Dramatic footage as Russian tanks roll into Ukraine | War begins in Europe as Ukrainians flee cities

Russia has launched "a full-scale invasion" of Ukraine with explosions heard across major cities.

Vladimir Putin, in a statement on Russian TV, said warned allies of Ukraine who try to interfere with his attack will "face consequences greater than any you have faced in history".

Within moments of confirming a military operation in the neighbouring nation, explosions rung out and could be heard across a number of eastern cities.

Troops have since crossed the Russia/Ukraine border, with air raid sirens being tested in Kyiv.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly announced martial law across all territories.

Videos show cars of people fleeing Ukraine's capital Kyiv, as others sheltered in basements to the sound of distant explosions.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin condemned the attacks and said Putin’s regime would pay a “high price”, while the EU promised the “strongest, harshest package” of sanctions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said: “We will give weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country. Be ready to support Ukraine in the squares of our cities.

“We will lift sanctions on all citizens of Ukraine who are ready to defend our country as part of territorial defence with weapons in hands.

“We have severed diplomatic relations with Russia. For all those who have not yet lost their conscience in Russia, it is time to go out and protest against the war with Ukraine.”

Meanwhile, contingency plans are being drawn up by UEFA over where to host this season’s Champions League final, according to the PA news agency.

The 68,000-capacity Gazprom Arena in St Petersburg had been awarded the chance to host Europe’s showpiece event but events overnight look likely to force a change of venue.

Russia president Vladimir Putin instructed an attack on Ukraine with explosions heard in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv while blasts were also reported in the cities of Odessa and Kharkiv.

UEFA is monitoring the situation with the Russian city set to be stripped of hosting the final, which is scheduled to take place on May 28.

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[corentinc.]

CO Max from Advanced Wars: "Roll taks, roll!"

[timp]

We support Ukraine. God saves Ukraine.

[UNFlR]

I don't understand war.. people are just killing people. It's such a sick game

[amelka]

They could have mined that road before hand!

[reedturner]

When has the Ukraine EVER threatened Russia?

[christhompson]

I feel like it's time for EMP javelin weapons.

[franksullivansr]

Does 1 September 1939 mean anything to people? Russia is following the play book that was written by Adolf Hitler!

[onlyme]

Let em get on with it notthing to do with us

[jojothepolyglot]

Ukraine dis actually threaten to get nukes to defend itself...Imagine where I have had that before and how America reacted....not forgetting how Israel reacted to Iraq and Iran making a nuke