The Russian military has claimed that it has taken control of a strategic airport just outside the Ukrainian capital and cut Kyiv off from the west.
The airport in Hostomel has a long runway, capable of accommodating heavy transport planes. Its seizure allows Russia to airlift troops directly to Kyiv's outskirts. Hostomel is just 7 kilometers (4 miles) northwest of Kyiv.
Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said on Friday that the Russian airborne forces used 200 helicopters to land in Hostomel.
The claims, however, haven't yet been verified.
According to a Guardian report, Konashenkov also said more than 200 people from Ukrainian special units has been killed.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's defence minister said more than 1,000 Russian soldiers were killed so far in the conflict.
Earlier in the day, mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko said the city has gone into defensive phase. "Shots and explosions are ringing out in some neighbourhoods. Saboteurs have already entered Kyiv. The enemy wants to put the capital on its knees and destroy us," Reuters quoted him as saying.
