Roads on the outskirts of Ukraine's second-largest city became jammed with cars today (February 24) as residents tried the flee during Russia's assault on the country.

Footage showed long tailbacks in Kharkiv at around midday local time.

The filmer can be heard in the footage saying:

"For those who haven't left Kharkiv already – it will be simply unrealistic to get out."

Explosions and missile strikes have been reported near major cities in Ukraine today (February 24) as Russian forces launch a major military assault.

In a televised statement earlier on Thursday morning, Russian leader Vladimir Putin said he was not planning to occupy Ukraine and called on its military to lay down their weapons

This footage was flimed and produced 24 February 2022.

Moscow began a full-scale invasion of the territory of Ukraine, today, February 24 at 5 o'clock in the morning.

This video illustrates a heavy traffic jam on the way off from Kharkiv, Ukraine on February 24. As the author says, those who weren't able to get away earlier, had no opportunity to leave Kharkiv now.

Translation:

– We drove off from Kharkiv, I’m not sure how far but more than a few. And the situation is very sad. It's already me and other motorists are driving on the wrong side of the road, it means on the right there is a lane in two rows, one lane in fact, so we are already in fact on the wrong side of the road. The traffic is heavy. Friends say: those who didn’t have time to leave Kharkiv now – it will be simply unrealistic to leave.