Shocking images as Russia invades Ukraine

Heartbreaking photos have emerged of schoolchildren being taught how to hide as the Russian invasion of Ukraine escalates. Warning: Graphic content

Warning: Graphic content

Invading Russian forces have pressed deep into Ukraine as deadly battles reached the outskirts of Kyiv and the West responded with punishing sanctions.

Russian missiles and shelling rained down on Ukrainian cities Thursday after President Vladimir Putin unleashed a full-scale ground invasion and air assault, forcing civilians to shelter on metro systems, with 100,000 people displaced.

Devastating photos from the nation under siege show schoolchildren practising safety drills to prepare for a military attack, and Ukrainians weeping over the bodies of their loved ones.

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People stand around a damaged structure caused by a rocket on February 24, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine.

School children take cover in Ukraine.

School kids led through drills at the Number One school in the city of Druzhkivka, in the Donetsk region, Ukraine. Picture: BBC News

Children are being taught how to survive a military attack. Picture: BBC News

The children have been led through drills as the situation in the Ukraine worsens. Picture: BBC News

The drills are being done in a bid to prepare children as Russian soldiers make their way through Ukraine. Picture: BBC News

A man can be seen crying over a loved one’s body. Picture: Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

An injured woman pictured after the air strike in Kharkiv. Picture: Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

A person with fake blood holds their hands up during a "Stand With Ukraine" rally in New York City. Picture: David Dee Delgado/Getty Images/AFP

A man got injured after an air strike in Chuhuiv. Picture: Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

A religious woman holds a cross as she prays on Independence square in Kyiv. Picture: Daniel Leal/AFP

Damage after shelling in Kharkiv. Picture: Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Firefighters were seen trying to put out the fire at the scene. Picture: Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Dozens of civilians have been killed in the Russian invasion. Picture: Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Residents trying to flee Kyiv. Picture: Pierre Crom/Getty Images

Many took shelter in metro stations. Picture: Chris McGrath/Getty Images