Earlier, Western leaders have been united in condemnation after Russia launched a full invasion of Ukraine, agreeing on sanctions to cause "massive and severe consequences" against Moscow.
ADVERTISEMENTRussia's full-blown military invasion of Ukraine brought an international outcry on Thursday 24 February with NATO condemning a "brutal act of war" and G7 leaders calling it a "serious threat to international order".
Brussels and Washington moved to impose further sanctions on Moscow, targeting finance and business. "Putin chose this war," said US President Joe Biden, warning that Russia would bear the consequences.
A day of fighting saw clashes and casualties reported around the country including near the capital Kyiv. Ukrainian officials said Russia had taken control of the Chernobyl nuclear plant. Civilians have been seen trying to flee major cities.
The assault ordered by Vladimir Putin began overnight, with Russian forces invading Ukraine by land, air and sea. The Russian leader warned other countries that any attempt to interfere would lead to "consequences you have never seen in history".
World leaders decried the start of a Russian offensive that could cause massive casualties and looks to be designed to topple Ukraine’s democratically elected government.
Here's how the first day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine unfolded: