February 24, 2022 – Kyiv, Ukraine: After Russian President Putin declared a “special military operation” in the eastern Donbas region, many Ukrainian citizens were left scrambling. Air-Raid sirens were heard blaring throughout Thursday morning in Kyiv, Ukraine. A massive traffic jam could be seen headed west through the center of Kyiv as thousands attempted to leave.
With concerns mounting over the escalating Russian aggression, large crowds of people converged at the main central train station in Kyiv attempting to flee. Ticket lines were stretched as far as the eye could see and Ukrainian citizens were warned about the uncertainties of traveling into Russia.
“ATM’s aren’t working, not enough money in that, look at the crowd that gathered, panic! “
While many are attempting to flee a full scale Russian invasion, massive traffic jams continued to clog the roads leading West out of Kyiv throughout most of Thursday morning and into the evening. Lines of people could be seen at petrol stations, food markets and banks around Kyiv,m. Most financial institutions are currently experiencing technical crashes due to cyber attacks, businesses have started to only accept cash transactions. Long lines could also be seen at ATM’s as citizens prepared for the unknown.
“ATM’s aren’t working, not enough money, look at the crowd that gathered, panic! ” a woman tells us outside Kyiv ATM station where a line of people waited to take out cash.
Announcements played over a bus station loud speaker informing thousands that gathered about the station closure and route cancellations. An elderly woman rushed over to a idle standing bus and begged a driver to let her on.
“We will give weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country. Be ready to support Ukraine in the squares of our cities.” – President Zelensky
The announcement on the station board in Kyiv train station read, “During the emergency situation, we ask the citizens to stay calm.”
“We will give weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country. Be ready to support Ukraine in the squares of our cities.” said Ukraine President Zelensky
Volunteer citizens that were subscribing to be mobilized into a militia in Kyiv were picked up by Ukrainian police and “deputized” for “citizen patrol”. Some were told that may receive weapons as the conflict escalates. Reports of a missile striking an advertising board and damaging a residential home in Kyiv have also started to pour in as Russian military vehicles have breached the Kyiv region, according to officials
This story is developing.
Video by Oliya Scootercaster (FreedomNews.TV)
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