American intelligence had predicted it for weeks, but when Putin officially ordered his troops to invade Ukraine in the early morning hours of February 24th many were shocked.

The Russian offensive attacked Ukraine on multiple fronts, with strikes on military bases, as well as airports and cities. As the day wore on, reports of attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv began to emerge. Analysts are unsure if and when the city will fall, but it is currently on attack from all sides. Bombing in Kyiv again intensified on Friday the 25th as residents hid in underground subway and metro stations.

In an address to reporters at the White House, President Biden took a harsh tone, saying that Putin’s actions were “a premeditated attack” and announcing sweeping sanctions on Russian banks, wealthy oligarchs, and companies. He said that, “Putin chose this war. And now he and his country will bear the consequences.”

Many, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, believe that Russia’s ultimate goal is to topple Ukraine’s government and take control of the nation of 44 million.

Thousands of Ukrainians fled to the Polish border, where wait times ballooned to as long as 6-12 hours. Some refugees were sent to gyms and temporary shelters, but many continued further into Poland – who has a Ukrainian population of 1 million – to live with family members already in the country. Others are choosing to remain in Ukraine, biding their time.

President Zelensky acknowledged the target on his back, but said that he will remain in Kyiv. “I’m staying in the capital. I’m staying with my people.”