'Invasion has begun:' Ukrainian President shares images of explosions

Video courtesy: Ukrainian President's Office An advisor to Ukraine's Interior Minister shared a message that "Russia's invasion of Ukraine has begun" late Wednesday night, in the U.S. Images of apparent explosions were also shared. A senior U.S. defense official said Thursday's attack by Russia appears to be the first phase in what will likely be a multiple phased, large-scale invasion. The attack began before dawn and brought explosions to Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, and other cities. Ukraine’s leadership said Thursday at least 40 people have been killed so far in what it called a “full-scale war” targeting the country from the east, north and south. President Joe Biden on Thursday announced a new round of sanctions targeting Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, charging that Russian leader Vladimir Putin “chose this war" and that his country will bear the consequences of his action. The sanctions target Russian banks, oligarchs, and high-tech sectors, Biden said. The United States and its allies will block assets of four large Russian banks, impose export controls and sanction oligarchs. More local videos here: https://bit.ly/2Pa0d1l Subscribe to NEXT: http://bit.ly/2eP1GwI Stay connected: 9NEWS Website: http://www.9news.com/ Facebook:   / ilike9news   Twitter:   / 9news   Instagram:   / 9newsdenver   Download the 9NEWS App: https://www.9news.com/appredirect/ Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER: https://www.9news.com/email 9NEWS (KUSA) is located in Denver, Colorado.