Tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated overnight, as Russian forces launched a major military assault on Ukraine, with reports of missile strikes and explosions near major cities.

People have been trying to flee the capital Kyiv and there is a palpable sense of shock.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warns that Moscow’s response will be “instant” if anyone tries to take on Russia.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Zelensky has introduced martial law across the country, urging citizens to remain calm.

“Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Twitter.

“This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now.”

The European Union says it is one of the darkest hours for Europe since World War Two, adding Russia will be hit with “massive sanctions”.

“There is no purgatory for war criminals. They go straight to hell.”

Those were the pointed words used by Ukraine’s UN Ambassador, Sergiy Kyslytsya , as he addressed his Russian counterpart at the conclusion of the United Nations Security Council meeting last night.

Meanwhile Atonio Gutterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, has called on Vladamir Putin to bring his troops back to Russia, “in the name of humanity”.