Russia – Ukraine invasion LIVE: Vladimir Putin launches 'full scale' attack with missiles & explosions as war breaks out

MOSCOW has launched a full-scale invasion on several Ukrainian cities, using missiles and explosions, as Kyiv accuses Russia’s Putin of ‘war of aggression’.

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson, is to hold a Cobra meeting on the "horrific attacks" in Ukraine overnight, and has warned Vladimir Putin has chosen a "path of bloodshed" after declaring war on the sovereign nation.

Mr Johnson will chair an urgent meeting at 7.30am after the invasion began.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister wrote: "I am appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine and I have spoken to President Zelenskyy to discuss next steps.

"President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine.

"The UK and our allies will respond decisively."

And, Ukraine has brought in emergency measures and told its citizens in Russia to flee the country as fears of a large-scale invasion by President Vladimir Putin's troops mount.

The UN secretary general, António Guterres, told the UN general assembly in New York that it is time for “restraint, reason and de-escalation” to avoid “a scale and severity of need unseen for many years”.

Read our Russia – Ukraine live blog for the latest news…

  • Milica Cosic

    This morning's Russia-Ukrain news:

    • In a televised address to the Russian people, Putin said that the operation is aimed at the "demilitarisation and denazification" of Ukraine.
    • Missile strikes and explosions have been reported in several parts of Ukraine, including Kyiv and Kharkiv in the early hours of the morning.
    • Ukraine's Foreign Minister has accused Russia of starting a full-scale war and implored the UN to "do everything possible" to stop it.
    • US President Joe Biden has condemned the attack as he confirms a meeting of G7 leaders will take place today
    • Leaders from the UK, European Union, UN and NATO have also strongly condemned the Russian offensive.

    Marcon says 'Russia has to cease military operation IMMEDIATELY'

    The French President, Emmanuel Macron tweeted early this morning: “France is strongly condemning Russia's decision to go to war in Ukraine. Russia has to cease its military operation immediately”.

    Macron's remarks echoed those of other Western leaders throughout the morning after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine overnight.

    “France stands in solidarity with Ukraine,” Macron added. “It stands by the Ukrainian people, and acts with its partners and allies so that the war stops.”

    Hungary looking to stay out of Russia/Ukraine conflict

    Hungary's prime minister said that his country would seek to stay out of the worsening conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

    In a video on his Facebook page, Prime Minister Viktor Orban today said he would "do everything we can to avoid war".

    He added: "Hungary must stay out of this conflict … Because Hungarys security is the most important interest."

    Orban reiterated an earlier announcement from Hungarys defense minister that Hungarian soldiers would be deployed to the countrys border with Ukraine to prepare for the possible arrival of Ukrainian refugees. Orban is a fierce opponent of migration.

    Orban went to visit Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month and lobbied for larger shipments of Russia gas.

    Earlier Wednesday, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that Hungary supports Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity and would back European Union sanctions against Russia.

    • Milica Cosic

      Putin blames current crisis on NATO

      In a rambling speech on Russian TV, Putin blamed NATO for the current crisis and claimed Kyiv was creating "weapons of mass destruction".

      He also painted modern Ukraine as being historically Russian and said the country had been used since the collapse of the Soviet Union by the West to contain Russia.

      "We demand that those who seized power in Ukraine immediately stop hostilities, otherwise, the responsibility for the continuing bloodshed will rest entirely with the Ukrainian regime," he thundered.

    • Milica Cosic

      Priti Patel: Russia could launch cyber attack on Britain

      The Home Secretary Priti Patel has warned Russia could launch a massive cyber attack on Britain at any time.

      She said "red lights" have been flashing over a Putin-ordered attack for some time, but new UK sanctions on Kremlin-linked individuals could drastically increase that risk.

      "Look at Salisbury, look at the cyber attacks," she said, adding: "Just look at attempts to interfere in our democracy."

    • Milica Cosic

      Oil prices surge as Putin declares war on Ukraine

      OIL prices have surged past $100 a barrel for the first time since 2014 after Putin declares war on Ukraine.

      The rising prices are hitting drivers at the pumps, with experts estimating it is now costing drivers £15 extra just to fill up.

      Russia is one of the world's largest producers of oil, and prices are rising as concerns build over how the Ukraine crisis will impact distribution of supplies.

      It comes as Russia unleashed a missile attack on Ukraine this morning after months of growing tension between the two nations.

    • Milica Cosic

      Ukraine in state of emergency

      Ukraine has brought in emergency measures and told its citizens in Russia to flee the country as fears of a large-scale invasion by President Vladimir Putin's troops mount.

      The UN secretary general, António Guterres, told the UN general assembly in New York that it is time for “restraint, reason and de-escalation” to avoid “a scale and severity of need unseen for many years”.

    • Milica Cosic

      G7 leaders to meet today

      A meeting of G7 leaders will also take place today, President Joe Biden has confirmed.

      "President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering," Mr Biden said.

      "Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way.

      "The world will hold Russia accountable."

    • Milica Cosic

      'Russian drone had been shot down near Kyiv'

      Unconfirmed reports and pictures of wreckage suggested a Russian drone had been shot down near Kyiv.

      Lights in the capital went out at 6.30am – and seven minutes later, an enormous blast was heard nearby.

      At 7.05am sirens began blaring across the capital for the first time as frightened locals braced themselves for a bomb blitz.

      Access to the Black Sea and Azov Sea was cut off as an amphibious landing from a tanker and helicopter aircraft was reported near the southern port of Odessa.

    • Milica Cosic

      PM to hold Cobra meeting

      THE PRIME Minister, Boris Johnson, is to hold a Cobra meeting on the "horrific attacks" in Ukraine overnight, and has warned Vladimir Putin has chosen a "path of bloodshed" after declaring war on the sovereign nation.

      Mr Johnson will chair an urgent meeting at 7.30am after the invasion began.

      In a tweet, the Prime Minister wrote: "I am appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine and I have spoken to President Zelenskyy to discuss next steps.

      "President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine.

      "The UK and our allies will respond decisively."

      Source: Read Full Article

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