Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year prompted fears of a new Cold War and has produced the greatest European refugee exodus since the Second World War.

Civilian infrastructure has been targeted during bombings in what Russia’s President Vladimir Putin termed a “special military operation”.

Associated Press reporters and photographers have captured the images in a conflict which has seen Ukraine push back against the Russian incursion.

Russia’s attack met with fierce resistance from Ukraine although many women and children were evacuated to other countries as the two former Soviet nations locked horns.

Railway stations were besieged as mothers and children were removed to safer places as Russia encircled Kyiv.

Although Kyiv remains unconquered, Russia’s actions have taken their toll, with Mariupol suffering extreme devastation as it resisted although eventually it fell into enemy hands.

Russia’s hardware was targeted by Ukraine and roads approaching Kyiv were littered with debris following attacks from defenders.

As the anniversary of Russia’s attack approached a new offensive from Moscow’s troops continued in the east despite Ukrainian efforts to recapture lost territory.