Women and children were today pictured learning to fire machine guns and strip an AK-47 as Ukraine called up people to fight to defend Kyiv.
It comes as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine intensifies, with forces destroying port city Mariupol and seizing the largest nuclear power plant in Europe.
There are also fears that there could be around 100 people buried in rubble after a rocket strike on an apartment in the city of Boradyanka, 30 miles from Kyiv.
Women and children have been taught to make weapons and were today photographed being taught to use guns.
The images were taken during a civilian self defence course on the outskirts of Lviv, Ukraine and women and children are seen pointing AK-47’s and machine guns, as they are shown how they work.
For weeks now, ordinary citizens across the country have been receiving basic combat training in everything from handling guns to making incendiary Molotov cocktails to tossing grenades.
Women and children were today pictured learning to fire machine guns and strip an AK-47 (pictured) as Ukraine called up people to fight to defend Kyiv
The images were taken during a civilian self defence course and they are seen pointing AK-47’s and machine guns, as they are shown how they work. Pictured: A child learns how to use a machine gun today
Thousands of civilians have taken up arms to protect their country against Russian forces.
In Kyiv, as the country’s capital prepared for attacks on Wednesday, Anastasiia Lenna, a former Miss Ukraine, was pictured with a huge rifle, complete with a pink scope, as she warned in an Instagram post: ‘Everyone who crosses the Ukrainian border with the intent to invade will be killed!’
The now viral image came amid reports of long snaking queues of citizens waiting to be issued weapons in the capital.
For weeks now, ordinary citizens across the country have been receiving basic combat training in everything from handling guns to making incendiary Molotov cocktails to tossing grenades
Ukrainians living abroad have even flown home to join the ‘Territorial Defense Units’ – which have been trained by military personnel in wooded or abandoned areas on the outskirts of cities.
The newly trained forces have been seen standing guard behind stacks of tires at checkpoints in the capital of Kyiv and patrolling its empty streets.
Most wear street clothes with yellow arm bands to identify them as volunteer soldiers.
Thousands of civilians have taken up arms to protect their country against Russian forces. Pictured: A woman at a self defence course today
And women and children have also been encouraged to make Molotov cocktails to defend their cities against Russian forces.
Swathes were photographed making the incendiary bombs and a Ukrainian brewery has begun manufacturing them.
They were taught how to throw the weapons by military instructors in early February when Russia was preparing to invade as part of the government’s ‘Don’t Panic, Get Ready’ campaign.
n Kyiv, as the country’s capital prepared for attacks on Wednesday, Anastasiia Lenna (pictured), a former Miss Ukraine, who was pictured with a huge rifle, complete with a pink scope, as she warned in an Instagram post: ‘Everyone who crosses the Ukrainian border with the intent to invade will be killed!’
And women and children have also been encouraged to make Molotov cocktails (pictured) to defend their cities against Russian forces
They were taught how to throw the weapons by military instructors in early February when Russia was preparing to invade as part of the government’s ‘Don’t Panic, Get Ready’ campaign
Ukrainians have even resorted to putting shredded styrofoam in the bombs which can help the flames attach to targets.
Countless heroic Ukrainian civilians have been filmed battling Russian forces, with one unarmed group seen blocking a tank from entering the town of Koryukivka in the Chernihiv Oblast after forming a human barrier on the street.
The Russian soldiers were reportedly asking for directions when the Ukrainians swarmed the tank to keep it from moving into Kyiv.
Supplies are running low in Ukraine and groups including the ‘People’s Front’ (pictured) have stepped in to send essential food and supplies to the country
Others have been filmed swearing at soldiers and questioning why they are there. Thousands of civilians have taken up arms since the invasion began last week.
Supplies are running low in Ukraine and groups including the ‘People’s Front’ have stepped in to send essential food and supplies to the country.
In photographs taken today, the group were shown sorting through clothes and food as well as discussing evacuations for citizens of Kyiv.
In photographs taken today, the group were shown sorting through clothes and food as well as discussing evacuations for citizens of Kyiv
Pictured: The People’s Front organise aid for Ukrainian refugees today in Kyiv
