe situation as 'terrifying'

KRAMATORSK, Ukraine

Residents in Ukraine's Donbas region on Thursday described the situation as "terrifying" amid Russian strikes.

Arkadyy, a resident of Kramatorsk city, said he hoped that the situation will get better soon.

Despite hearing periodic explosions, he said he was going to work.

People were seen queuing at ATM machines to withdraw cash.

The city's skies echoed with the sounds of fighter jets.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities asked people to stay at home, urging them not to panic.

Ukraine's Interior Ministry announced that Russia's "invasion has begun" with missile strikes on the capital city of Kyiv.

Early this morning, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared martial law in the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation in Donbas region after weeks of amassing troops at Ukraine's borders.