Russia invades Ukraine as explosions are heard in Kyiv and other cities

The Russian invasion stirs international condemnation, roils global markets and a promise by Ukraine's president to defend the country.
Updated February 24, 2022 at 5:23 AM ET

As Russian military forces and Russian-backed separatists continued striking targets across Ukraine on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the public to remain calm while declaring martial law.

Missile strikes and military barrages struck Ukrainian targets from the country's northern, eastern and southern borders.

The strikes drew quick international condemnation of Russia, from capitals across Europe to Asia. The invasion also shook financial markets around the world; global oil and gold prices soared, U.S. stock futures tumbled and indices across Asia recorded significant losses while European markets opened with a downward reaction.