President Joe Biden has said that Vladimir Putin is “poised to go much further” in attacking Ukraine, as he outlined a “first tranche” of sanctions against Russia.
In a televised statement, Mr Biden said that Russia's move to lay claim to more Ukrainian territory controlled by Kyiv represents “the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine”.
The president said the US would impose sanctions on Russia's sovereign debt, its financial institutions and the country’s elites and their family members.
“Who in the Lord’s name does Putin think gives him the right to declare new so-called countries on territory that belongs to his neighbours?” he asked.
Mr Biden warned that “Russia will pay an even steeper price if it continues its aggression”, but said that there was still time to avert the "worst-case scenario" of a full-scale invasion through diplomacy.
Follow the latest updates below.
09:29 PM
Watch: Ukrainians protest outside the Russian embassy after Putin recognises two breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine
Ukrainians protested outside the Russian embassy after Vladimir Putin recognized two breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine as independent pic.twitter.com/68N4chazTS
Russia's Sberbank and VTB would face sanctions if invasion proceeds, US official says
Russia's Sberbank and VTB would face American sanctions if Moscow proceeds with its invasion of Ukraine, a senior US administration official told reporters on Tuesday, warning that no Russian financial institutions were safe.
The official also said Russian elites not sanctioned on Tuesday should be on notice, while noting that the Biden administration was fully prepared with a large number of countries to implement export control measures if Russia further invades.
09:05 PM
What these three pictures tell us about Putin and power
Everything the Russian president presents to the world is about image – and his messages aren’t subtle, writes Guy Kelly.
There are plenty of mysteries surrounding the character, history and motivations of Vladimir Putin but, over the 23 years he’s spent as a world leader, we have at least grown used to one unassailable fact: nothing he does is accidental.
The weightlifting videos, the military exercises, the horseback-riding without a shirt – everything the Russian president presents to the world is about image, and the messages aren’t subtle.
In fact, subtlety would be a waste – he’s a drama queen at heart. It has never seemed coincidental that Vladislav Surkov, one of the founding fathers of Putinism and once a key figure within the administration, trained as a theatre director until he was sacked for fighting. The plots aren’t always tight, but they’re certainly tense.
Ukrainian president calls up reservists, launches programme of 'economic patriotism'
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday said he was calling up reservists for a special period but ruled out a general mobilisation after Russia announced it was moving troops into eastern Ukraine.
Mr Zelensky said he was still pursuing diplomatic ways out of the crisis and welcomed Turkey's willingness to participate in multilateral talks, but said Ukraine would not cede any territory to Russia.
Addressing the nation after a cross-party meeting in parliament, Mr Zelensky announced a programme of "economic patriotism" that included incentivising local production and value added tax cuts on gasoline.
x - via Reuters
08:50 PM
Russian oligarch hit with sanctions 'trained with Vladimir Putin at elite KGB spy academy'
Gennady Timchenko, 69, described by Boris Johnson as one of the Russian president’s “cronies”, is now blacklisted by the UK Government for his involvement in “destabilising Ukraine” and threatening its sovereignty.
Mr Timchenko, Russia’s sixth wealthiest individual with a fortune estimated at £15 billion, allegedly studied with Mr Putin at the KGB’s Red Banner Academy, just outside Moscow, in the 1980s. Mr Timchenko, who plays ice hockey with Mr Putin, has previously dismissed the claims as a “fairy tale”.
The oligarch was one of three tycoons identified on Tuesday for immediate sanctions, along with five Russian banks. The two other businessmen were named as Boris Rotenberg, 65, a judo partner and childhood friend of Mr Putin, and his nephew Igor Rotenberg, whose father Arkady has been on the British banned list since Russia’s annexation of the Crimea in 2014.
Britain must 'dust off' its nuclear defence plans, warns expert
The growing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has put the threat of nuclear war back on disaster planners' agenda, Anne Gulland and Sarah Newey report.
While the threat remains a distant one, it is closer now than any time since the 1970s, say experts, and Whitehall’s civil contingency plans are once again coming under the spotlight.
Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, fellow at Magdalene College, Cambridge and a former British Army chemical and nuclear weapons expert, believes the last few weeks have shown we are “closer to a Third World War than at any point since the 1970s” – the threat is tiny, he says, but one that we must be prepared for.
“In the depths of the Cold War we were very prepared and there was a realisation an attack was a reality. We had hundreds of bunkers around the country. But fast forward to 2022 and a lot of the planning and infrastructure has gone into abeyance and crumbled,” he says.
Biden orders around 800 troops and 20 helicopters to head to Baltic region
President Biden's announcement of a redistribution of troops in Europe includes sending 800 infantry soldiers to the Baltic region and up to eight F-35 fighter jets to several operating locations along NATO's eastern flank, a US official has said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
In addition, the United States will send 32 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters to the Baltic region and to Poland from locations within Europe.
"These additional personnel are being repositioned to reassure our Nato allies, deter any potential aggression against Nato member states, and train with host-nation forces," the senior US defense official said, adding that none of the new forces were coming from the United States.
08:41 PM
The Russian oligarchs threatened with 'unprecedented' sanctions amid Ukraine crisis
The three oligarchs now placed under sanctions were branded Vladimir Putin’s “cronies” by Boris Johnson, my colleague Robert Mendick reports.
One of them is reported to have attended the KGB’s elite spy training school with Mr Putin and they remain lifelong friends, while another has known the Russian president since childhood.
They are Gennady Timchenko, a tycoon said to be Russia’s sixth wealthiest individual with a net worth of £15 billion; and Boris Rotenberg, a close confidante of Mr Putin and an energy magnate.
Mr Rotenberg’s nephew Igor, whose father Arkady is said to be Mr Putin’s judo partner, is also placed under restrictions. Arkady Rotenberg has been on the British financial sanctions list since 2014, when Russia annexed the Crimea.
Biden meets with Ukraine Foreign Minister to 'reaffirm' support
US President Joe Biden met Tuesday with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to "reaffirm" support for Kyiv amid soaring tensions with Russia.
President Biden met with the top diplomat after Russia recognised two breakaway Ukrainian regions as independent to "reaffirm the United States' commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the White House said in a statement.
The President assured Mr Kuleba the United States "would continue providing security assistance and macroeconomic support to Ukraine," while also reiterating Washington's readiness "to respond swiftly and decisively to any further Russian aggression against Ukraine."
08:17 PM
Australian PM to convene National Security Committee meeting
🚨BREAKING: Australian Prime Minister @ScottMorrisonMP will today convene a meeting of the National Security Committee to discuss next steps with like-minded partners in relation to Russia & Ukraine. Further sanctions likely to be imposed #7NEWS#auspol
Putin did not watch Biden sanctions speech, Russian news agency claims
Russian President Vladimir Putin did not watch a speech by US President Joe Biden announcing sanctions on Tuesday and is currently in a meeting, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the RIA news agency.
07:59 PM
US Embassy in Kyiv praises Germany's decision to freeze Nord Stream 2
We applaud German Chancellor Sholz’s decision to freeze NS2. Strong Allied unity in the face of Russian aggression. More will follow.
Watch: How world leaders reacted as Putin ordered troops into eastern Ukraine
07:52 PM
'None of us should be fooled' by Putin, Biden warns
President Biden has said he expected the Kremlin to start a war and that "none of us should be fooled".
The US President told reporters: "We still believe that Russia is poised to go much further in launching a massive military attack against Ukraine."
He said: "There are still well over 150,000 Russian troops surrounding Ukraine, and as I said, Russian forces remain positioned to Belarus to attack Ukraine from the north, including warplanes and offensive missile systems.
"Russia's moved troops closer to Ukraine's border with Russia.
"Russia's naval vessels are manoeuvring in the Black Sea to Ukraine's south including amphibious assault ships, missile cruisers, and submarines.
"Russia has moved supplies of blood and medical equipment into position on their border. You don't need blood unless you plan on starting a war."
07:48 PM
'Still time' for diplomacy and to 'avert the worst case scenario' in Ukraine, Biden says
US President Joe Biden said Tuesday there was still time to avert the "worst case scenario" of a bloody full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine through diplomacy.
"There's no question that Russia is the aggressor, so we're clear eyed about the challenges we're facing," Biden said in a nationwide address from the White House.
"Nonetheless, there is still time to avert the worst case scenario that will bring untold suffering to millions of people if they move as suggested."
07:43 PM
Biden says will continue to supply 'defensive' weapons to Ukraine
US President Joe Biden said Tuesday that the United States would continue to supply "defensive" weapons to Ukraine against a Russian invasion and deploy more US troops to reinforce Nato allies in Eastern Europe.
"I have authorised additional movements of US forces and equipment, already stationed in Europe, to strengthen our Baltic allies, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania," Biden said.
"Let me be clear, these are totally defensive moves on our part."
07:35 PM
Biden: 'Russia has now undeniably moved against Ukraine'
President Biden has said that “Russia has now undeniably moved against Ukraine by declaring these independent states.”
He warned that Russia is “setting up a rationale to go much further” in Ukraine, and predicted a larger attack in the days to come.
“This is the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine,” he said.
“Who in the lord’s name does Putin think gives him the right to declare new so-called countries on territory that belongs to his neighbours?
"This is a flagrant violation of international law,” he added.
07:33 PM
President Biden announces sanctions on Russia
President Biden has announced that the US will impose sanctions on Russia in light of Russia announcing that it is “carving out a chunk of Ukraine”.
In a televised statement, Biden said “this is the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine”, and outlined the sanctions to be imposed by the US.
The US will impose full blocking sanctions on Russian institutions VEB and their military banks, and cut off Russia’s government from Western finances.
Starting tomorrow, Mr Biden says the US “will also impose sanctions on Russia’s elites and their family members”.
“Nord Stream 2 will not move forward,” he confirmed.
Today, in close coordination with our Allies and partners, I am announcing the first tranche of sanctions to impose costs on Russia in response to yesterday’s actions.
We will continue to escalate sanctions as Russia escalates.
EU to impose further sanctions on Russia in event of invasion - Germany's Scholz
Germany and the European Union are in a position to decide on further sanctions against Russia if it invades Ukraine, which cannot be ruled out, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Tuesday.
Mr Scholz said Russia's recognition of the two regions of Luhansk and Donetsk was not compatible with international law and endangered the sovereignty of Ukraine.
"We cannot accept this," Mr Scholz was quoted as saying by broadcaster RTL, adding that respecting borders was important for peace in Europe.
"If everyone in Europe starts leafing through history books where borders used to be, then we have a very unsettling time ahead of us," Mr Scholz added.
07:19 PM
Russia-Ukraine crisis in pictures
x - AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda x - AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda x - REUTERS/Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy
06:54 PM
Ambrose Evans-Pritchard: 'Vladimir Putin controls the supply chain of western technology, so who is bluffing?'
Russia has the power to hobble key industries in the US and Europe by restricting supplies of metals, writes Ambrose Evans-Pritchard.
The wishful thinking has begun. Core Europe is already persuading itself that Vladimir Putin will be sated with Donetsk and Luhansk, allowing European companies to keep selling Gucci bags and BMWs to Russia in exchange for commodities – after a stern lecture on international law, of course.
The US, UK, and Poland have reached the opposite conclusion, strongly suspecting that the military occupation of the Donbas is the springboard for a full invasion of Ukraine.
Bear in mind what Putin has lost by this action: he has killed the Minsk accord and therefore ended the possibility of controlling Kyiv’s foreign and security policy through the veto power of these two puppet regions.
If he left it there, he would emerge from this crisis in a weaker strategic position.
EU agrees sanctions 'to hurt Russia' over Ukraine crisis
The European Union has agreed new sanctions on Russia that will blacklist more politicians, lawmakers and officials, ban EU investors from trading in Russian state bonds, and target imports and exports with separatist entities.
The package of sanctions includes all members of the lower house of the Russian parliament who voted in favour of the recognition of the breakaway regions, freezing any assets they have in the EU and banning them from travelling to the bloc.
It was not immediately clear when the sanctions would take effect, but diplomats expect them in the coming hours or days, when names and details will be made public.
06:39 PM
Poland 'well prepared' to welcome Ukrainians fleeing conflict, EU commissioner says
Poland is "quite well prepared to welcome a lot of Ukrainians" fleeing a Russian offensive in their country, the EU's home affairs commissioner said after talks on Tuesday with Poland's deputy interior minister.
EU commissioner Ylva Johansson spoke in Warsaw with Poland's Bartosz Grodecki on his country's plans and preparations to handle various scenarios that might be thrown up by Moscow's decisions to recognise separatist regions in eastern Ukraine and to ready troops to deploy into them, and beyond.
"I must say that I'm quite convinced that Poland is quite well prepared to welcome a lot of Ukrainians if necessary," she told AFP in a telephone interview.
EU member Poland is part of the bloc's border with Ukraine, a non-member.
06:35 PM
US seeking way 'to avoid further conflict' in Ukraine: Pentagon chief
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has condemned Russia's "latest invasion" of Ukraine but said the United States is working with allies to prevent the conflict from growing.
Speaking at the Pentagon with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Mr Austin said the United States will continue to work closely with Kyiv and allies "in trying to find a way to avoid further conflict."
Russian President Vladimir Putin "can still avoid a full blown, tragic war of choice," Mr Austin added.
06:25 PM
Slovakia sees rise in propaganda and disinformation from Russia, president says
Slovakia has seen a rise in propaganda and disinformation from Russia, President Zuzana Caputova said on Tuesday.
"We see, also in Slovakia, a significant growth in hybrid activities by Russia, spreading of disinformation and propaganda," she said after a meeting of the state's security council held to discuss the Ukraine-Russia crisis.
05:59 PM
France cancels Friday meeting with Russian foreign minister
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has said he would cancel the Paris invitation to his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov for talks after Russia's recognition of breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine.
"It's [a] no," Le Drian told journalists in Paris when asked whether the Friday meeting would go ahead, although EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell added that "diplomatic action will continue to avert a war in the heart of Europe".
05:58 PM
'Putin no longer honours Russia's signature' on key accords, France says
France has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin Tuesday of failing to respect his country's commitments to key international accords including the 2014 Minsk agreement seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
"President Putin no longer honours Russia's signature," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said after announcing a unanimous decision by the EU's 27 member states to impose new sanctions on Russia following its recognition of breakaway regions in Ukraine's east.
05:55 PM
Trucks with soldiers seen moving in Russia towards Ukraine border
A military convoy of more than 100 trucks with soldiers was seen heading in the direction of the Ukrainian border in Russia's Belgorod region, a witness has told Reuters.
More to follow.
05:53 PM
Russia to evacuate diplomats from Ukraine
Russia has said it will soon evacuate its diplomatic staff from Ukraine to "protect their lives", after lawmakers allowed President Vladimir Putin to use force abroad.
"To protect the lives and safety [of diplomats], the Russian leadership decided to evacuate the personnel of Russian foreign missions in Ukraine, which will be implemented in the near future," Moscow's foreign ministry said in a statement.
x - Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV/AFP via Getty Images
05:51 PM
Europe needs to diversify its energy supply, Ursula von der Leyen says
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that Germany is right in its Nord Stream 2 decision and that Europe needs to "diversify" its energy supply.
In a televised address, Ms von der Leyen said that if Russia continues to escalate the current crisis "we are ready to take further action in response", adding that "the European Union is united and acting fast".
x - Photo by JOHANNA GERON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
05:45 PM
'We intend to escalate these sanctions', minister says
Foreign Office minister James Cleverly has said that "the UK Government's actions are not limited to what the Prime Minister has currently announced."
He added: "We are going to bring forward further legislation to further extend the measures available to us."
He said: "We intend to escalate these sanctions, to ratchet up these sanctions, in response to what has already happened in order to deter further aggression and in order to stimulate (Vladimir) Putin to withdraw the troops from Ukraine."
Mr Cleverly said the changes would allow the Government "to impose sanctions on a much broader range of individuals and businesses who are or have been involved in... obtaining a benefit from, or supporting, the government of Russia" and would allow sanctions on a "huge scope of individuals and entities".
He added: "Should Russian stage any further invasion into Ukraine, we will not hesitate to implement comprehensive and unprecedented additional packages of sanctions in close coordination with our allies around the world."
05:33 PM
Listen to our analysis of the latest Russia-Ukraine developments
Finland to re-evaluate Russian Rosatom nuclear reactor project over crisis in Ukraine
Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin said Tuesday that the country would re-evaluate the security risks for a planned nuclear power reactor to built by Russian state-owned firm Rosatom following Russia's actions in Ukraine.
The decision, which was proposed by the country's defence ministry was announced at a press conference addressing the crisis in Ukraine and European sanctions against Russia.
"Russia's actions towards Ukraine are completely unacceptable. Finland has condemned them, and the EU has condemned them," Ms Marin said.
Russia on Monday recognised two separatist regions of Ukraine as independent.
05:18 PM
Johnson and Macron agree on need to work together on Russian sanctions
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to continue to work together to target those who supported Russian President Vladimir Putin's "aggressive approach", Johnson's office said.
"The leaders agreed they needed to continue to work in lockstep to target Russian individuals and entities bankrolling President Putin’s aggressive approach," a spokesperson for Johnson said after the British and French leaders spoke by phone.
"Russia’s actions don’t just threaten Ukraine’s sovereignty, but are a blatant attack on freedom and democracy, the leaders agreed."
05:00 PM
US says Russia's latest moves put world on verge of 'dark and dangerous era'
Russia's recognition of two separatist regions of Ukraine and its decision to send troops are the start of a new invasion and put the world on the verge of "a dark and dangerous era", US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said on Tuesday.
"Make no mistake: Yesterday's actions are the beginning of the latest Russian invasion of Ukraine," she said in a statement to an extraordinary meeting of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe's participating states, adding: "We are on the precipice of a dark and dangerous era."
04:59 PM
Britain mistakenly puts Russian central bank's address on sanctions list
Britain on Tuesday mistakenly assigned the address of the Russian central bank to a privately held bank with close links to Russian President Vladimir Putin that was the target of sanctions announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Johnson slapped sanctions on five private banks including Bank Rossiya, which the government said was "privately owned by elite Russian billionaires with direct links to Putin", but spared Russia's largest state banks for now.
The government mistakenly listed Bank Rossiya's address as "Neglinnaya, 12, Moscow, 107016, Russia" which is the address of Russia's central bank, known in Russian as "Bank Rossiya."
The private Bank Rossiya is based in the northern Russian city of St Petersburg. Neglinnaya Street in Moscow has been home to a Russian or Soviet central bank office for at least a century.
There is no suggestion that the Russian central bank was sanctioned by Britain.
Britain's foreign ministry did not reply to Reuters' request for comment on the mix-up.
04:55 PM
Putin says Ukraine's Minsk peace process is finished, blames Kyiv
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that the Minsk peace agreement on Ukraine no longer existed and that there was nothing left to fulfil, but he blamed Kyiv instead of Moscow for killing it off.
He made the comments at a news conference in Moscow a day after he formally recognised two separatist republics in eastern Ukraine as independent.
Putin said that Moscow had recognised the two breakaway republics within the boundaries of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions, swathes of which are controlled by Ukrainian government forces.
04:54 PM
Putin calls for recognition of Crimea as Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for international recognition of Crimea as part of Russia, an end to Ukraine's Nato membership bid and a halt to weapons shipments there.
Putin claimed that Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula should be internationally recognised as a legitimate reflection of the local population's choice, likening it to a vote for Kosovo independence. The annexation has been widely condemned by Western powers as a breach of international law.
To end the current crisis, he also called for the renunciation of Ukraine's Nato bid, saying it should assume a "neutral status," and said that the West should stop sending weapons there.
04:50 PM
Nato concludes press conference as Russia sanctions announced
Nato's Secretary General has concluded a press conference as Russian sanctions were announced.
04:48 PM
Putin says Russia recognises separatist claims to whole of Donbas, beyond areas they do not currently hold
Vladimir Putin has said Russia recognises the separatists' sovereignty over all of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
Russian officials have so far provided little clarity what the Russian recognition means.
Self-proclaimed authorities in Donetsk and Luhansk control about one-third of the region commonly known as the Donbass. But they held more territory when they held a vote in May 2014 proclaiming independence.
Both republics claim in their constitution that they project their sovereignty on all of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
President Putin said at a news conference on Tuesday Moscow recognises the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics "the way it is written in their constitution."
But he stopped short of threatening to attack the government-controlled parts of eastern Ukraine, saying: "We hope all issues will be resolved in talks between the Kyiv government and the leadership of the republics."
04:46 PM
Putin declines to give straight answer on question of Russian troop deployment
Asked about whether Russian troops will be deployed to the separatist-held republics or go beyond that, Vladimir Putin did not give a straight answer.
"I didn't say they will go there straight after our meeting," he said, adding that the deployments and where it will go was "impossible to predict: It depends on the situation on the ground."
04:40 PM
Putin calls on Ukraine to demilitarise
At a press conference, the Russian President called on Ukraine to demilitarise.
He added that an "armed to the teeth Ukraine" which he described as "anti-Russia" was "unacceptable".
Putin said that Russia is "seriously concerned" about the threat of Ukraine developing nuclear weapons, claiming that President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent remarks deploring Ukraine giving up its nuclear arsenal in 1994 were "targeted at Russia: We have taken a note of them."
04:34 PM
Russia continues to plan for Ukraine attack, Stoltenberg says
Russia has not stopped planning for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine since recognising the independence of separatist enclaves, Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said.
"Every indication is that Russia is continuing to plan for a full-scale attack of Ukraine," Mr Stoltenberg told a news conference. "We continue to call on Russia to step back ... it's never too late not to attack," he added.
04:31 PM
Stoltenberg: Nato has over 100 jets at 'high alert'
“In the last weeks, allies have deployed thousands of more troops to the eastern part of the alliance and placed more on standby.
“We have over 100 jets at high alert and there are more than 120 allied ships at sea from the high north to the Mediterranean. We will continue to do whatever is necessary to shield the alliance from aggression.”
04:20 PM
Russian troops have moved into the Donbas, says Stoltenberg
The Nato chief said that Russian troops had moved into the Donbas region but added that Russian military personnel had already been present in different covert operations for many years.
He said the overt move was a “step change” combined with the recognition of the separatist territories by Russia.
04:17 PM
Stoltenberg: ‘Russia already invaded Ukraine in 2014’
“Russia has already invaded Ukraine. They invaded Ukraine back in 2014, they annexed a part of Ukraine in Crimea. And since 2014 there have been Russian military units in the Donbas.”
“What we see now is that a country which is already invaded is suffering further invasion,” Mr Stoltenberg said.
04:12 PM
‘Most dangerous moment in European security for a generation’, says Nato chief
“This is the most dangerous moment in European security for a generation," Jens Stoltenberg said.
He added that "Europe and North America continue to stand strong together in Nato, united and committed to defending and protecting each other.”
04:10 PM
Stoltenberg: ‘Crisis created by Russia alone’
Mr Stoltenberg said that this was a “crisis created by Russia alone. We commend Ukraine for its restraint in not responding to Russia's repeated provocations.”
“We will continue to provide Ukraine with strong political support and allies are providing equipment to help Ukraine defend itself as well as sustained financial support," he added.
04:07 PM
Jens Stoltenberg: Moscow has moved from ‘covert attempts to destabilise Ukraine to overt military action’
At a Nato press conference, the alliance’s secretary general said: “Moscow has moved from covert attempts to destabilise Ukraine to overt military action”.
He added the move was a “serious escalation by Russia and a flagrant violation of international law”.
03:52 PM
Putin asks lawmakers for permission to use force outside Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked the country's parliament for a permission to use military force outside the country.
Putin's letter to the upper house of parliament would formalize a Russian military deployment to rebel regions in eastern Ukraine, a day after the Russian leader recognised their independence.
It may also herald Putin's intention to launch a broader attack on Ukraine.
Lawmakers are expected to quickly rubber-stamp Putin's request during a session Tuesday.
03:47 PM
US declares Russian invasion of Ukraine 'underway'
The United States has declared that an invasion of Ukraine by Russia is underway.
Jon Finer, US deputy national security adviser, said: “We think this is, yes, the beginning of an invasion, Russia’s latest invasion into Ukraine.
"I think ‘latest’ is important here. An invasion is an invasion, and that is what is underway. But Russia has been invading Ukraine since 2014."
Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, also said Russia had "invaded" Ukraine.
It came after the US had previously declined to use the word "invasion" in the wake of Vladimir Putin's decision to send "peacekeeping" forces into Donetsk and Luhansk.
s - Photo by ARIS MESSINIS/AFP via Getty Images
03:44 PM
Biden to deliver remarks on Russia and Ukraine at 6pm
US President Joe Biden will deliver remarks at 6pm GMT on Tuesday to provide an update on the situation concerning Russia and Ukraine, the White House has said.
03:41 PM
Ukraine says partners are 'finally' listening on Russia sanctions, will ask for more weapons
Ukraine is cautiously optimistic that its allies are finally listening to Kyiv about the need to impose sanctions on Russia and that Russia had been wrongfooted by being sanctioned sooner than expected, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a briefing, Kuleba said he would have more talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and that separately he had contacted Britain and other countries with additional requests for weapons.
03:40 PM
Hungary to deploy troops near its border with Ukraine
Hungary will deploy an unspecified number of troops near its border with Ukraine, for both security purposes and humanitarian tasks, the defence ministry said on Tuesday on the government's official Facebook page.
Several countries in Eastern Europe have made preparations for potentially hundreds of thousands of people fleeing Ukraine if a crisis with Russia escalates.
"Hungary's security is the most important, we are reinforcing the Ukraine-Hungary border," the statement said.
The ministry said that defending the borders and preparing for a humanitarian mission were equally important tasks. The ministry did not say how many troops would be deployed.
Hungarian Defence Minister Tibor Benko said the deployments were needed in case the conflict currently focused in eastern Ukraine spreads across the country toward Hungary's borders, the national news agency MTI reported.
03:37 PM
Ukraine drafts bill to close borders with Belarus and Russia
Ukraine's parliament has drafted a bill to declare martial law in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and terminate transport links with the Russian Federation.
The bill also proposes closing the state border with the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation.
03:27 PM
Kenyan ambassador condemns Russian aggression against Ukraine
Kenya’s ambassador has condemned Russian aggression against Ukraine in a viral speech that has been described by experts as the best the United Nations Security Council has seen in recent years, reports Will Brown.
Ambassador Martin Kimani said on Monday that the territorial integrity and sovereignty had been breached and that the UN Charter "continues to wilt under the relentless assault of the powerful”
He drew a comparison to Africa and how the continent has avoided major border wars since the end of imperialism. "Kenya, and almost every Africa country, was birthed by the ending of empire. Our borders were not of our own drawing.’"
"At independence, had we chosen to pursue states on the basis of ethnic, racial or religious homogeneity, we would still be waging bloody wars many decades later.
"Instead, we agreed we would settle for the borders that we inherited. But we would still pursue continental political, economic and legal integration."
All the African members of the Security Council — Kenya, Ghana and Gabon — have voiced support for Ukraine.
03:21 PM
White House begins referring to Russian troop deployments in eastern Ukraine as an 'invasion'
The White House has begun referring to Russian troop deployments in eastern Ukraine as an "invasion" after initially hesitating to use the term.
Jon Finer, the principal deputy national security adviser, said Tuesday: "We think this is, yes, the beginning of an invasion, Russia's latest invasion into Ukraine."
The White House decided to begin referring to Russia's actions as an "invasion" because of the situation on the ground, according to a US official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
The administration resisted initially calling the deployment of troops because the White House wanted to see what Russia was actually going to do. The official added that, after assessing Russian troop movements, it became clear it was a new invasion.
03:10 PM
Britain warns of cyberattacks as Russia-Ukraine crisis escalates
Britain has warned of potential cyberattacks with "international consequences" after Russian President Vladimir Puitin ordered troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine.
Britain's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of the GCHQ eavesdropping intelligence agency, called on British organisations to "bolster their online defences" following the developments.
"While the NCSC is not aware of any current specific threats to UK organisations in relation to events in and around Ukraine, there has been an historical pattern of cyber attacks on Ukraine with international consequences," it said in a statement.
Last week, Ukranian banking and government websites were briefly knocked offline by a spate of distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks which the United States and Britain said were carried out by Russian military hackers.
Russia rejected the allegations.
03:03 PM
Russian lawmakers to continue session behind closed doors, Russian state media report
Russia's upper house of parliament will convene behind closed doors when it continues its session at 3pm GMT on Tuesday following an unusual hours-long break, the RIA news agency cited an unnamed source as saying.
The Federation Council told lawmakers to return in the evening, an unusual move after they voted to support friendship treaties with two breakaway regions of Ukraine.
03:01 PM
Russia casts boundary issue of breakaway Ukrainian regions as future issue
Russia's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that the boundaries of two separatist Ukrainian regions that Moscow has formally recognised was a matter to be resolved in the future, the Interfax news agency reported.
A Russian-backed separatist leader said earlier on Tuesday that Moscow formally recognised the breakaway region of Donetsk within the wider boundaries of eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, much of which is controlled by Ukrainian forces.
02:55 PM
'Further economic pain' to be inflicted on Russia if aggression against Ukraine continues, Sunak says
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said "further economic pain" would be inflicted on Russia if its aggression against Ukraine continued.
He said: "The UK is imposing an initial tranche of sanctions in response to Russia's violation of international law and disregard of Ukraine's sovereignty.
"This is the first wave and we will not hesitate to inflict further economic pain alongside our allies if this aggression continues."
02:50 PM
Ofcom to examine complaints about RT's coverage of the Ukraine crisis 'as a priority'
The broadcast regulator Ofcom has said it will examine complaints about RT's coverage of the Ukraine crisis "as a priority", reports Sam Hall.
In the House of Commons today, the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said "Russia Today [RT] should be prevented from broadcasting its propaganda around the world" in order to tackle "Putin's campaign of misinformation".
An Ofcom spokesman said: "All licensees must observe Ofcom’s rules, including due accuracy and due impartiality. If broadcasters break those rules, we will not hesitate to step in. "Given the seriousness of the Ukraine crisis, we will examine complaints about any broadcaster's coverage of these events as a priority."
02:47 PM
'Never too late for diplomacy', Defence Secretary says
Asked if it was too late for diplomacy, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has said: "It's never too late for diplomacy.
"We have spent weeks trying across Europe. President Macron has tried, the Chancellor of Germany has tried, the Prime Minister... has tried.
"He has not been short of people trying to engage both directly with him, and indeed, many of us in this room have tried to engage with a number of our counterparts.
"So it is never too late, but as I've always said, we'll take them at their word and judge them by their actions."
02:44 PM
Further sanctions against Russia 'inevitable', PM says
It is "inevitable" that there will be more sanctions against Russia, Boris Johnson has said.
The Prime Minister's comments come as Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokeswoman Layla Moran pressed him on what the trigger for further sanctions will be.
She said: "Five banks, three of Putin's cronies but two of which have already been sanctioned by the US. This isn't us working in concert, this is us already behind. I hear what the Prime Minister has said about more sanctions are to come. Can he be clear with us then, what is the trigger?"
Mr Johnson said: "I think it is inevitable that there will be more sanctions to come because I am afraid I think it's inevitable that Vladimir Putin is going to continue with his flagrant violation of international law. What we are doing today is the first barrage that we are orchestrating in concert with our friends and partners, keeping something in reserve because there must still be the possibility that we can avert an hideous outbreak of bloodshed in Ukraine."
Meanwhile, Conservative MP John Howell (Henley), who is the leader of the UK delegation to the Council of Europe, told the Commons he will be calling later today for "the suspension of Russia from the Council of Europe" and asked for the Prime Minister's support.
Mr Johnson replied: "I wholeheartedly support what he just said."
02:38 PM
UK to sanction Russian Duma and Federation Council members who supported recognition of self-declared republics
The UK government will sanction all Russian Duma and Federation Council members who voted in favour of recognition of self-declared republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, it has announced.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said that "the UK will also sanction those members of the Russian Duma and Federation Council who voted to recognise the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk in flagrant violation of Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty."
x - Photo by HANDOUT/Russia's State Duma/AFP via Getty Images
02:34 PM
Spike in oil and gas prices could follow 'Putin's venture', PM warns
There could be a spike in gas and oil prices as a consequence of "Putin's venture", Boris Johnson has said.
Conservative former minister Robert Halfon told MPs: "Can I just ask my right honourable friend, what assessment have the Government made of the impact from the war on energy prices, of oil prices and the subsequent impact on people, on people at home, and what measures can the Government mitigate those factors, which, as we know, the war is likely to increase the cost of living for ordinary folk across the country?"
Mr Johnson replied: "He is quite right that one of the risks of Putin's venture is that there could be a spike in gas prices, in oil prices...
"The Government will do everything we can to mitigate it and help the people in this country but it's one of the reasons why the whole of Western Europe has got to end their dependence on Russian oil and gas."
02:32 PM
Navalny says Putin's speech like a 'drunk grandad' and 'would be funny if he didn't have nukes'
Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has said that Putin's speech on Monday was reminiscent of a "drunk grandad" and that it "would be funny if he didn't have nukes".
In a Twitter thread, Mr Navalny said: "And so, the head of the 21st century Politburo makes a truly insane speech. Twitter gave the most accurate metaphor for it: “It's just like my grandfather getting drunk at a family celebration and annoying everyone with his stories about how world politics actually works.”
"It would be funny if the drunk grandfather was not a man of 69 who holds power in a country with nuclear weapons," he added.
8/16 And so, the head of the 21st century Politburo makes a truly insane speech. Twitter gave the most accurate metaphor for it: “It's just like my grandfather getting drunk at a family celebration and annoying everyone with his stories about how world politics actually works.”
Children of Russians connected to Kremlin should 'not be allowed to benefit' from UK education, MP says
Conservative MP Nickie Aiken (Cities of Westminster and London) has said that the "children of those Russians connected to the Kremlin who may be in schools in this country should be perhaps sent home to Russia and not be allowed to benefit from education within this country".
The Prime Minister replied: "I think when it comes to children, maybe I think I am not quite there. I think that the sins of the fathers or indeed the mothers should not be visited on their children, in my opinion."
02:25 PM
Putin in an 'irrational frame of mind', PM warns
President Vladimir Putin is in an "irrational frame of mind" and may not respond logically to sanctions, the Prime Minister has warned.
Labour MP for Chester Christian Matheson said: "I welcome the Prime Minister's statement but look, Russia is a mafia sate. Putin is the godfather, the 'capo di tutti i capi', and he won't change until his 'capos' and his under bosses force him to change, and they won't do that until we pull the financial rug from under their feet. We are in a unique position to do it."
Boris Johnson replied: "We are in a position to impose very considerable economic costs on Putin. The question is whether he is going to care enough about it because he is clearly in an illogical and irrational frame of mind."
02:21 PM
US embassy trolls Putin
The US embassy in Kyiv has mocked Vladimir Putin's claims that communist Russia created Ukraine.
The embassy pointed out that Ukraine has its own thousand-year history in a meme contrasting images of its capital Kyiv in 996 against a non-existent Moscow.
The meme included images of Ukraine's capital from 996 to 1108, alongside images of a forest to represent the Russian capital, pointing out that Moscow had yet to be established.
It came after Mr Putin argued that Ukrainian statehood was an invention of Russia's former communist leader Vladimir Lenin.
“Modern Ukraine was entirely and fully created by Russia, more specifically the Bolshevik, communist Russia,” Mr Putin said in a speech on Monday night.
“This process began practically immediately after the 1917 revolution, and moreover Lenin and his associates did it in the sloppiest way in relation to Russia — by dividing, tearing from her pieces of her own historical territory.”
Sanctions imposed on Russia are 'significantly harsh', Defence Secretary says
Asked why Russia has not been handed the hardest and harshest sanctions yet, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "We already have significant sanctions against both individuals and other entities since 2014.
"Secondly the sanctions we have announced today, including against five Russian banks, are significantly harsh.
"There are still more sanctions in the tank, and the main thing is that we do all this together.
"Sometimes that means we have to move at slightly different paces, but fundamentally we are all following a path, both the United Kingdom, the EU, the United States, that will lead to sanctions being ratcheted up and over time I think that is really important that we do it in step.
"If we don't then I think President (Vladimir) Putin would absolutely try to exploit that to his benefit and that's why we will do this today at the level we are.
"On top of that, I think there's a plan to try and have a leaders' meeting to discuss the next stages of Nato."
02:16 PM
PM acknowledges criticism over sanctions
Boris Johnson has detected the growing criticism from MPs across the political spectrum about why his new sanctions have not gone further.
The Prime Minister put forward a host of explanations, including that allies were less willing than the UK to move quickly with tougher sanctions.
Mr Johnson said that "different countries have different priorities" when it comes to sanctions, noting that some allies find sanctions that could impact hydrocarbon imports tougher to implement.
Later in the House of Commons debate Mr Johnson was more explicit: “I know the House wants us to hit Putin with absolutely everything that we have today.
"But I think what we want to do is to prioritise unity amongst the alliance and amongst our friends and work in lockstep with them. So there will be more to come.”
02:11 PM
Putin will have 'discounted' western sanctions, warns Jeremy Hunt
Vladimir Putin will have "predicted and discounted western sanctions long ago", a former foreign secretary has warned.
Jeremy Hunt called on Boris Johnson to "do some things [President Putin] is not expecting" such as significantly increasing defence spending and economic and financial sanctions "that don't last until the next Government decides to have a reset, but if necessary as long as this dangerous man remains president of Russia".
Mr Johnson pointed to increased defence spending and said it was a "tragedy" that President Putin's armed forces had been financed by the sale of oil and gas to Europe, "and that is what has got to end".
Nadia Whittome, the Labour MP for Nottingham East, flagged a commitment from the Polish government to accept up to one million refugees as she asked what Mr Johnson's own government would do.
"What we're doing is helping the countries that are directly vulnerable to an exodus of refugees from Ukraine, and we've put another 1,000 troops on standby," Mr Johnson said. "This country will continue to do what it has always done and receive those who are fleeing in fear of persecution. That is what we will do."
02:06 PM
'Rosvgardia' units seen in Belarus suggest Kremlin planning to occupy Kyiv
Russia has deployed squads of National Guard enforcers near Ukraine's border with Belarus in what could become an occupation force in Kyiv, as fears grow that Moscow intends to launch a full-scale invasion, James Rothwell reports.
Military analysts closely observing the Russian troop build-up have seen videos which appear to show Rosvgardia [National Guard] units and trucks moving towards the Belarus-Ukraine border.
The footage of Rosvgardia forces, which have previously been deployed in Syria, will add to fears that Russia plans to kill and imprison high-profile Ukrainians if it enters Kyiv.
'Indignation must not spill into Russophobia' - Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson said "we should not allow our indignation, our rage, at what is happening in Ukraine to spill over into casual Russophobia".
Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi said in the Commons: "I am glad that the Prime Minister is talking tough and taking a strong stand against continued Russian aggression and imperialism, but when will he himself stop playing tennis with Russian oligarchs in exchange for money for the Conservative Party?"
Mr Johnson responded by saying the Government is "way out in front of" European partners in what it is doing to implement sanctions on Russian entities.
"But what I don't think we should see, if I may just respectfully say - and I've just been listening to some of the contributions this morning - we should not allow our indignation, our rage, at what is happening in Ukraine to spill over into casual Russophobia."
"I don't want to see us discriminating against Russians as a people or simply on the basis of their nationality."
russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates
01:50 PM
US welcomes Germany's halt to Nord Stream 2
The United States has been in close consultations with Germany and welcomes its announcement halting the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, the White House has said.
President Joe Biden "made clear that if Russia invaded Ukraine, we would act with Germany to ensure Nord Stream 2 does not move forward," White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki tweeted.
"We have been in close consultations with Germany overnight and welcome their announcement. We will be following up with our own measures today."
@POTUS made clear that if Russia invaded Ukraine, we would act with Germany to ensure Nord Stream 2 does not move forward. We have been in close consultations with Germany overnight and welcome their announcement. We will be following up with our own measures today.
Pressure grows for PM to go further with sanctions
There is growing criticism from MPs - including Tories - about the scale of the UK sanctions announced today and whether they go far enough, reports our Political Editor Ben Riley-Smith.
Iain Duncan Smith, the former Tory leader, said Russia should be hit with sanctions “hard” and “now”, adding: “They need to feel the pain.”
Crispin Blunt, the former Tory chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, said of Mr Putin: “He has already committed the crimes that deserve the most severest punishment from the free world.”
Hilary Benn, the former shadow foreign secretary, asked that given Mr Johnson has said there has been an invasion “why is he waiting before he imposes full sanctions on Russia now?”
The Prime Minister said he has argued the most severe sanctions would only be announced if Russian troops cross into “more sovereign Ukrainian territory”.
The comment suggests the point which will trigger even tougher sanctions will be Russian military incursion beyond the breakaway regions.
01:41 PM
Recognition of separatist regions 'violates international law' - Ben Wallace
Britain’s Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has said that Vladimir Putin's recognition of the breakaway regions of Ukraine "violates international law".
Speaking at a Joint Expeditionary Force ministerial meeting, Mr Wallace said: “The recognition of these Republics is not only against international law, but basically breaches or trashes, the Minsk agreements, making it very hard to see a resolution in that space.”
“I should remind people Ukraine has been separate to Russia as a nation longer than it's been part of Russia as a simple fact of history. He should look at his history books and not selectively pick dates that suit the narrative.”
“And I think that is what we should all can be concerned about a man who doesn't follow international law, a man who is now a very large army on the doorstep of sovereign state, and seems to not even worry that the false flags and the fake news that we're watching is so obvious. It is sadly almost comical,” he added.
01:37 PM
Dmitry Medvedev issues threat over European gas prices
Europe will soon be paying 2000-euros for gas, the Deputy Chair of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev has warned.
Gas prices currently sit at 900-euros per 1,000 cubic metre for gas.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has issued an order to halt the process of certifying the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Well. Welcome to the brave new world where Europeans are very soon going to pay €2.000 for 1.000 cubic meters of natural gas!
Germany could send more troops to Nato's eastern flank
Germany could send more troops to Lithuania and other countries on Nato's eastern flank after Russia formally recognised two regions of Ukraine as independent, Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht has said.
"It is clear that we need to apply stricter deterrence measures," Ms Lambrecht told a joint news conference with her Lithuanian counterpart in Rukla military base.
"I want to underscore that we are ready to send more troops, land and air. We are ready to send more troops also to Lithuania and signal that we are together with partners and we are a trustworthy partner in a crisis," she said.
Germany is now assessing the needs for reinforcements and will make decisions in the near future, Ms Lambrecht said, adding that deployments would not be limited to Lithuania.
01:25 PM
Nato to hold press conference at 4pm
Nato has announced an "extraordinary" meeting this afternoon with Ukraine's envoy after Russia recognised two separatist regions in the east of the country as independent.
A statement from the alliance said Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg would brief media at 4pm London after the talks with non-Nato member Ukraine.
01:20 PM
Russia not planning to send troops to east Ukraine 'for now'
Russia is not planning to send troops to eastern Ukraine "for now" but will do so in case of a "threat", a foreign ministry official has said after Moscow's parliament ratified cooperation deals with Ukraine's separatist republics.
Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said the treaties include the provision of "military aid" but added that "speculation" on troop deployments should be avoided.
"For now, no one is planning to send anything anywhere. If there is a threat, then we will provide assistance in accordance with the ratified treaties."
01:17 PM
Ukraine moves military assets, in pictures
russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - ANTONIO BRONIC /REUTERS russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - UKRAINIAN ARMED FORCES /REUTERS russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - ANTONIO BRONIC /REUTERS russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - UKRAINIAN ARMED FORCES /REUTERS
01:14 PM
EU proposes sanctions targeting banks, market access
The EU has said it wants to target banks financing Russian operations in Ukraine's separatist territories following Moscow's recognition of their independence, and hit Moscow's access to European financial markets.
The proposed sanctions - which also include blacklisting officials and hitting trade with the breakaway regions - will be formally submitted later today, said a statement from EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel.
The measures have to be approved by all 27 EU members states.
"The EU has prepared and stands ready to adopt additional measures at a later stage if needed in the light of further developments," the statement added.
It said it would target "those who were involved in the illegal decision" and "trade from the two breakaway regions to and from the EU".
In addition, it was aimed at banks "financing Russian military and other operations in those territories".
And it said it would "target the ability of the Russian state and government to access the EU's capital and financial markets and services, to limit the financing of escalatory and aggressive policies".
01:11 PM
Smoke seen rising from power station in Luhansk
russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - Vadim Ghirda /AP russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - Vadim Ghirda /AP russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - ARIS MESSINIS /AFP
01:06 PM
Germany to halt the process of certifying the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, says Olaf Scholz
01:03 PM
'No chance' Russia can hold football tournaments - Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson insisted there is "no chance" of holding football tournaments in a Russia that "invades sovereign countries".
With St Petersburg due to host this season's Uefa Champions League Final, the Prime Minister told MPs: "It's absolutely vital in this critical moment that President Putin understands that what he is doing is going to be a disaster for Russia."
"And it is clear from the response of the world to what he has done already in Donbas that he is going to end up with a Russia that is poorer as a result of the sanctions that the world will implement."
"A Russia that is more isolated, a Russia that has pariah status - no chance of holding football tournaments in a Russia that invades sovereign countries."
"A Russia that is engaged in a bloody and debilitating conflict with a fellow Slav country. What an appalling result for President Putin. I hope that he steps back from the brink and does not conduct a full invasion."
01:00 PM
'We must stay united' - Sir Keir Starmer
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "We know Putin's playbook. He seeks division. We must stay united."
He told the House of Commons: "Yesterday was a dark day for Europe.
"We must all stand firm in our support for Ukraine. We support the freedom of her people and their right to determine their own future without the gun of an imperialist held to their head.
"There can be no excuses for Russia's actions. There is no justification for this aggression."
He said President Vladimir Putin fears democracy and knows that, given a choice, people will not choose to live under the rule of an "erratic and violent authoritarian".
Sir Keir added: "So we must remain united and true to our values across this House and with our Nato allies. We must show Putin that we will not be divided."
12:56 PM
Putin's venture 'must fail': Boris Johnson's speech in full
12:54 PM
UK ready to send extra troops to reinforce Nato
Boris Johnson confirms if Nato makes such a request for help to neighbouring countries of Ukraine, UK is willing to send more British troops
UK has 'not given up on diplomacy' - Boris Johnson
The UK will "not give up" on a diplomatic solution to tension in Ukraine, the Prime Minister said as he announced new sanctions against Russia.
Boris Johnson said: "I will tell the House we will not give up. We will continue to seek a diplomatic solution until the last possible moment."
"But we have to face the possibility that none of our messages has been heeded and that Putin is implacably determined to go further in subjugating and tormenting Ukraine."
"It is because we suspect this much that the UK and our allies repeatedly sounded the alarm about possible new invasions and we disclosed much of what we knew about Russia's military build-up."
12:47 PM
Putin's venture 'must fail' - Boris Johnson
The PM told the COpmmons that Vladimir Putin's venture into Ukraine "must fail".
"It is because the stakes are so high that Putin's venture must fail," he said.
"It must fail and it must be seen to fail. That will require the perseverance and resolve of the entire Western alliance."
"Now our thoughts should turn to our valiant Ukrainian friends. Who threaten no one. Who ask for nothing except to live in peace and freedom. We will keep faith with them in the difficult days that lie ahead," he concluded.
12:45 PM
Five Russian banks and three high net worth individuals to be sanctioned - Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson has announced that five Russian banks and three individuals will be hit with economic sanctions as a result of what he called a “renewed invasion” of Ukraine, reports our Political Editor Ben Riley-Smith.
The five banks named by Mr Johnson were Rossiya, IS Bank, General Bank, Promsvyazbank and the Black Sea Bank.
The three individuals, who Mr Johnson called “very high net worth”, were named as Gennady Timchenko, Boris Rotenberg, and Igor Rotenberg.
The Prime Minister said any assets the entities or individuals hold in the UK will be frozen. The individuals will be banned from travelling to the UK.
russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - Chris Ratcliffe
Also all individuals and entities in the UK will be prohibited from having any dealings with the targets of the sanctions.
Mr Johnson said: “This is the first tranche, the first barrage, of what we are prepared to do.
“We will hold further sanctions at readiness, to be deployed alongside the United States and the European Union if the situation escalates still further.”
Earlier in his statement to the Commons, Mr Johnson said that Russian tanks and armoured personnel carriers had been spotted in the breakaway regions.
The Prime Minister added: “The House should be in no doubt that the deployment of these forces in sovereign Ukrainian territory amounts to a renewed invasion of that country.”
12:37 PM
'Putin establishing pretext for full-scale invasion' - Boris Johnson
Addressing the House of DCommons, Boris Johnson has warned Vladimir Putin is planning a "full-scale" invasion of Ukraine.
"Last night President Putin flagrantly violated the Minsk peace agreements...In a single inflammatory speech, he denied Ukraine had any tradition of genuine statehood, claimed that is posed a direct threat to the security of Russia and hurled numerous other false accusations and false aspersions," he said.
"The deployment of these forces in sovereign Ukrainian territory amounts to a renewed invasion of that country."
"Putin is establishing the pretext for a full-scale invasion."
"We must now brace ourselves for the next possible stages of Putin's plan. the violent subversion of parts of eastern Ukraine by Russian operatives followed by a general offensive by the nearly 200,000 Russian troops gathered at the frontier at peak readiness to attack," he added.
"44 million men, women and children would become the target of a full-scale war of aggression waged without a shred of justification for the absurd and even mystical reasons that Putin described last night."
12:30 PM
Russia plays down halt of Nord Stream 2
A deputy Russian foreign minister has brushed off a move by Germany to put the certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline on hold, saying that Moscow feared nothing and "doesn't believe in tears", the TASS news agency reported.
The official, Andrey Rudenko, made the comment on Tuesday after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz halted the certificaton of the pipeline that would pump Russian gas to Germany.
For its part, Ukraine has welcomed the move, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said.
"This is a morally, politically and practically correct step in the current circumstances. True leadership means tough decisions in difficult times. Germany's move proves just that," Mr Kuleba tweeted.
12:29 PM
Russian troops march through Rostov
russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - YURI KOCHETKOV/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock /Shutterstock russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - YURI KOCHETKOV/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock /Shutterstock russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - ITAR-TASS News Agency / Alamy Live News /https://www.alamy.com russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - ITAR-TASS News Agency / Alamy Live News /https://www.alamy.com
12:12 PM
Foreign Office summons Russian ambassador over Ukraine crisis
The Foreign Office has summoned the Russian ambassador for a meeting today amid the crisis in Ukraine, Downing Street said.
"This morning the Foreign Office has summoned the Russian ambassador," Boris Johnson's official spokesman told reporters, after the prime minister said London would "hit Russia very hard" with targeted sanctions.
12:10 PM
Putin says he does not plan to 'restore Russian empire'
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he does not plan to restore Russia's empire, a day after he ordered Russian troops to be sent to eastern Ukraine and questioned Ukraine's sovereignty.
"We predicted speculation that Russia plans to restore (its) empire within imperial borders," Putin said at a meeting with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev in the Kremlin, adding: "This absolutely does not correspond with reality".
12:07 PM
Foreign Office increasing the support available to help Britons leave Ukraine
Liz Truss, the Foreign Secretary, said: "The safety and security of British nationals in Ukraine is our top priority.
"All Brits should leave now via commercial routes while they are still available.
"We are bolstering our teams in the region to support British people as they leave and once they have crossed the border."
11:58 AM
Scholz: Putin's recognition of separatist regions 'incomprehensible and unjustified'
German chancellor Olaf Scholz said he took the decision to halt the Nord Stream 2 pipeline because Russia had violated “all international agreements” in Ukraine, Justin Huggler reports from Berlin.
The decision is a “clear signal to Moscow that such actions will not remain without consequences,” he said.
Describing Vladimir Putin’s decision to recognise the breakaway regions in Donetsk and Luhansk as “incomprehensible and unjustified”, he said: “Russia has no support in the world.”
11:47 AM
Video: Tanks seen in Donetsk as Putin orders troops to move in
11:40 AM
Nord Stream 2 cancellation prompted by vice-chancellor
Further to our post at 11.28am, Germany’s decision to stop the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in response to Russian incursions into Ukraine was reportedly prompted by vice-chancellor and business minister Robert Habeck, Justin Huggler reports.
Mr Habeck, a leader of the German Green party, has long opposed the pipeline and backed US calls for it to be scrapped in the event of Russian aggression.
In recent weeks he is said to have won German chancellor Olaf Scholz over to his view of the issue. The pipeline has been an issue of contention within Mr Scholz's coalition in recent weeks.
russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - JOHN MACDOUGALL/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock /Shutterstock
The Greens and the centre-Right Free Democrats (FDP) have backed calls to use the pipeline as leverage against Vladimir Putin.
But a powerful faction within Mr Scholz's centre-Left Social Democrats (SPD) opposed the move and the chancellor left his own position ambiguous.
The pipeline was completed last year but was awaiting approval from German regulators. Mr Scholz said on Tuesday he had asked the German business ministry to suspend the approval process for the pipeline. “Without this certification, Nord Stream 2 cannot go into operation,” he announced.
For all the latest on gas prices and what the cancellation of Nord Stream 2 means for the markets, do follow along on our dedicated business blog here.
11:36 AM
Russia has declared 'war', says Kyiv mayor
Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko has said that Russia effectively declared “war” on Ukraine last night.
“I don’t have another word for it,” he told a reporter for The Globe and Mail.
11:32 AM
Further diplomacy crucial to avoid Ukraine 'catastrophe'
Olaf Scholz has pleaded for Russia and the West to keep talking after President Vladimir Putin recognised the independence of pro-Russian separatist regions in eastern Ukraine.
As well as initial sanctions, continued diplomacy is "important to prevent a further escalation and thus a catastrophe" in the region, Mr Scholz said. "This is the objective of all our diplomatic efforts," he said.
He added that he is "confident" the European Union will agree "robust and massive" sanctions package targeting Russia.
11:28 AM
Germany orders halt to Nord Stream 2
Germany has ordered an immediate halt to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in response to the incursion of Russian tanks into eastern Ukraine, Justin Huggler reports from Berlin.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that the approval process for the pipeline had been suspended.
Describing Russia’s actions as a “grave breach of international law”, Mr Scholz said his government had blocked the approval process and the pipeline would not be allowed to go into operation.
The swift decision ends weeks of ambiguity over whether Mr Scholz was prepared to block the €9.5bn (£8bn) pipeline in the event of Russian aggression. The US has repeatedly warned the pipeline would be stopped if Russia invades, a position publicly backed by the German foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock.
But Mr Scholz refused to confirm it publicly until today, instead saying only that all options were on the table. In the event, however, Mr Scholz moved with unexpected speed, announcing the move without waiting for a decision from Washington on sanctions.
His swift response will reassure Germany’s Nato and EU allies who were concerned at his previous ambiguous stance.
Though it was completed last year, Nord Stream 2 was not yet operational but was awaiting approval from German regulators. That approval process has now been suspended indefinitely, and is unlikely to start again while Russian forces remain in Ukraine.
The move leaves Germany’s energy supply exposed should Mr Putin decide to retaliate by cutting supplies from existing pipelines. German reserves are at a low level with several weeks of winter still ahead.
The US has previously indicated it will attempt to address any shortages by redirecting gas from other sources. But it remains unclear whether that will be enough to address any shortfall.
11:23 AM
Russia says recognition of independent areas 'extends to territory held by Ukraine'
Russia has said recognition of independence for areas in east Ukraine extends to territory now held by Ukrainian forces.
Earlier in the day, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said Moscow recognised the separatist statelets "in the borders that they themselves had declared."
When asked to clarify whether that means that Russia recognises the separatists' claim on Kyiv-controlled towns like Mariupol, Mr Peskov said: "I have nothing to add."
Earlier on Tuesday, Andrei Rudenko, Russia's deputy foreign minister, said Moscow recognises the separatist authorities "within the territory where they execute their power," which means their current border.
11:15 AM
Kremlin says Russia open to all 'diplomatic contact'
The Kremlin says it remains open to all diplomatic contact over Ukraine and that Kyiv cutting ties with Moscow would worsen an already tense situation.
"The Russian side remains open at all levels for diplomatic contacts... Everything depends on our opponents," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that a move by Kyiv to cut its official ties with Moscow would be "an extremely undesirable scenario that would make everything even more difficult."
It comes as Ukraine's foreign ministry said it is recalling its top envoy to Moscow for "consultations" following Russia's recognition of Kyiv's two breakaway regions.
11:08 AM
EU sanctions expected to a rollover of response to Crimea annexation
The European Union’s sanctions response to Vladimir Putin’s recognition of Eastern Ukraine’s two separatist regions is expected to be a rollover of the bloc’s 2014 package, drawn up after Russia annexed Crimea, our Brussels correspondent Joe Barnes reports.
"We've got to ensure that whatever happens, Russia will feel the pain ... to make sure Russia has absolutely no incentive to go further," said Irish EU affairs minister Thomas Byrne.
The measures will allow eurocrats to slap travel bans and asset freezes on those considered to be responsible for the destabilisation of Ukraine.
There has been squabbling between EU states over how far to go to counter the Russian troops and tanks rolling into the Donbas.
Brussels will decide on an initial package later this afternoon, which will not go as far as the bloc’s harshest plans to be deployed in the event of a full-scale invasion.
The bloc’s most draconian measures could see the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline shut down and the Russian banking system from European markets.
11:02 AM
Russia moves missile launchers to Rostov
russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - Twitter/@ELINTNews russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - Twitter/@ELINTNews
10:54 AM
Boris Johnson to address House of Commons at 12.30
The Prime Minister will deliver an address to Parliament at lunchtime when he is expected to outline the "first barrage" of sanctions against Russia.
We will bring you all the live updates, and you will be able to watch the address at the top of this live blog.
10:52 AM
Recep Erdogan says recognition of Ukraine rebel republics 'unacceptable'
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has slammed Russia's recognition of Ukraine's breakaway regions as "unacceptable" in comments carried by the official Anadolu news agency.
"We consider the decision unacceptable," said Mr Erdogan. "We invite the parties concerned to act with common sense and comply with the international law."
Mr Erdogan, who has friendly ties with both Russia and Ukraine, has sought to host the two countries' leaders for a three-way summit in Turkey to ease tensions. He visited Kyiv earlier this month for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky whom he said looked "favorably" to a Turkey-hosted summit.
Despite political disagreements with Russia, Turkey has enjoyed burgeoning trade and defence ties with Moscow, with Ankara purchasing Russian S-400 missile system in defiance of criticism from the West.
In the meantime, Turkey, a member of Nato since 1952, has drawn Russia's ire for selling drones to Ukraine in its conflict with pro-Moscow separatists.
Mr Erdogan vocally opposed Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea because of the historical presence of ethnically-Turkic Tatars on the peninsula.
10:44 AM
Russia urges other countries to recognise Ukraine rebel republics
Russia has called on other countries to "follow" it in recognising east Ukraine's separatist republics, as the State Duma ratified a friendship treaty with the self-declared Luhansk and Donetsk republics.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed Russia will recognise the borders of the breakaway regions within the areas separatists currently control.
"Russia calls on other states to follow its example," Moscow's foreign ministry said in a statement.
It added that Moscow's recognition of the rebels - condemned by the West - was "not easy, but the only possible step".
Mr Putin's decision to recognise the rebels, the foreign ministry said, was "dictated primarily by humanitarian considerations" and "intended to serve as a guarantee for peaceful life" in the Donetsk and Lugansk rebel republics.
Mr Putin announced his decision to recognise the separatist territories after an hour-long national address late on Monday.
The recognition effectively buries the fragile peace process regulating the conflict in eastern Ukraine, known as the Minsk accords.
russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - Alexander Ryumin /TASS
10:34 AM
Russia's actions in Syria a 'warning' for Ukraine
The conduct of Russia’s air war on Syria suggests that any attack on Ukraine could feature indiscriminate bombing and high civilian casualties, analysts have told our Middle East correspondent Campbell MacDiarmid.
“We were told to expect tens of thousands of casualties in the opening days,” said a senior American official informed about US intelligence on Mr Putin’s plans, in remarks published by the New York Times.
Analysts say Russia’s air campaign in Syria suggests concern for civilian life would not be paramount.
“What we have seen in Syria with regards to targeting civilian infrastructure, inflicting mass casualties, causing mass displacement of civilians and using misinformation, I think is very likely in the case of Ukraine,” said Elizabeth Tsurkov, a fellow at the New Lines Institute.
Since intervening in Syria in 2015, Russia has turned the tide of war decisively in favour of embattled president Bashar Al Assad. But Moscow’s air campaign in support of the Syrian leader has been accused of indiscriminately targeting civilians and deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure.
russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - OMAR HAJ KADOUR /AFP
This year Russia has been accused of bombing poultry farms and a water pumping station supplying nearly a quarter of a million people in rebel-held Idlib province. Past Russian strikes have targeted healthcare facilities, schools, refugee camps and other civilian targets.
Deliberately or recklessly striking healthcare facilities is a war crime. Russia has said its air forces in Syria only carry out precision strikes on “accurately researched targets”.
Moscow’s tactics in Syria were developed during the second Chechen war in 1999-2000 when Russian bombing leveled much of the Chechen capital, said Ms Tsurkov.
10:27 AM
German minister calls for Nord Stream 2 to be stopped
The first German minister has called for the Nord Stream gas pipeline to be stopped in the wake of Russia’s invasion of eastern Ukraine, reports Justin Huggler from Berlin.
Cem Özdemir, the agriculture minister and a member of the Green Party, said the pipeline should be put on hold.
“That was always our position, nothing has changed about that,” he told German radio. “We have to push this through together in the federal government. I hope our coalition partners will see things the same way.”
The German Greens have long opposed the pipeline on environmental grounds and supported calls to scrap it in the event of Russian aggression.
But Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, and his Social Democrat party (SPD) have been more reluctant, and the issue has opened divisions within his government.
The US claims it has a commitment from Germany that the pipeline will not go ahead if Russia invades. Annalena Baerbock, the foreign minister and a Green, has publicly backed Washington’s line.
Mr Özdemir called for Germany not to wait for a signal from Washington and to stop Nord Stream immediately.
“Now, at the latest, is the time to put this project on hold and make it clear: switch over to renewables now,” he said.
10:21 AM
Sergei Lavrov questions Ukraine's right to sovereignty
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has questioned whether Ukraine has a right to sovereignty because he said the government in Kyiv did not represent the country's constituent parts, the Interfax news agency reported.
"If we talk about the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity, one of the key documents...is the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations among Peoples," he was quoted as saying.
He accused Ukraine of being out of line with that since 2014 when a Moscow-backed president was overthrown in Kyiv and replaced by a pro-Western leader, prompting Russia to annex Ukraine's peninsula of Crimea and back an insurgency in its eastern regions.
"I don't think anyone can claim that the Ukrainian regime, since the 2014 coup d'état, represents all the people living on the territory of the Ukrainian state," Mr Lavrov was quoted as saying.
10:16 AM
'Shut down Nord Stream 2' - Volodymyr Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Europe to shut down Nord Stream 2 in response to Russian troops crossing in to the breakaway separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.
Any "sanctions should include a complete shutdown of Nord Stream 2," he said as British, American and European leaders all prepare to announce sanctions packages against Russia over the course of today.
"We need quick help on sanctions," Mr Zelensky added.
russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - HANDOUT/AFP
However, he stressed that it is still the belief of his government that there will be no war against Ukraine and there will be no wide escalation
“We have to protect our sovereignty and our country,” he said.
“To the leaders of those so-called republics who ask for the withdrawal of the Ukrainian Army - we don’t speak to them, we don’t speak to terrorists.”
On breaking off diplomatic ties with Russia, Mr Zelensky said: “Straight after this press conference I will look into this question.”
10:10 AM
In pictures: Russian troops and tanks enter Ukraine
Our outstanding picture team have pulled together a file of the best shots of Russian tanks and troops rolling into Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has brushed off the threat of sanctions, saying the West would impose them regardless of events and describing the response to Russia's recognition of two breakaway Ukrainian regions as predictable.
"Our European, American, British colleagues will not stop and will not calm down until they have exhausted all their possibilities for the so-called ‘punishment of Russia’. They are already threatening us with all manner of sanctions or, as they say now, 'the mother of all sanctions'," Mr Lavrov said.
"Well, we're used to it. We know that sanctions will be imposed anyway, in any case. With or without reason."
09:57 AM
Wizz Air to continue London-Ukraine flights
Hungarian airline Wizz Air said it will continue to operate flights between the UK and Ukraine.
It said in a statement: "Wizz Air continues to closely monitor the situation in Ukraine."
"Currently, we have not made any changes to our schedule and all of our flights to/from Ukraine continue to operate as normal."
"All passengers with booked flights to and from Ukraine are advised to regularly check their mailboxes for further information about booked flights."
09:50 AM
Boris Johnson warns Putin has 'gravely miscalculated'
09:43 AM
Kremlin takes another step towards the 'revival of Soviet Union'
Russia's decision to recognise two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine means that the Kremlin has taken another step towards the revival of the Soviet Union, Ukraine's Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov has said.
"The Kremlin has taken another step towards the revival of the Soviet Union. With the new Warsaw Pact and the new Berlin Wall," he said in a statement.
Mr Reznikov also warned his troops of "hardship" and human losses: "There will be hardship. There will be losses. We will have to endure pain, overcome fear and despair."
09:35 AM
DCMS calls for Uefa to strip Russia of right to host Champions League final
'To host such a landmark event as the Russian tanks roll sends out all the wrong messages,' says MP Julian Knight. Our sports news correspondent Tom Morgan has this report.
Uefa is facing mounting pressure to strip St Petersburg of the Champions League final after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.
European football's governing body said on Tuesday that it was "constantly and closely monitoring the situation," but "at present, there are no plans to change the venue”.
However, Julian Knight, the chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee, is among a host of observers who are now calling for Uefa to think again.
"It’s something that must be considered given this naked act of aggression," Knight told Telegraph Sport. "To host such a landmark event as the Russian tanks roll sends out all the wrong messages."
Ukraine says time for 'tough sanctions' against Russia
Ukraine demanded severe sanctions against Russia on Tuesday as Western diplomats debated whether Moscow's decision to deploy troops to rebel-held eastern Ukraine is enough to trigger massive economic punishment.
In a statement issued during a visit to Washington, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he was working with Kyiv's Western friends "to impose tough sanctions against the Russian Federation."
09:17 AM
Situation as serious as Cuban Missile Crisis - Sajid Javid
Cabinet minister Sajid Javid compared the Ukraine situation to the Cuban Missile Crisis at the height of the Cold War.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I do think it's as serious a situation as that. There is still an opportunity here for President (Vladimir) Putin to step back, despite him having now chosen confrontation over dialogue. It is not to late for him to step back and bring his troops back into Russia and open dialogue."
"But we have to be realistic - clearly that does not seem his intent, certainly at this point in time, and we have to respond very significantly."
"This is a real test for the West as well."
Ukraine is not a member of Nato, but Mr Javid made clear that if Russia does carry on and invade one of the alliance's eastern states, then there will be war.
"If the territorial integrity of a single Nato member is violated then that is tantamount to declaring war on every member of Nato."
09:10 AM
Vladimir Putin's declarations 'worry me' - Ben Wallace
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has told a meeting of global defence ministers that he is "worried" by Vladimir Putin's violation of "international law" by recognising the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk, reports our Defence and Security Editor Dominic Nicholls.
“Putin's declaration that he is going to recognise the independent states in the Donbas region worry me. Some of that includes territory that is actually on the other side of the Line of Control," he said in his opening remarks.
“We’ve seen in open source reporting Russian military equipment moving into that region. Now, we'll have to verify that, given that what we know about Russian media performances and truth versus reality. That will be [a] very worrying sign, of course."
russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - Jacob King /PA
“The clear fact [is] that Russia has broken international law."
“It’s incredibly serious, what's happening in Ukraine. Many of us were forewarning that President Putin already had an agenda. You heard that agenda in his speech last night. This is a sovereign state that has now had some of this land effectually annexed from it," he added.
“All of us in Europe should worry and we should not hesitate to take whatever action we need to to deter President Putin from undermining both Nato but also Europe and more importantly our values.”
Ben Wallace, at Joint Expeditionary Force summit: “Putin's declaration that he is going to recognise the independent states in the Donbass region worry me. Many of us were forewarning that President Putin already had an agenda. You heard that agenda in his speech last night.” pic.twitter.com/YWhsHrFMHJ
Vladimir Putin 'gravely miscalculated' - Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson said Russian President Vladimir Putin has "gravely miscalculated" the situation.
"He believes that Ukraine has no real right to exist as a sovereign, independent country," the Prime Minister said.
"But that goes against everything that we struggled to achieve at the end of the Cold War, it goes against the aspirations of the Ukrainian people."
"The most difficult thing now for Vladimir Putin in prosecuting this war... he will come up against something that I think will be very hard for him to beat, and that is the Ukrainian sense of national pride and their determination to defend their country and to fight for it."
russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - Joe Cook /PA
The PM added there had been a failure to stand up to Russia in 2014 when Crimea was annexed.
"We have got to recognise that we were not tough enough and in the end we didn't do enough, as Europeans, to wean ourselves off Russian hydrocarbons, off Russian oil and gas," the Prime Minister said.
The volatility in gas prices in Europe was a "consequence of that failure", he said.
"We have got to make sure that we cut the umbilicus, we snip the drip feed into our bloodstream from Nord Stream," he added.
"In the UK we have been able to reduce our dependency on Russian gas very substantially. Only 3 per cent of our gas supplies now come from Russia."
Mr Johnson said the response includes granting licences for UK gas reserves but also shifting to low-carbon energy, including nuclear power.
He added: "The faster this country can be more self-reliant on our own energy, the more prosperous we will be, but also, of course, the more sustainable our energy prices will be, and that will benefit the UK consumer."
08:54 AM
What other Ukrainian territories could be targets for Russian occupation?
08:50 AM
Russia can't prove Donbas genocide as pictures 'too bad'
Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, says that Russia can't make proof of "genocide" in the Donbas public "because not a single platform would allow them to stay up for more than a minute. That's how bad the photos are."
“After all, we have now sent to Berlin and the US, even earlier than to Berlin, we sent a selection of materials that testified both to mass graves and to the atrocities that were happening there. It's not a crime. These are outrages. I'll tell you what it is. We can't put it on the web. Because no platform will last more than a minute," she told Komsomolskaya Radio.
Russia has consistently pushed out a narrative that Russian speakers are suffering from a "genocide" in eastern Ukraine, a claim widely dismissed by the rest of the world as "false".
08:43 AM
'First barrage of sanctions' to come today - Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson has said the "first barrage of UK economic sanctions against Russia" will be revealed today as he warned Vladimir Putin is bent on a "full scale invasion of Ukraine".
After hosting an emergency Cobra meeting, the Prime Minister said: "This is I should stress just the first barrage of UK economic sanctions against Russia because we expect I'm afraid that there is more Russian irrational behaviour to come.
"I'm afraid all the evidence is that President Putin is indeed bent on a full scale invasion of the Ukraine, the overrunning, the subjugation of an independent, sovereign European country and I think, let's be absolutely clear, that will be absolutely catastrophic."
He stressed the UK will work to ensure that "Putin should fail" if he carries out a full-scale invasion of Kyiv, "which is what he seems to be proposing to do".
The Prime Minister told broadcasters that the UK will continue diplomatic efforts to avert violence but added: "I just want everybody to be in no doubt that if Vladimir Putin continues down this track of violence, of aggression, of a full-scale invasion, of encircling Kyiv itself which is what he seems to be proposing to do, capturing the Ukrainian capital, it is absolutely vital that that effort, that conquest of another European country, should not succeed and that Putin should fail."
The Prime Minister also said Russian President Vladimir Putin has "completely torn up international law" by his actions in Ukraine and there will now be an "immediate package of economic sanctions".
These sanctions will be aimed not just at entities at regions including Donetsk but also "in Russia itself, targeting Russian economic interests as hard as we can".
He said further details will be given in the House of Commons later today.
08:39 AM
'Invasion of Ukraine has begun' says Sajid Javid
08:30 AM
China concerned about 'worsening' Ukraine situation
China is concerned about the "worsening" situation in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said, repeating his call for all parties to show restraint and resolve differences through dialogue.
Accelerating a crisis the West fears could spark a war, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered on Monday the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine after recognising them as independent.
The legitimate security concerns of any country should be respected, Mr Wang, who is also a Chinese state councillor, told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a telephone call, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement.
"The situation in Ukraine is worsening," Mr Wang told Mr Blinken. "China once again calls on all parties to exercise restraint."
Earlier on Tuesday, China's embassy in Ukraine warned its nationals there not to venture into unstable areas, but stopped short of telling them to leave, as many other nations have advised their own citizens.
"The Chinese embassy in Ukraine has issued a reminder to Chinese citizens and enterprises to strengthen security precautions," said Wang Wenbin, a foreign ministry spokesman.
China is closely following the evolving situation in Ukraine, Mr Wang told the briefing, which drew more reporters than usual.
08:23 AM
Russia's actions creating 'very dire' situation
Kurt Volker, a former US ambassador to Nato, said Russia's actions in Ukraine have created a "very dire" situation.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that Russian leader Vladimir Putin's decision to recognise two regions of Ukraine as independent states "opens the door to a lot of new steps by Russia".
"We've already seen him putting forces into those territories. The portion of Luhansk and Donetsk that Russia occupies are not the entire territory of Luhansk and Donetsk."
"So that also opens the possibility that they will view Ukraine as an occupier of those territories, and then fight to remove Ukrainian forces and take more."
"That in turn could lead to much greater skirmishes and fighting with Ukrainian forces which could easily escalate out of control, so this is a very, very dire time."
He said "devastating sanctions" should be imposed immediately.
08:18 AM
Ukrainian refugees arrive in Russia
russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - Sergei Karpukhin /TASS russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - Sergei Karpukhin /TASS russia invasion ukraine regions tanks troops latest updates - Alexei Alexandrov /AP
08:08 AM
EU to adopt Russia sanctions 'this afternoon'
European Union foreign ministers will adopt sanctions today against Russia over its recognition of Ukrainian separatist regions and further deployment of troops on its neighbour's territory, the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.
"Of course our response will be in the form of sanctions, whose extent the ministers will decide... I'm sure there will be a unanimous decision" required for the measures, Mr Borrell told reporters in Paris.
He added that the text of the possible measures was being prepared during the morning while the ministers attend a forum with Indo-Pacific nations in the French capital.
The decision itself would come "this afternoon" at an emergency meeting that he has called on the sidelines of the forum in Paris, Mr Borrell said.
Mr Borrell would not be drawn on the details of the sanctions, which are expected to fall on the same day as punitive measures by the US and Britain.
07:59 AM
Russian stocks fall more than 8 per cent
Russian stock indexes have fallen sharply this morning, after Moscow recognised the independence of Ukraine's two separatist regions and President Vladimir Putin sent troops into the Western-backed country.
The dollar-denominated RTS index was down 10.8 per cent at 0713 GMT, and 32.5 per cent since the start of the year. The ruble-based MOEX fell by 8.8 per cent.
The Russian currency also slid, with the ruble trading at more than 91 to the euro and 80.7 to the dollar.
The central bank said it was closely monitoring the situation.
"The Bank of Russia keeps the situation on the financial market under control and is ready to take all necessary measures to maintain financial stability," it said.
07:48 AM
'We are not afraid of anybody' says Ukrainian President
07:41 AM
Separatists in east Ukraine accuse Kyiv over blast that killed three people
A Russian-backed separatist official in eastern Ukraine accused Ukrainian saboteurs of detonating a mine on a road in the breakaway region that killed three civilians, Interfax news agency reported.
The separatist official did not provide evidence and there was no immediate comment from Ukraine. Kyiv has repeatedly denied similar allegations and accused the separatists and Russia of deliberately circulating fakes.
07:35 AM
'We are waking up to a very dark day' - Sajid Javid
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has already begun so Britain will impose sanctions on Russia, Sajid Javid said on this morning as Prime Minister Boris Johnson chaired an emergency government response meeting over the Ukraine crisis.
The Health Secretary said: "We are waking up to a very dark day in Europe and it's clear from what we have already seen and found out today that the Russians, President Putin, has decided to attack the sovereignty of Ukraine and its territorial integrity."
The Health Secretary told Sky News: "We have seen that he has recognised these breakaway eastern regions in Ukraine and from the reports we can already tell that he has sent in tanks and troops."
"From that you can conclude that the invasion of Ukraine has begun."
Mr Javid went on to tell the BBC that it remains the case the UK will not be sending troops to Ukraine.
"We've always preferred dialogue and still continue to do so but it's clear from President Putin's actions that he has chosen confrontation over dialogue."
07:27 AM
Russia 'yet to decide' how far recognition of separatists' sovereignty will extend
A top Russian diplomat said it has yet to be decided where Russia's recognition of Ukrainian separatists' sovereignty will extend to all of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions, reports our Moscow correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva.
Self-proclaimed authorities in Donetsk and Luhansk control about one-third of the region commonly known as the Donbass. They controlled more territory when they held a vote in May 2014 proclaiming independence.
Maria Zakharova, Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman, said a decision will be taken after this afternoon's vote in parliament on military aid to those territories.
"Let's wait for our lawmakers to do their part and ratify those agreements," Ms Zakharova said on the Solovyov Live show.
07:16 AM
'Russia has brought us to the brink'
The UK's ambassador to the United Nations, Dame Barbara Woodward, said Russia has "brought us to the brink", warning that the country's actions "will have severe and far-reaching consequences".
She said an invasion would unleash "the forces of war, death and destruction" on the people of Ukraine.
"The humanitarian impact will be terrible on civilians fleeing the fighting. We know that women and children will suffer most."
The Security Council must be united in calling on Russia to "de-escalate immediately", as well as "condemning aggression against a sovereign nation and defending the territorial integrity of Ukraine".
"Russia has brought us to the brink," she said. "We urge Russia to step back."
The Kremlin said Russian forces will "maintain peace" in eastern Ukraine.
07:11 AM
'We are not afraid. We won’t cede anything'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the nation - Getty Images
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed his country just after 2am local time: “We are not afraid. We won’t cede anything.”
Mr Zelensky said Vladimir Putin withdrew from the Minsk Agreements by ordering troops into Ukraine.
“We are committed to peace and diplomacy. We are on our land, we are not afraid of anyone or anything, and we will not give anything to anyone, and we are sure of that," Mr Zelensky said.
“It’s not February 2014, but February 2022,” he said in a reference to Ukraine’s weak army eight years ago when Russia took Crimea.
06:56 AM
US sanctions halt American business activity in breakaway regions
A tank drives along a street after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the deployment of Russian troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine - REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko
Vladimir Putin's announcement drew international condemnation and immediate US sanctions to halt American business activity in the breakaway regions and ban import of all goods from those areas.
The measures were separate from sanctions the United States and its allies had prepared if Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said.
A senior US official said the deployment to breakaway enclaves did not yet constitute a "further invasion" that would trigger the harshest sanctions as Russia already had forces there, but that a wider campaign could come at any time.
Britain, France and Germany also agreed to respond to Russia's recognition of the breakaway regions with sanctions, and the White House said it would announce further measures on Tuesday.
06:50 AM
Boris Johnson is leading a crisis meeting
Boris Johnson is leading a crisis meeting of ministers and senior officials to consider the response to Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine.
The Government is preparing to slap sanctions on key Russian figures and businesses.
At the 6.30am meeting of the Cobra committee, the Prime Minister will be briefed on the latest intelligence after Mr Putin ordered his troops to carry out "peacekeeping" duty in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
The Cobra meeting follows an emergency session of the UN Security Council, where the UK's ambassador Dame Barbara Woodward said Russia has "brought us to the brink", warning that the country's actions "will have severe and far-reaching consequences".
Liz Truss arrives for the early morning meeting - REUTERS/Henry Nicholls
Liz Truss, the Foreign Secretary, said new sanctions to be announced on Tuesday were in response to Russia's "breach of international law and attack on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity".
Boris Johnson said of Russia's decision to recognise the separatist regions: "This is plainly in breach of international law, it's a flagrant violation of the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine.
"I think it's a very ill omen and a very dark sign."
06:40 AM
Ukraine says two soldiers have been killed
About five tanks were seen in a column on the edge of Donetsk and two more in another part of town, according to reports on the ground
The Ukrainian military says two soldiers have been killed and 12 wounded in shelling by pro-Russian separatists in east Ukraine in the past 24 hours, the most casualties this year, as ceasefire violations increase.
The military said on its Facebook page it had recorded 84 cases of shelling by separatists who it said had opened fire on about 40 settlements along the frontline using heavy artillery.
Ukraine has accused Russia of provoking the violence, saying Moscow used it as a pretext to formally recognise eastern Ukraine as independent and move its troops into the region, precipitating a crisis that the West fears could unleash a major war.
06:35 AM
Here's what happened overnight:
World leaders have expressed concern over Russia's actions, with the US warning the consequences will be dire around the world.
Moscow said this morning that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was still ready for talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed his country just after 2am local time: “We are committed to peace and diplomacy. We are on our land, we are not afraid of anyone or anything, and we will not give anything to anyone, and we are sure of that"
A senior Chinese diplomat says China is concerned about the evolution of the situation. China has called for restraint and is encouraging every effort to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis
Liz Truss, the Foreign Secretary, said new sanctions to be announced on Tuesday were in response to Russia's "breach of international law and attack on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity"
Boris Johnson said of Russia's decision to recognise the separatist regions: "This is plainly in breach of international law, it's a flagrant violation of the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine
The US will announce further measures on Tuesday, but an official said America could not commit to a summit with Mr Putin
04:31 AM
'Consequences of Russia's actions will be dire - across ... the globe'
The US ambassador to the United Nations has dismissed "as nonsense" Vladimir Putin's announcement that he is putting Russian troops in separatist areas of eastern Ukraine as peacekeepers, saying their presence is "clearly the basis for Russia's attempt to create a pretext for a further invasion of Ukraine".
Linda Thomas-Greenfield told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Monday night that this move and Mr Putin's earlier announcement that Russia will recognise the separatist areas as "independent states" are also an "unprovoked" attack on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
By his actions, she said, Mr Putin "has torn the Minsk Agreement to shreds".
Ms Thomas-Greenfield said Mr Putin "has put before the world a choice" and it "must not look away" because "history tells us that looking the other way in the face of such hostility will be a far more costly path".
She said Mr Putin is testing to see "how far he can push us all", and all countries must stand up for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries.
Ms Thomas-Greenfield warned that "the consequences of Russia's actions will be dire - across Ukraine, across Europe, and across the globe".
04:22 AM
Japan criticises Russian actions
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida criticised Russia for violating Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity and said his country will discuss possible "severe actions" including sanctions with the international community.
"Those [Russia's] actions are unacceptable, and we express our strong condemnation," Mr Kishida told reporters on Tuesday. "Japan is watching the development with grave concern."
Separately, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said it was important that Group of Seven nations that share values such as democracy and rule of law stick together and lead the international community. He declined to say if Japan is planning its own sanctions against Russia.
04:18 AM
Air travel could be affected, US warns
US secretary of state Antony Blinken has warned that there is a strong likelihood that any Russian military operations would severely restrict commercial air travel.
"Russian troops have continued to move closer to the border in what looks like plans for an invasion at any moment,” he said.
04:03 AM
China calls for restraint and a diplomatic solution
China has called for restraint and is encouraging every effort to find a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis, saying Beijing believes all countries should solve disputes by peaceful means in line with the UN Charter.
China's UN Ambassador Zhang Jun called on the key parties in the Ukraine dispute "to continue dialogue and consultation and seek reasonable solutions".
Mr Zhang gave very brief remarks at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Monday night called by Ukraine, the US and six other countries.
Zhang Jun addresses an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council - JASON SZENES/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
The Chinese ambassador made no mention of actions on Monday by its usual ally, Russia, saying only that "all parties concerned must exercise restraint, and avoid any action that may fuel tensions", and to "welcome and encourage every effort for a diplomatic solution".
Chinese state media is reporting that China's Embassy in Kyiv notified its citizens in Ukraine to heighten their safety awareness and avoid conflict areas.
On Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said China hoped all parties would pursue a solution that is "truly conducive to safeguarding the security of Europe".
04:01 AM
How the world reacted to Vladimir Putin's speech
Western powers reacted swiftly to the decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin to recognise the independence of the two self-proclaimed republics in eastern Ukraine, condemning Moscow and calling for sanctions.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson denounced Mr Putin's decision as "a flagrant violation of the sovereignty and integrity of the Ukraine".
A "very robust package of sanctions" would be triggered "with the first toecap of a Russian incursion or Russian invasion", he added.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Mr Putin's decision required "a swift and firm response, and we will take appropriate steps in coordination with partners".
A French official described the address to the nation by Mr Putin as "paranoid", accusing him of breaking promises made to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.
In an ominous speech that lasted almost an hour, Vladimir Putin accused the Ukrainian Government of "genocide" and said it was sure to seek nuclear weapons with the assistance of the West.
Afterwards, he signed a decree that recognised the independence of the Russian-speaking separatist regions, which have been under effective control since Russia stoked a separatist war there in 2014.
In Mr Putin's eyes, it could create a legal basis for the Russian army to move across the border into the Donbas region and engage in direct conflict with Ukrainian forces, dashing months of Western diplomatic efforts aimed at averting an invasion.
03:42 AM
Could there be other Ukrainian targets?
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Vladimir Putin warns of ‘bloodshed’
The world continues to react to Vladimir Putin's warning of "bloodshed" as he ordered Russian troops into two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, raising fears of a full-on invasion.
The Russian president ordered the army across the border to "maintain peace" after he recognised the independence of the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in a televised address to the nation.
In an ominous speech that lasted almost an hour, Mr Putin accused the Ukrainian Government of "genocide" and said it was sure to seek nuclear weapons with the assistance of the West.
Clark set the Indiana Fever’s franchise record for turnovers (10), shot 5-of-15 from the floor and struggled with the Connecticut Sun’s physical defense.
The atmosphere was electric for Clark's home debut and there were brief flashes from the Fever, but it's clear they've got plenty to work on before they can compete with the WNBA's elite teams.
Yahoo Sports NBA draft expert Krysten Peek is back for another season of On the Clock with Krysten Peek. Krysten just spent the week in Chicago at the NBA Draft Combine and kicks off draft season joined by CBS Sports' Kyle Boone.
Gottlieb's repeatedly courted controversy in his media role and will reportedly continue to host his nationally syndicated radio show while coaching Green Bay.
All five of these hitters were drafted highly in fantasy baseball leagues. So far, they have not lived up to their ADPs — and that's an understatement. Scott Pianowski analyzes.
