Final answer:
Intense fighting during the early stages of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 occurred in cities like Kyiv and Kharkiv, as well as in towns such as Mariupol, Bucha, and Hostomel.
Step-by-step explanation:
The intense fighting in the first days and weeks of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 occurred in several cities and towns. Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, experienced significant military tensions, with Russian forces attempting to encircle the city. Other areas where heavy fighting took place include Mariupol, which was subjected to a prolonged and devastating siege, and Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, which faced intense shelling and urban combat. Additionally, smaller towns and strategic locations such as Bucha and Hostomel, among others, were also the sites of severe confrontations.