Putin's huge 40-mile convoy of heavy armour laid bare in astonishing video as troops near Kyiv

Vladimir Putin’s huge Russian convoy spanning 40 miles of road is continuing its slow advance towards Kyiv, although Ukrainians have held firm so far.

Fresh footage released by US space technology firm, Maxar Technologies shows high-resolution 3D satellite imagery of the convoy from February 28th, which includes Russian tanks, military personnel alongside other vehicles and weapons.

Russian forces have found it difficult to capture the city via the ground as the war enters its ninth day.

There have been several air strikes on Kyiv and its surrounding areas in the past couple of days, with the region of Bucha hit particularly hard.

Elsewhere, an explosion at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant on Thursday night sparked fear across the world.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the effects of Russia’s attack could spell: “The end for everyone. The end for Europe. The evacuation of Europe.

“Only urgent action by Europe can stop the Russian troops.

“Do not allow the death of Europe from a catastrophe at a nuclear power station.”

The latest shelling comes after the Ukrainian city of Kherson was reportedly captured by Russian forces, while several strikes also rained down on Kharkiv with a police building among the buildings to be hit.

Russia and Ukraine tentatively agreed to humanitarian corridors to help civilians escape the conflict during negotiation talks on Thursday.

But an agreement on a ceasefire is yet to be reached.