The Ukrainian army says the Kremlin has launched 30 missile attacks on military and civilian targets.
They claim at least 40 people have died.
CNN sees more military rockets that appear to be fired from Russian territory into Ukraine https://t.co/hjMblQm8OV pic.twitter.com/SrG5FyAJJ5
— CNN (@CNN) February 24, 2022
The country's president has urged people to join the army if they have experience, and to give blood.
Citizens have been seen in gridlocked traffic trying to flee the capital Kyiv and queueing outside banks and cash machines.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is advising 70 Irish people in Ukraine to shelter in a secure place.
It also says they should consider leaving the country if they judge it safe to do so.
Ukrainian airspace has been closed and it's likely that overland routes out of Ukraine will be severely disrupted.
A dedicated phone line has been set up for any Irish person in Ukraine who needs consular assistance.
The Department is also remaining in direct contact with the families who have a surrogacy arrangement in the country.
Russian forces invaded Ukraine, a free and sovereign country.
We condemn this barbaric attack, and the cynical arguments used to justify it.
Later today we will present a package of massive, targeted sanctions.
https://t.co/AHtTVEvHgV— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 24, 2022
Meanwhile, stock markets around the world have tumbled and oil prices have risen to an 8 year high.
While Organisers of Eurovision say they plan to let Russia compete in May despite Vladimir Putin's military operation in Ukraine.
They say the song competition is a "non-political cultural event".
The Ukrainian state broadcaster has called on the European Broadcasting Union - which produces the contest - to suspend Moscow's membership.
⚠️#BREAKING | A father who sent his family to a safe zone bid farewell to his little girl and stayed behind to fight ...
#Ukraine #Ukraina #Russia #Putin #WWIII #worldwar3 #UkraineRussie #RussiaUkraineConflict #RussiaInvadedUkraine pic.twitter.com/vHGaCh6Z2i— New News EU 🔴 (@Newnews_eu) February 24, 2022
Meanwhile, Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel says he will not race in Sochi for the Russian Grand Prix if it stays on this year's calendar.
Sebastian Vettel says the Russian GP should not take place this year and insists if it does - he will be boycotting the race.
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) February 24, 2022
More to follow......
Image: Sky News Screen Capture
