Hello, here’s a quick rundown of what has unfolded in recent hours: 

• Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine in a surprise television announcement shortly before 6am (3am Irish time) in Moscow.
• He also called on Ukrainian soldiers to lay down their arms, claiming he wanted a “demilitarisation” of the former Soviet state but not its occupation.
• Reporters in Kyiv heard explosions within about 30 minutes of Putin’s announcement. Explosions were also heard in the eastern city of Mariupol.
• Responding in a statement, US President Biden announced he would address the nation on “consequences” for Russia and said the world would “hold Russia accountable” for its actions. He said a Russian attack would cause “catastrophic loss of life and human suffering”.
• White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Biden had been briefed on a “secure call” by senior officials about the attack in Ukraine.
• Ahead of Putin’s announcement Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky made an emotional late-night appeal to Russians not to support a “major war in Europe”. Zelensky said he had tried to call Putin but there was “no answer, only silence”, adding that Moscow now had around 200,000 soldiers near Ukraine’s borders.
• In a further address within the last few minutes  Zelensky said Russia had carried out missile strikes on infrastructure and that explosions had been heard in cities across Ukraine. He appealed to citizens to stay home and said he would seek a declaration of martial law. “We will win because we are Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine,” he added. 
• Ukraine’s foreign minister said earlier that his country will defend itself. “Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now,” Dmytro Kuleba tweeted.
• Putin’s announcement statement came after the Kremlin said last night that rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine had asked Moscow for military help against Kyiv. The separatist leaders of Donetsk and Lugansk sent separate letters to Putin, asking him to “help them repel Ukraine’s aggression”, Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.  

Ukraine’s president has declared martial law, urging citizens not to panic as Russia launches military strikes.

Air raid sirens are also ringing out in downtown Kyiv as cities across Ukraine have been hit with what Ukrainian officials say are Russian missile strikes and artillery.

NATO ambassadors are to hold an emergency meeting this morning on Russia’s attack on Ukraine, an alliance official has told AFP.

“We can confirm that the NAC (the council of ambassadors) will hold an emergency meeting this morning (Thursday),” a NATO official said.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg was to hold a media conference afterwards, expected around 12.30pm (11.30am Irish time), the official said.

Here is US President Joe Biden’s statement in full:

The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces. President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. 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.

I will be monitoring the situation from the White House this evening and will continue to get regular updates from my national security team. Tomorrow, I will meet with my G7 counterparts in the morning and then speak to the American people to announce the further consequences the United States and our Allies and partners will impose on Russia for this needless act of aggression against Ukraine and global peace and security. We will also coordinate with our NATO Allies to ensure a strong, united response that deters any aggression against the Alliance. Tonight, Jill and I are praying for the brave and proud people of Ukraine.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has denounced Russia’s attack on Ukraine and vowed to hold Moscow “accountable”.

“We strongly condemn Russia’s unjustified attack on Ukraine. In these dark hours, our thoughts are with Ukraine and the innocent women, men and children as they face this unprovoked attack and fear for their lives,” EU chief Ursula von der Leyen wrote on Twitter.

“We will hold the Kremlin accountable.”

We strongly condemn Russia´s unjustified attack on Ukraine.

In these dark hours, our thoughts are with Ukraine and the innocent women, men and children as they face this unprovoked attack and fear for their lives.

We will hold the Kremlin accountable.

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 24, 2022

The international community has this morning been quick to urge Putin to step back from the war. 

You can catch up on the world’s reaction to today’s developments here: 

• ‘We will hold the Kremlin accountable’: International anger as Russia attacks Ukraine

Explosions could be heard in the distance in the Ukranian capital Kyiv from early this morning, according to reporters and officials in the city. 

The picture of what’s happening is unclear at the moment – it’s understood the explosions are likely outgoing fire from state forces. 

What sound like air raid sirens have been echoing across the streets of the city. Reporters appearing on Sky News, which is broadcasting live from Kyiv, have said the sirens are being tested in case of an incoming attack. 

Kyiv is two hours ahead of Ireland so dawn has now broken.

A live shot of its streets shows cars beginning to move around the city. People are attempting to go about their normal routines, with Sky reporters saying a number of people have been out jogging and apparently heading to work. 

Here are some shots of the skyline: 

Russian forces have begun shelling of Ukrainian armed forces targets this morning, according to a statement from the Ukraine military. 

The statement said Ukraine’s air force was fighting Russian attacks and that Moscow had launched missile strikes on a number of airports including Boryspil airport, which is around 30km from the capital. 

Ukraine forces said Boryspil Airport, outside Kyiv, had come under attack. Google Maps Google Maps

“Today, February 24, at 5.00 the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation started intensive shelling of our units in the east, and also launched rocket-bomb strikes at the airports,” the statement said, according to an online translation.

“At the same time, the aggressor launched artillery shelling of the territory and settlements of Ukraine along the state border,” it added. 

If you’re seeking a bite-size explanation of the build-up to the Russian attack, this straightforward video from ABC News in Australia is worth a look. 

It was published yesterday and details what’s going on in simple terms using plenty of maps. 

The Ukrainian military, in its latest statement, says it has shot down “5 planes and an aggressor helicopter“. 

Ukraine’s border guard agency says the Russian military has attacked the country from neighbouring Belarus.

The agency said that the Russian troops unleashed an artillery barrage as part of an attack backed by Belarus. They said the Ukrainian border guards were firing back, adding that there was no immediate report of casualties.

Russian troops have deployed to its ally Belarus for military drills, a move that the West saw as a prelude to an invasion of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian capital of Kyiv is about 80km south of the border with Belarus.

CNN has obtained video showing military tanks entering Ukraine across the Belarus border. 

Ukrainians are fleeing the capital Kyiv, according to reports from the city this morning and photos published online. 

Families are taking shelter ahead of an anticipated attack. 

Luke Harding, a Guardian reporter in the city, tweeted: “Our basement in Kyiv now filling up with families with small children. The kids are holding colouring books. Heartbreaking.”

A number of high-level meetings are taking place across the world to address Russia’s attack on Ukraine. 

NATO ambassadors are to hold an emergency meeting this morning on Russia’s attack on Ukraine, an alliance official told AFP. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg is to hold a media conference afterwards, expected around 11.30am.

US President Joe Biden is due to join a virtual, closed-door meeting of G7 leaders – Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States – this morning.

The G7 meeting is likely to result in more sanctions against Russia, which had long claimed it would not invade Ukraine, despite massing troops on the country’s borders.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will chair a Cobra committee meeting at 7.30am to discuss the response to the “horrific attacks” in Ukraine, a Downing Street spokesperson has said.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has denounced Russia’s “reckless and unprovoked attack” on Ukraine, warning it put “countless” lives in jeopardy.

“I strongly condemn Russia’s reckless and unprovoked attack on Ukraine, which puts at risk countless civilian lives,” Stoltenberg said in a statement.

“Once again, despite our repeated warnings and tireless efforts to engage in diplomacy, Russia has chosen the path of aggression against a sovereign and independent country,” Stoltenberg said.

“This is a grave breach of international law, and a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security. I call on Russia to cease its military action immediately and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.

Stoltenberg added: “We stand with the people of Ukraine at this terrible time. NATO will do all it takes to protect and defend all allies.”

Ukraine is not a member of the 30-nation Western military alliance but its attempt to join has angered the Kremlin leader.

Putin has demanded guarantees from NATO and the US that Ukraine would never be granted membership.

Stoltenberg has previously said NATO has no plans to send troops to fight in Ukraine if Russia attacked and key power Washington has ruled out deploying its forces to defend the country.

The ambassadors of the 30-nation alliance are to hold an emergency meeting this morning to discuss the Russian attack, with Stoltenberg expected to give a press conference afterwards.

This screengrab from flight tracking website FlightRadar24 appears to show planes avoiding Ukrainian airspace this morning. 

FlightRadar24 FlightRadar24

Putin made an early morning call to his Belarusian counterpart today, informing him that Moscow was launching the military operation on Ukraine, Alexander Lukashenko’s office has confirmed.

“Around 5am (2am Irish time) today there was a telephone conversation between the presidents of Belarus and Russia,” Lukashenko’s office said.

“During the call, Vladimir Putin informed his Belarusian colleague about the situation on the border with Ukraine and in Donbas.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has this morning strongly condemned Russia’s attack on the Ukraine, calling it a “shocking murderous act of aggression”. 

“Russia has launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine. God help them,” Coveney tweeted. 

“Rocket attacks & explosions across the country. Make no mistake: this is a shocking murderous act of aggression against a sovereign peaceful state. EU and world needs to respond strongly,” he said. 

Russia has launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine. God help them.
Rocket attacks & explosions across the country. Make no mistake: this is a shocking murderous act of aggression against a sovereign peaceful state. EU and world needs to respond strongly. @dfatirl

— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) February 24, 2022

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney added that his “thoughts and prayers are with the innocent people of Ukraine, as families wake up to shocking Russian attacks”. 

“Russian leaders are lying to their own people to justify this illegal aggression,” he tweeted. 

“We utterly condemn Russia for this act of unjustifiable war in the heart of Europe.” 

Coveney said Ireland’s diplomatic team in Kyiv “has moved to a safe place and we stay in close contact with them”. 

“We are working with EU colleagues to ensure their safety.” 

Our thoughts & prayers are with the innocent people of Ukraine, as families wake up to shocking Russian attacks. Russian leaders are lying to their own people to justify this illegal aggression.
We utterly condemn Russia for this act of unjustifiable war in the heart of Europe.

— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) February 24, 2022

Our Diplomatic team in Kiev has moved to a safe place and we stay in close contact with them. We are working with EU colleagues to ensure their safety. @dfatirl

— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) February 24, 2022

Russia’s ground forces have crossed into Ukraine from several directions, Ukraine’s border guard service have said.

Ukraine’s border guard service said Russian tanks and other heavy equipment crossed the frontier in several northern regions, as well as from the Kremlin-annexed peninsula of Crimea in the south.

All Irish citizens in Ukraine are being advised to “shelter in a secure place”. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs has said: “Do not move around the country in the coming hours. Please follow the advice of local authorities.” 

⚠️ Urgent consular advice regarding Ukraine.

All Irish citizens in Ukraine should shelter in a secure place. Do not move around the country in the coming hours. Please follow the advice of local authorities.

We will post regular updates on @dfatirl as the situation develops.

— Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) February 24, 2022

The President of the European Commission is this morning warning of “massive sanctions” against Russia for its actions:

Von der Leyen: 'Massive sanctions. Russians target the stability of Europe. We will hold #Putin accountable. Sanctions strategic sectors of Russian economy, blocking technology and Russian markets. We will freeze assets in Europe' @BNR @vonderleyen

— Sophie van Leeuwen (@sophievleeuwen) February 24, 2022

If you want to catch up on the details of the sanctions already announced this week – and what difference they’ll make – take a look back at our Explainer from yesterday.

Russia faces “unprecedented isolation” over its attack on Ukraine and will be hit with the “harshest sanctions” the EU has ever imposed, the bloc’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has said this morning. 

“This is not a question of blocs. This is not a question of diplomatic power games. It’s a matter of life and death. It is about the future of our global community,” he said in a broadcast statement.

Poland has asked NATO to activate Article 4, which calls for emergency consultations if a member is threatened, after Russia launched its attack on Ukraine.

Poland’s ambassador in Brussels, where NATO is based, “submitted a request to the NATO secretary general, together with a group of allies,” Polish government spokesman Piotr Mueller said.

Ukraine is not a NATO member, but the alliance has repeatedly condemned Russia’s aggressions against its neighbour.

The Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are condemning the Russian operation in Ukraine as a “crime against Ukrainian people”.

In a joint statement, the three countries’ foreign ministers condemned strongly “the open large scale Russian aggression against the independent, peaceful and democratic Ukraine”.

They called it “a blatant violation of the international law, of all international norms and a crime against Ukrainian people that we condemn”.

In a statement this morning, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he “utterly condemns, in the strongest possible terms, Russia’s indefensible attack on the sovereign people of Ukraine”. 

He said: 

“Our first thoughts are with them.

“We will work with our EU partners and at the UN to hold President Putin and his regime accountable.

“Russia will pay a high price for this outrageous act of aggression. We stand with Ukraine.”

The Ukrainian military death toll from the Russian invasion has risen to three, the border guard service said, with confirmed losses suffered along the southern border with Kremlin-annexed Crimea.

The Russian armed forces were trying to invade Ukraine from several directions, using rocket systems and helicopters to attack Ukrainian position in the south, the border guard service said.

Belarus’s leader Alexander Lukashenko has said his military is not taking part in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, state media reported.

“Our armed forces are not taking part in this operation,” Lukashenko, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, said.

Moscow has stationed tens of thousands of troops in Belarus.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that Ireland will not take a neutral stance on Russia’s belligerence.

“Ireland is a neutral country, we’re militarily non-aligned, but we are certainly not neutral on an issue like this, when there is blatant aggression happening on the continent of Europe,” he said.

He said Russia’s aggression is “an attack on a Europe that we have built together collectively since World War II”.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney says this is an illegal act of aggression by Russia - “they are lying to themselves and lying to the world about the justification for it" | Read more: https://t.co/CL4aiOuGLv pic.twitter.com/FnnRuC65IK

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) February 24, 2022

Coveney has promised “very direct and very hard-hitting” sanctions against Russia.

“We are not going to go to war with Russia, militarily,” the Foreign Affairs Minister told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.

“But certainly I think the response in terms of sanctions will be very direct and very hard-hitting, and that means that the EU is also going to suffer as a result of those sanctions because undoubtedly there’ll be counter-sanctions from Russia.”

He said two Irish families are currently in Ukraine for surrogacy services and that Irish officials are working with them.

“We have been planning for this for a while. There are contingency plans in place. And we will obviously act in a way that maintains the safety of our people,” he said.

Ryanair has suspended its Ukraine flights for at least the next fortnight.

The airline said: “Due to the closure of Ukrainian airspace overnight and the apparent invasion by Russian forces, all Ryanair flights to/from Ukraine have been suspended for at least the next 14 days.

“All affected passengers will receive email notices later this morning and all flights to/from Ukraine have been removed from sale for at least the next four weeks until further information becomes available from EU safety agencies.

“Ryanair remains committed to our services to/from Ukraine and we look forward to restoring flight services there as soon as it is safe to do so.

“We sincerely regret and apologise for these unprecedented disruptions and any inconvenience that they will inevitably cause to our Ukrainian customers.”

PA Graphics PA Graphics

Nikita Isakin, Press Attaché of Russia’s Dublin Embassy told The Journal this morning that a statement will be issued “later”, but did not specify when.

He said “it’s a difficult time”.

“God help us,” he added.

Germany has said the EU, NATO and the G7 would work to hit Russia with severe sanctions after the Kremlin launched an air and ground assault on Ukraine.

“We will launch the full package with the most massive sanctions against Russia and we will strengthen our security and our allies,” Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said.

“We have not chosen this situation,” she added, but “if we don’t stand up to it now, we will pay an even higher price”.

AFP is reporting that confirmed Ukrainian military deaths have risen to five. 

A Ukrainian presidential adviser has also said that Russian forces have launched an attack on Ukraine from the north, east and south.

The adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, said “the Ukrainian military is fighting hard”.

Podolyak said that “our army is fighting back inflicting significant losses to the enemy”. He said that there have been civilian casualties, but did not give details.

He said that “Ukraine now needs a greater and very specific support from the world — military-technical, financial as well as tough sanctions against Russia,” he said.

Another adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia has targeted air bases and various other military infrastructure.

Oleksii Arestovich said the Russian strike has not achieved its goal to rout the country’s military. He said that “we suffered casualties, but they aren’t significant”, adding that the Russian strikes “haven’t eroded the combat capability of the Ukrainian military”.

He said that the Russian troops moved up to 5km deep into the Ukrainian territory in the Kharkiv and Chernihiv regions, and, possibly in other areas.

This screengrab taken from CCTV issued by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine shows Russian military vehicles moving across the border from Crimea into Ukraine.

State Border Guard Service of Ukraine / PA State Border Guard Service of Ukraine / PA / PA

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has given a national address where he announced that weapons would be issued to any Ukrainian who wants one.

The president urged anyone with military experience to join Ukraine’s defence and asked people to make blood donations as there are wounded soldiers in hospital.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine has broken diplomatic relations with Russia and Russia is on the side of evil.

He said Ukraine will not give up its independence.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls on all citizens with military experience to "join the defence of Ukraine", and asks for people to donate blood as there are "wounded soldiers in hospitals".

Live: https://t.co/GahQDSvCkN

📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602 and Freeview 233 pic.twitter.com/EhkK1gDLqP

— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 24, 2022

The Russian army has said that Moscow-backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine are advancing and have gained territory after the Kremlin launched an attack on the country.

Military spokesperson Igor Konashenkov told state television that forces of the Donetsk People’s Republic gained “up to three kilometres” in territory and those of the Lugansk People’s Republic “advanced one and a half kilometres”.

He added that Russia had “high precision weapons” and that Ukrainian civilians had “nothing to fear”.

An adviser to Ukraine’s president says about 40 people have been killed so far in the Russian attack on the country.

Some shocking images emerging from Mariupol, which is located in the south east of Ukraine, close to the Russian border.  

Damaged radar arrays and other equipment is seen at Ukrainian military facility outside Mariupol. AP / PA Images AP / PA Images / PA Images

Ukrainian soldiers ride in a military vehicle in Mariupol. Sergei Grits Sergei Grits

Damaged radar arrays and other equipment. AP / PA Images AP / PA Images / PA Images

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will make a televised statement about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine this morning, and Downing Street has warned of “unprecedented” new sanctions.

All eyes will be on how tough those sanctions are. 

Johnson also called for an urgent Nato summit, calling the invasion a “catastrophe for our continent”.

This is a catastrophe for our continent.

I will make an address to the nation this morning on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

I will also speak to fellow G7 leaders and I am calling for an urgent meeting of all NATO leaders as soon as possible.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 24, 2022

Here’s footage of queues of cars leaving Kyiv this morning.

A protest held outside Dublin’s Russian embassy resulted in this.

Another protest is scheduled to be held outside Leinster House at midday.

Entrance to Russian embassy in Dublin covered in red paint during a small protest outside main gates @rtenews #UkraineRussiaCrisis pic.twitter.com/LwHgKgMsar

— Dimitri O'Donnell (@dimitriodonnell) February 24, 2022

A message from President Zelenskyy, comparing this attack to the start of the Second World War, and declaring that Ukraine would resist the Russian invasion.

Russia treacherously attacked our state in the morning, as Nazi Germany did in #2WW years. As of today, our countries are on different sides of world history. 🇷🇺 has embarked on a path of evil, but 🇺🇦 is defending itself & won't give up its freedom no matter what Moscow thinks.

— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 24, 2022

The mood from Ukrainians in Ireland today is sombre. 

Speaking to my colleague Michelle Hennessy this morning, Igor Brigadir, an adjunct research fellow at University College Dublin (UCD), who moved to Ireland from Ukraine with his family almost 25 years ago said:

“At this point it’s just blatant, open invasion without even trying to have any pretext.

Friends and family are doing okay, at least on my end. There will be civilian deaths. There will definitely be war crimes. Russia has shown no restraint with targeting civilians in the past.

The reason why communications haven’t been cut or jammed totally yet, is because Russia wants to sow panic and terror. Everything we’ve warned about, is sadly coming true.

There’s a lot of confusion about the scale of the invasion currently, but this AFP map of where explosions have been heard or reported from, paints a pretty clear picture.

Map of #Ukraine locating the main cities where explosions were heard on February 24 and the regions that Russian forces have entered, according to Ukrainian border guards pic.twitter.com/gUKua23WUN

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 24, 2022

NATO has released a statement on the invasion of Ukraine.

This is significant as Nato is being used as an excuse by Russian President Vladimir Putin for invading Ukraine.

The statement said that it is Russia alone that chose escalation, it condemned Belarus for enabling this attack, and it said its land and air defences are being deployed to the east of the Alliance.

“Throughout this crisis, Nato, the Allies, and our partners have made every effort to pursue diplomacy and dialogue with Russia,” Nato said in a statement, “including at the highest levels, and made many substantive proposals to enhance the security of all nations in the Euro-Atlantic region.

It is Russia, and Russia alone, which has chosen escalation.

It added: “NATO will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the security and defence of all Allies. We are deploying additional defensive land and air forces to the eastern part of the Alliance, as well as additional maritime assets. We have increased the readiness of our forces to respond to all contingencies.”

You can read it here.

RTÉ’s Europe editor Tony Connelly, who you’ll recognise from years of intensive Brexit reporting, is in Kyiv, where things have become more tense. Stay safe, Tony.

Just been moved down to the basement of the hotel in Kyiv, amid fears of more Russian airstrikes

— Tony Connelly (@tconnellyRTE) February 24, 2022

The Taoiseach is speaking to reporters outside of Government Buildings. 

He said that a sanctions package against Russia “cannot be incremental, and must be the most severe ever considered”.

Taoiseach says Ireland “will not be found wanting” in supporting the Ukrainian people.

Russian invasion the 'most outrageous and moral breach of the most basic international laws'.

'Most grave security situation in Europe for decades ' pic.twitter.com/qppCIJjemR

— Rónán Duffy (@ronanduffy_) February 24, 2022

Ireland won’t expel the Russian ambassador unless the EU makes a decision to do it for all member states, the Taoiseach has said.

No unilateral steps, such as expelling the Russian Ambassador, will be taken. Each messure to be done along with EU partners. pic.twitter.com/CCGcxK8Ikf

— Rónán Duffy (@ronanduffy_) February 24, 2022

Meanwhile, Amnesty International has called for respect for international human rights and humanitarian law

“Our worst fears have been realized. After weeks of escalation, a Russian invasion that is likely to lead to the most horrific consequences for human lives and human rights has begun,” said Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard.

“As bombs and rockets are falling on Ukrainian military bases, and the first reports are coming in of the use of indiscriminate weapons by the Russian army, Amnesty International re-iterates its call on all parties to adhere strictly to international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

“Civilian lives, homes and infrastructure must be protected; indiscriminate attacks and the use of prohibited weapons such as cluster munitions must not take place.” 

Amnesty International would be monitoring the situation closely, she said.

The Taoiseach also announced the waiving of visas for Ukrainians who want to come to Ireland. 

“The Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Justice will meet in the next hour for plans to operationalize the waving of visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens coming into Ireland,” the Taoiseach told reporteres.

“This, we believe, will be helpful to Ukrainian families here who may want their loved ones to join them.

“There will be a significant migration issue arising from these attacks, we will have to pay our part in helping those who will have to flee Ukraine.”

An update: 18 people have died in an air strike on a military base near Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odessa, the local administration said.

“Eighteen died – eight men and 10 women. At the moment, we are still digging through the rubble,” the Odessa regional administration said in a statement.

The European football agency UEFA is to hold an emergency meeting tomorrow to “evaluate the situation” concerning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with the former set to host the Champions League final in St Petersburg on 28 May.

UEFA said in a statement their executive committee would “take all necessary decisions”.

Boris Johnson is giving a national address about the invasion in Ukraine.

He has called Vladimir Putin a “dictator”, and said the “hideous and barbaric venture” of Putin “must end in failure”.

I say to Ukrainians in this moment of agony, we are with you, we are praying for you and your families and we are on your side.

Sky News screenshot Sky News screenshot

“I say to the British people, and all who have heard the threats from Putin against those who stand with Ukraine, we will, of course, do everything to keep our country safe.”

He added: “We will work with them, for however long it takes, to ensure that the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine is restored.

“Because this act of wanton and reckless aggression is an attack not just on Ukraine, it’s an attack on democracy and freedom in eastern Europe, and around the world.

“This crisis is about the right of a free, sovereign, independent European people to choose their own future. That is a right that the UK will always defend.”

A man walks at the trade port in Mariupol. AP / PA Images AP / PA Images / PA Images

Here’s some analysis from security expert Tom Clonan – his full piece will be up on the site shortly. 

“The first of this campaign is the air offensive. In a universal template – used by NATO in the invasion of Afghanistan and by the US and her allies in the invasion of Iraq – the air phase will consist of waves of air strikes and missile strikes throughout Ukraine.

The Russian objective here is to neutralise and dominate Ukrainian airspace. The missile strikes will target Ukrainian air defence assets such as missile batteries, along with aircraft and army command and control centres. The Russians have struck targets from Lviv in the west of Ukraine, to the capital Kyiv and as far east as the port of Mariupol.

“The targets will include Ukrainian military headquarters, logistics, transport and ammunition depots. In striking at these targets – often in densely populated urban environments – civilian casualties will be inevitable. There are already reports of civilian deaths in Ukraine.

“Whilst this air and missile campaign continues – in waves of attacks over the coming days – the ground offensive has begun. The Russians immediate priority will be to locate, engage with and destroy all Ukrainian military positions along the ‘Line of Contact’ within Luhansk and Donetsk. President Putin has explicitly ordered the concentration of force in this area as a ‘special military operation’ in Donbass.”

Gaeilgeoir Victor Baghda, a Russian who was appointed an Irish Language Planning Officer for the south Kerry Gaeltacht, is speaking to Raidió na Gaeltachta about what this means. 

“I have family in various places in Ukraine and I don’t know what kind of contact I will have with them from now on,” he said.

I am a Russian, but I’m a person as well. We’re all people and people are the most important thing here.

'Tá muintiar agam in áiteanna éagsúla san Úcráin agus n'fheadair cén saghas teagmháil a bhéas againn amach anseo.....' @VictorBayda ar @saolodheas

— Tús Áite le Fachtna Ó Drisceoil (@TusAite) February 24, 2022

Here’s a tweet from Victor from this morning: “You can’t accept war ever.” 

Tá an chaint bainte díom. Tá fearg agus eagla orm. Ní féidir glacadh le cogadh riamh.

— Victor Baghda (@VictorBayda) February 24, 2022

European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said that following the “completely unjustified” Russian invasion today, Ukraine has submitted “an URGENT request for medical aid items via the Civil Protection Mechanism”.

I call on all member states and participating States to immediately respond with offers of assistance. The time to help is NOW.

A Kyiv-based journalist’s thoughts on where Ukraine is.

Millions of people are hiding from airstrikes in the biggest country in Europe. If this isn't a sign of a collective failure, I don't fucking know what is. God help Ukraine.

— Anastasiia Lapatina (@lapatina_) February 24, 2022

Here’s the Taoiseach’s full video on Ukraine in the courtyard of Government Buildings.

Ukrainians in Ireland are holding a protest outside Leinster House calling on the Government to take actions against Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.

As we speak hundreds of thousands of men in Ukrainian homes are gathering their bags and leaving.

A heartbreaking image.

'Help us, impose the toughest sanctions...our Army will defend us.' pic.twitter.com/4lxg375gbI

— Rónán Duffy (@ronanduffy_) February 24, 2022

“The world doesn’t stay normal when an attack of this kind occurs,” Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said on RTÉ Radio One. 

There will be a price to pay, due to Vladimir Putin’s aggression.

He says that there is a suggestion that Russia may not stop at Ukraine, and that he’s living in the past in his view that some Eastern European states should not exist.

He said that cyber attacks and other measures have tried to undermine the EU, but he thinks that Putin has underestimated European solidarity.

Ukrainians sing the national anthem outside Leinster House.

'Glory and Freedom of Ukraine Has not yet Perished', the country's national anthem #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/5OTFZCxJcR

— Rónán Duffy (@ronanduffy_) February 24, 2022

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has said that four ballistic missiles were launched towards the southwestern direction of Ukraine from Belarus.

It comes as Reuters reports that Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko could lend its troops to Russia’s military operation against Ukraine.

A fairly shocking picture of what could be ahead of Ukraine over the next while.

How might Russia's invasion of Ukraine play out?@HenryJFoy looks at the possible scenarioshttps://t.co/xmSlAjEzWz#UkraineConflict #gistribe pic.twitter.com/lk26sgnydY

— Steven Bernard (@sdbernard) February 24, 2022

More lines from the Taoiseach’s interview with RTÉ earlier about the migration crisis that could emanate from the invasion of Ukraine:

“Plans being worked on if that turns out to be the case. War can, as we know, create real pressures in terms of migratory flows. We hope again it doesn’t come to that.”

“I think we have to do everything we possibly can in this situation, to reach out to our Ukrainian friends. We will be there for them.

He also spoke about the financial squeeze this war will put on all Europeans in order to defend Ukraine.

“The general price will be one of economic challenges. Energy is an obvious one in terms of the increased price and scarcity of sources of energy, in terms of gas and oil.

“Contingency measures have been taken at European level in respect of some of that, but I think we have to be honest with people. In upholding the values that we cherish there will be a price and there will be a cost.”

As the invasion continues, calls for the closure of Russian embassies around the world grow louder.

This is an important measure that the world failed to do in 2014, which caused Russia to see global response as minimal. It cannot be minimal this time. Use the highest measures possible, and scale back if they retreat. https://t.co/V9xkBfLDqI

— Kateryna Yushchenko (@KatyaYushchenko) February 24, 2022

The op-ed from security expert Tom Clonan is now live on the site here.

👇 My Independent, Neutral Analysis on #Ukraine #Russia - Tom Clonan: This war will test European values in a manner not seen since the 1940s https://t.co/rkW8S4MopL

— Dr Tom Clonan (@TomClonan) February 24, 2022

Some more of his analysis:

“The separatist-held areas now reinforced by Russian tanks and armour will be the forming up point and start-line for the ground invasion. As I write, Russian forces are using heavy artillery to shell Ukrainian border posts and military positions before their troops move forward.

“As was the case in Chechnya and Georgia, the Russians will hope for a rapid – and brutal – armoured advance supported by infantry configured in ‘Battalion Tactical Groups’ or BTGs.

“Putin has demanded that Ukrainian forces to “put down their weapons and return to their homes”. He has also stated that any ‘interference’ with Russian operations will result in immediate ‘retaliation’.

“This is an indication that a state of war now exists between the two states – with full combat operations and the indiscriminate use of force to follow.

“If the Ukrainian military hold their positions and fight in Luhansk and Donetsk – which they have vowed to do – there will be conventional combat in the region with heavy loss of life, of a kind and on a scale not seen in Europe since World War Two.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs has updated its travel advice for Irish people in Ukraine.

The DFA said it is “closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine together with our EU and other international partners”.

“We are advising all Irish citizens currently in Ukraine to shelter in a secure place, given the security situation there. However, citizens should consider leaving Ukraine if they judge it safe to do so, depending on their location and prevailing circumstances.”

⚠️ Please see updated travel advice for Ukrainehttps://t.co/TyCnHZQaAG

All Irish citizens currently in Ukraine are advised to shelter in a secure place. However, citizens should consider leaving Ukraine if safe to do so, depending on their location & prevailing circumstances

— Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) February 24, 2022

The DFA statement continues: “Ukrainian airspace has been closed. It is likely that overland routes out of Ukraine will be severely disrupted. The road network and border crossings may face backlogs or closures at short notice.”

The DFA will issue regular updates on Twitter and via its website.

Any Irish citizen requiring emergency consular assistance should contact a dedicated telephone line – 01 6131700 – which has now been set up at the DFA.

“The safety and security of Irish citizens and their dependents in Ukraine is our priority,” the DFA added.

An important thread on why people should not share videos and photos that have not been verified.

Sadly, I am going to start a thread on the Russian-Ukrainian War of 2022. I want to emphasize that everyone should be skeptical of videos and photos that have not been confirmed, which will include some of the posts in this thread.

— Rob Lee (@RALee85) February 24, 2022

There are a lot of developments to get to grips with today – here is a breakdown of the main points we know so far.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said the cost of gas and the price of food is likely to rise as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalates.

Speaking in the Dáil today, Varadkar moved to ease concerns about energy shortages, stating that the “lights won’t go out”.

Ireland does not import very much gas from Russia, he said, adding that roughly half of Ireland’s gas supplies comes from a site north of Mayo with the other half coming from the UK, which is mainly sourced from Qatar and the North Sea.

“We’re not particularly dependent on Russian gas.”

However, he added:

“Obviously if the gas stopped flowing into Eastern Europe that will have an effect on the price. And that is very likely in the period ahead.”

Earlier this week in Berlin, the Taoiseach confirmed to The Journal that there are no plans to give an energy credit towards gas customers, similar to the one due to be issued next month to all householders for electricity.

Journalist Julian Röpcke has made the below map of violence in Ukraine, based on “very conservative” fighting and troop movement geolocations:

Here is my first #UkraineUnderAttack map, based on - very conservative - fighting and troop movement geolocations as well as Ukrainian army reports.
It looks grim. pic.twitter.com/ZydRlyLV5E

— Julian Röpcke🇺🇦 (@JulianRoepcke) February 24, 2022

Heroyiv Truda metro station in Kharkiv is one of many new bomb shelters in Ukraine:

Heroyiv Truda metro station, now bomb shelter in Kharkiv pic.twitter.com/kQDDDQ3YCw

— Leonid Ragozin (@leonidragozin) February 24, 2022

An interesting point from Paul Sonne, the Washington Post’s national security correspondent:

A reminder to everyone expecting protests from Russians, Putin has spent the last few years massively locking down the ability for anyone to demonstrate. People simply get loaded into police vans the minute they start.

— Paul Sonne (@PaulSonne) February 24, 2022

Russian troops entered Chernobyl from the territory of Belarus, the Ukrainian government has said.

“They are being fought off by the National Guard protecting the radioactive waste storage,” a statement noted.

Russian troops entered the area of Chornobyl NPP from the territory of Belarus.

They are being fought off by the National Guard protecting the radioactive waste storage.#StopRussianAggression #RussiaInvadedUkraine pic.twitter.com/cRn76ZIKEe

— Stratcom Centre UA (@StratcomCentre) February 24, 2022

Speaking to reporters in Dublin today, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the attack on Ukraine and its people “is an outrageous and moral breach of the most fundamental and basic principles of international law”.

“Our thoughts must be with the innocent people of Ukraine in this, their most difficult hour. We stand with them.”

He added that the invasion “presents Europe with the most grave security situation it has faced in decades, with repercussions for global security and for the world economy”.

“It cannot and will not go unanswered. President Putin and those who support him will be held accountable.”

People who fled Ukraine have started to arrive in Poland:

LIVE: People arrive in Poland after fleeing Ukraine https://t.co/sFTtyxrY3X

— Reuters (@Reuters) February 24, 2022

Speaking with Ukrainian protesters outside Leinster House, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said Ireland is “limited as a small country in what we can do” but added “we will support any sanctions that we can”.

Incredible reporting by CNN’s Michael Chance:

Breaking: @mchancecnn with Russian forces at the Antonov airport about 15 miles outside of Kyiv. "These troops you can see over here, they are Russian airborne forces. They have taken this airport" pic.twitter.com/SnvmwQ1GeA

— Natasha Bertrand (@NatashaBertrand) February 24, 2022

Russian occupation forces are trying to seize the #Chornobyl_NPP. Our defenders are giving their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 will not be repeated. Reported this to @SwedishPM. This is a declaration of war against the whole of Europe.

— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 24, 2022

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Kyiv’s forces are fighting invading Russian troops for control of the Chernobyl plant, the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster.

“Russian occupying forces are trying to take over the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Our soldiers are giving their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 does not happen again,” he wrote on Twitter, referring to the date of the disaster.

He called the attack “a declaration of war on all of Europe”.

In the latest sporting reaction to the invasion, German football club Schalke 04 said it would remove Russian gas company Gazprom from its shirts.

“In light of the events, developments and escalation of the past days, FC Schalke 04 has decided to remove the logo of the main sponsor, Gazprom, from the shirts,” the second division club said in a statement.

Meanwhile, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has said he will boycott the Russian Grand Prix.

Formula One bosses are under increasing pressure to cancel the race – scheduled to take place on 25 September.

The Ukrainian Embassy in the UK has called for the following sanctions:

Just been at the Ukrainian embassy - this is what they’re calling for the international community to do.

They want a ban on energy trade, and foreign investment with Russia, as well as significant sanctions. pic.twitter.com/V2vQVRNt16

— Shehab Khan ITV (@ShehabKhan) February 24, 2022

#BREAKING Ukraine capital Kyiv declares curfew: mayor pic.twitter.com/ovTc0AZSgX

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 24, 2022

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has announced an overnight curfew in Ukraine’s capital.

The former world heavyweight boxing champion said the curfew would last from 10pm to 7am local time (8pm to 5am Irish time) and that public transport would stop working during that period.

Metro stations would remain open throughout to serve as bomb shelters, he said.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine intends to ‘decapitate’ the country’s government and install new leadership allied to Moscow, a senior US defence official has said.

“They have every intention of basically decapitating the government and installing their own means of governance,” the official told AFP.

Moscow has vowed to respond in kind to “unfriendly” European Union sanctions imposed over the invasion of Ukraine.

“In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, which is fundamental to international law, we will take tough retaliatory measures,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

In a video message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged global leaders to provide defence assistance:

French President Emmanuel Macron has said France and its European allies did everything to try to head off the attack on Ukraine.

Macron said in a televised address to the nation that Russia’s attack is a “turning point in European history” and as a result “there will be profound consequences for our continent and changes in our lives”.

He said that “to this act of war, we will reply without weakness, we will reply calmly and in a determined and united manner”.

“We have tried everything to avoid this war but it is here and we are ready,” Macron said.

He said that sanctions will be “proportionate” to Russia’s military operations, targeting its economy and its energy sector.

“We will show no weakness,” Macron said. “We will take all measures necessary to defend the sovereignty and stability of our European allies.”

The latest on impending sanctions on Russia…

Massive sanctions about to be imposed on Russia, cutting them off from world financial systems. Damage to Russian economy would be immense. https://t.co/wnrMM3Fk8j

— Neil Hauer (@NeilPHauer) February 24, 2022

Our statement on the situation in Ukraine. Now more than ever the voices of the anti-war movement must be heard. @ClareDalyMEP pic.twitter.com/C296p0acCM

— Mick Wallace (@wallacemick) February 24, 2022

Irish MEPs Mick Wallace and Clare Daly have issued a statement on the invasion.

It notes: “The attacks on Ukrainian targets and incursion of Russian forces into Ukraine are an act of aggression and a serious violation of the United Nations Charter. They have already resulted in loss of life. The pretexts President Vladimir Putin is using to justify his decision are contrary to international law and cannot be supported. Russian arguments about its security interests in the face of NATO expansion are valid and should be taken seriously, but they do not justify the decision Russia has now taken. We echo the call of the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres: the conflict must stop now.

“The only legitimate forum for addressing Russia’s actions at an international level is the United Nations. Unilateral action from the United States, the European Union, or NATO, only risks further escalation and the further erosion of international law and norms. There is no military solution for what is now happening. We oppose any military response just as unequivocally as we oppose Russia’s actions. Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukraine, immediately cease all military operations and resume diplomatic engagement. All parties must work to restore the Minsk process, as the only path to a peaceful resolution of conflict.”

The full statement can be read here.

Dozens of people have been detained at anti-war rallies in Moscow and Saint Petersburg in Russia, AFP is reporting.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to retake an airfield close to the capital Kyiv captured by Russian forces.

“Enemy paratroopers have been blocked in Gostomel — our troops have been given the order to destroy them,” Zelensky said in a video address.

Huge queues formed at a blood bank in Kharkiv today, as people try to help those injured in the conflict.

Huge queues at blood bank in Kharkiv. Dr says last time he saw this scale of blood donation was during 2014 conflict in Donbas. #ukraine #kharkiv pic.twitter.com/CQMBSypIuA

— Emily Upton (@emupton) February 24, 2022

We’re going to wrap up this liveblog for now. Thanks for staying with us throughout the day.

A new liveblog with the latest updates this evening will be on the site shortly.