Russia launches all out invasion of Ukraine

Russia has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Columns of Russian troops are pouring into the country from Belarus in the north, Crimea in the south and through Kharkiv and Luhansk in the east.

Shortly after 5am Ukrainian time, explosions from artillery fire and missiles could be heard in major cities including the capital Kiev.

Airfields and military headquarters have been hit. There are reports of deaths at military bases.

Russian troops launched an amphibious assault on the port cities of Odessa and Mariupol, according to the Interfax news agency.

In a chilling address before the offensive began, President Putin announced a “special operation” in the Donbass whose purpose was the “de-militarisation” and “de-Nazification” of Ukraine which he called a “hostile anti-Russia”. The West, he said was “an evil empire”.

He warned Moscow’s response would be “instant” if anyone tried to interfere: “To anyone who would consider interfering from outside: If you do, you will face consequences greater than any you have faced in history. All the relevant decisions have been taken. I hope you hear me.”

He appealed to Ukrainian forces to lay down their arms. Russian state media has been praising what it calls a “military intervention”.  

In Kiev and the city of Krematorsk in Donetsk there are queues in petrol stations as residents attempt to flee.

Ukraine’s President Zolodomyr Zelensky has declared martial law and made a direct appeal to the people of Russia not to invade his country.

The price of Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose 6.9% to $103 a barrel, the highest since 2014 following the news. Share prices fell across Europe, including the FTSE100 which dropped by 2.5% as markets opened.