Russia invades Ukraine: These 6 maps will tell you what's happening in the war zone

Russia's blistering attack on Ukraine has shocked the world. Here are six maps to help you understand what is going on in the war zone:

Russia Invades Ukraine: Mapping the Crisis

The Geography: Ukraine sits sandwiched between Russia on one side, Belarus to the north, and the rest of Europe on the other side. The Crimean Peninsula, which was a part of Ukraine was annexed by Russia in 2014, which practically was the start of the current conflict

East pro-Russia, West pro EU: Ukraine itself is divided between East and West. While the Eastern part of the country has been pro-Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union, West part of the country identifies more with the democratic West.

Russia has recognised rebel areas: Just days before the invasion, Russia recognised two rebel held regions of Donetsky and Luhansk in Eastern Ukraine as independent states. It has used the ruse of saving the civilians in these regions as an excuse to launch military operation inside Ukraine. Russia has for long supported the separatists in Eastern Ukraine.

Attack on Ukraine from three sides: On Thursday, Ukraine came under assault from three sides - Russia, its ally Belarus and Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. Russian ground forces crossed into Ukraine from all three sides.

Fierce fighting on, Russia captures Chernobyl: Currently fierce fighting is going on in a number of places in East, North and South Ukraine.
Russian troops have captured the defunct Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, that was the site of the world biggest nuclear disaster 36 years ago. It lies between Ukraine's border with Belarus and Capital Kyiv

Russian forces closing in on capital Kyiv: The Russian forces are now reportedly advancing towards the capital and Moscow has continued to flow forces into the country. The US has said that Russia wants to capture Kyiv. Ukraine’s military has said that Russian forces aim to block Kyiv while creating a land corridor on the southern coast towards the annexed Crimea peninsula and the Transdniestria region of Moldova.

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