The day that changed Ukraine forever
The first day of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, marked a turning point for the country. The day began with airstrikes and explosions, leading to casualties and widespread occupation of Ukrainian territories by nightfall. Three years later, the fear and uncertainty of that day persist, with a fifth of Ukraine still under Russian control. The constant threat of war has reshaped daily life, and the memory of that first day remains vivid, dividing life into "before" and "after." A photo gallery curated by The Associated Press captures the most compelling images from that fateful day.
