The war: day seven Photos of intensifying Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities

On the morning of February 24, Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation,” saying its purpose was the liberation of the self-declared Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics and the “de-Nazification” and “demilitarization” of Ukraine. Russia then sent its troops into Ukraine. Fighting in the vicinity of Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mariupol, and other cities has continued for several days. People are hiding in shelters, subway stations, and underground parking garages. Others are fleeing to neighboring countries — the United Nations says more than 1 million refugees have now left Ukraine. These photos were taken during the seventh day of the war.

Warning: Some images below contain scenes of cruelty, violence, and death that may be unsuitable for children.