Video shared on social media appeared to indicate Russia's navy was bearing down on Kyiv with an air assault operation heading in the direction of the Ukrainian capital.

Footage on Twitter appeared to indicate Russian helicopters close to Vyshgorod, which is barely 10 miles from the capital Kyiv, hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin introduced his troops would invade the nation.

"Preliminary experiences additionally point out that the Ukrainian Airforce Mig-29s are partaking Russian Airforce Su-35s over Kyiv," tweeted Aurora Intel with the footage.

The video was retweeted by investigative web site Bellingcat whose founder Elliot Higgins wrote: "As predicted, it appears to be like just like the Russian navy is aiming to take Kyiv as shortly as doable."

"At this fee Russian troops might be marching by way of Kyiv earlier than the EU, UK and US has carried out any sanctions," he added.

A Buzzfeed Information correspondent additionally tweeted footage of what it stated was a "giant air assault operation with Mi-8 helicopters on Antonov Worldwide Airport in Hostomel," which is near the capital metropolis's ring street.

Ukrainian serviceman
A Ukrainian serviceman rides atop a navy automobile previous Independence sq. in central Kyiv on February 24, 2022. Air raid sirens rang out in downtown Kyiv with Russian forces reportedly near the capital. Getty

It is a growing story.