this is bbc news. the headlines... russia has invaded ukraine in a major military assault by land, sea and air. there have been explosions reported near major cities including in the capital, kyiv. as his army moved in, vladimir putin issued this warning to the world. translation: whoever tries to interfere with us _ or threaten our country should know that russia's response will be immediate and lead to such consequences that have never been experienced in history. in the capital, fearing the worst, some are desperate to leave. the president calls on the international community to help his country. putin started the war against

ukraine _ putin started the war against ukraine in case the whole democratic world _ ukraine in case the whole democratic world he _ ukraine in case the whole democratic world. he wants to destroy my country. — world. he wants to destroy my country, he wants to destroy our country. — country, he wants to destroy our country, everything we have been building. — country, everything we have been building, what we live for. nato and western leaders have responded forcefully to the attack. their attempts to find a diplomatic way out of the crisis have failed. sadly, what we have warned against for months has come to pass. despite all calls under russia to change course and tireless efforts to seek a diplomatic solution. for course and tireless efforts to seek a diplomatic solution.— a diplomatic solution. for all his bombs and _ a diplomatic solution. for all his bombs and tanks _ a diplomatic solution. for all his bombs and tanks and _ a diplomatic solution. for all his bombs and tanks and missiles, l a diplomatic solution. for all his i bombs and tanks and missiles, i don't _ bombs and tanks and missiles, i don't believe the russian dictator will ever— don't believe the russian dictator will ever subdue the national feeling — will ever subdue the national feeling of the ukrainians and their passionate belief they country should — passionate belief they country should be free.

russia has launched a major military attack on ukraine. leaders around the world has condemned the action. let's recap on the main developments in this rapidly unfolding crisis. russian forces have launched an invasion of ukraine crossing borders and bombing military targets near major cities. in a televised address, the russian president announced what he called a special military opposition in the donbas region and warned of an instant response to any outside powers resisting the attack. ukraine's president says his country's armed forces are involved in heavy fighting and has called on citizens are ready to defend the country to come forward. world leaders have strongly condemned the offensive, nato secretary said it was a

deliberate and cold—blooded attack by russia. it confirmed nato has activated its defence plans. the uk prime minister borisjohnson says, our worst fears have come to where the vast invasion by land, by air and by sea and promised more action against russia in the coming days. it is as leaders of the g7 group of nations meet to discuss how they respond. pauladams nations meet to discuss how they respond. paul adams reports. until early this morning, some here in kyiv doubted that he would do it. not any more. the west warned vladimir putin was about to attack. he said he had no such plans. that fiction now utterly exposed. explosions right across this vast country. in ivano—frankivsk in the far south—west,

a missile struck an airport. unverified images from ukraine's northern and southern borders seemed to show columns of russian armour entering from belarus and crimea. within hours, russian tanks were reported to be on the streets of ukraine's second largest city, kharkiv. whatever russia says, this attack will not be surgical. to the east of kharkiv, emergency workers battled to control fires in residential building is hit by rockets. the number of civilian casualties is rising. at mariupol in the south, another airport on fire. this country's civilian infrastructure is being heavily struck. there are no more flights in or out. a glance at the map shows a country under attack from east to west, north to south. earlier, a snarling russian leader said this was all in self defence and warned ukrainians to lay down their arms.

translation: we will strive for the demilitarisation - and denazification of ukraine. russia cannot feel safe, develop and exist with the constant threat emanating from the territory of modern ukraine. in kyiv, ukraine's embattled president, who must now fear for his job, appealed to the world. translation: putin started a war against ukraine, - against the whole democratic world. he wants to destroy my country, he wants to destroy our country, everything we have been building, what we live for. so far, all the signs are that this attack is working out exactly the way western leaders have been warning for weeks. the country is being attacked from all directions, and the fear now has to be that some of those russian troops are heading here, to the capital. some people are not waiting to find out what happens next. the roads out of kyiv jammed with traffic, most of it heading west.

these people don't want to be liberated by vladimir putin. after weeks of extraordinary calm, this suddenly looks like panic. mid morning, and two jets fly over the city — it's not clear whose, but it seems only a matter of time before russia controls the air and much besides. pauladams, bbc news, kyiv. people in kyiv woke to the sound of air raid sirens and citizens who had long prayed for peace now had to face war. my colleague nick beake has been gauging the thoughts of some of the people here to the extraordinary unfolding events. sirens. the invasion, the attack that russia promised would never happen, has now started. and the ukrainian government is urging people to stay calm, and it's appealing to the international community to stop president putin now. we soon find lana and her mum.

russia forced them from their home in crimea eight years ago. now they're on the move again. it's very, very nervous, and i'm very scared, but i must be strong. after the overnight attacks from the skies, many are taking refuge underground. well, this feels like one of the safest places in the city today, notjust because there are lots of soldiers about, but because the metro is doubling up as a bomb shelter. and overnight, families have come down here, they're trying to follow the news of what's happening and trying to work out what they will do next. this two—year—old is still smiling, but his mum and dads are worried. eight bombs. eight bombs? in the english, the war start. "i'm very, very scared for my boy," alexander says.

then both parents ask, "where are nato to help us?" when the bombs started falling, sales manager helped his neighbours leave their homes. he tells me he's now ready to fight on the front line and die for his country. it's only one way to serve our country, our children, our mothers, and defend our country from russian occupation. and we will fight all day. many are fearful of what will come next, among them alexei. if russia will occupy kyiv, which i don't believe will happen, because i believe in our army, well, it will be like another nazi occupation. it is still eerily quiet in the heart of the capital. it seems many have followed government advice to stay at home. lots of people will have heard russia's claimed that it carried out targeted attacks

on ukrainian military. i have to tell you, people are saying it does not feel like that to them. instead, they feel they are under attack and that president putin has declared war on them. nick beake, bbc news, kyiv. russian military convoys have entered ukraine from all directions including from neighbouring belarus. they have also been reports of missile strikes and explosions across ukraine. let's go to sarah rainsford in eastern ukraine. we can show you on this map about blasts. there have been strikes at eight major cities including kyiv is that i think strike at international airport in the western city. in an address on russian state tv, vladimir putin claimed russia had been left with no choice but to defend itself against what he claimed were threats from modern ukraine and that moscow tried to what he called, de—nazify the country.

from moscow, steve rosenberg has the latest. from the president of russia, a fateful decision. vladimir putin said "military operation". but really, the kremlin was launching a full—scale invasion of ukraine. russian stocks plunged. the rouble hit an all—time low. fears of conflict superseded by the shock of a war and what may come next. i think that, if putin is not stopped now in ukraine, this war would be the beginning of the third world war. vladimir putin comes across now as a leader with an almost messianic idea — to force ukraine back into moscow's orbit, even if that means war. what the public might think about that doesn't come into it.

he seems determined to achieve his goal. in the centre of moscow, "we are against the war", she says, "and we want the whole world to know that". but, so far, few russians have come out to protest. maybe this is why. in russia now, protests end like this. i'm sorry, so shocked. ijust can't help crying. i think that most russians don't support this. it's horrible. and why don't they support it? because it's not our war. it is war putin—biden or anyone else, but not our nation. "i think the ukrainian soldiers will surrender", she says, "and they should". "it's terrible to be at war with ukraine." this is not a conflict the russian public wants.

this is the kremlin's war. steve rosenberg, bbc news, moscow. the g7 leaders are meeting to discuss this developing situation in ukraine. we are expecting to have a press conference from olaf scholz, the german chancellor, later. in the meantime, we have got a number of lines that are coming out of those meetings. the german interior minister says they are prepared for all scenarios in case there is an influx of refugees from ukraine for the then mac has also said they will be prepared to take refugees as people try to leave ukraine to get away from this conflict. the danish prime minister has said we are expected russia's invasion as that of a long international crisis. the german interior minister to coach

again says, we assume a high possibility of cyber attacks against german companies but we are not seeing those attacks at the moment. a state of readiness from a number of european countries to help the people who need to leave ukraine. here with me now is catherine belton who is the special correspondent at reuters and author of putin's people. despite the concerns about an invasion of ukraine, there has been an expression of shock and surprise that it has actually happened. hoar that it has actually happened. how surrised that it has actually happened. how surprised should _ that it has actually happened. firm? surprised should anybody be? i think most of moscow is in a sense of disbelief at the moment. most of the people that i've been speaking to prior to this thought that putin would stop with recognising the macro he could continue to threaten from the sidelines in order to gain

concessions or destabilise the ukrainian regime. i don't think anybody expected a pass from western intelligence agencies he would go all the way in and launch this terrible bloody war. we can see that in how the russian stock market has reacted today, it has lost half its value and people are in shock. in value and people are in shock. in terms of sanctions, how effective are those that have already been put in place? the are those that have already been put in lace? ., , ., ., ., ., , in place? the ones that have already been ut in place? the ones that have already been put into — in place? the ones that have already been put into place _ in place? the ones that have already been put into place have _ in place? the ones that have already been put into place have very - in place? the ones that have already been put into place have very little l been put into place have very little effect at all. there are no consequence at all particularly those introduced by the uk governments because they were sanctioning billionaires close to putin who have already faced us sanctions. they were quite weak. in i thought the west was just merely giving putin breathing space. he had recognised the independence of the republic switch since 2015 really

had to de facto almost independent from ukraine anyway because of the separatist war. this could give putin a chance to bow out and say, ok, i've got my little bit of 0k, i've got my little bit of ukraine, iwill 0k, i've got my little bit of ukraine, i will continue to try and get some concessions on security concerns from the west. but he didn't stop there. obviously, the sanctions package that is going to come now is going to be much, much tougher and the thing to what is going to be whether or not the us, the eu in the uk go ahead and sanction russia ship �*s biggest state banks. if they do, it will be devastating for the russian economy. we're just hearing the russian foreign ministry. russia is saying it will respond to european and us sanctions in a tit—for—tat manner. can you expand on what that might be

like in reality? it is can you expand on what that might be like in reality?— like in reality? it is possible, russia does _ like in reality? it is possible, russia does control - like in reality? it is possible, russia does control a - like in reality? it is possible, russia does control a great l like in reality? it is possible, i russia does control a great deal like in reality? it is possible, - russia does control a great deal of the world's commodity supplies. it supplies huge amounts of the world's titanium needs which is much needed for the building of aircraft, boeing is a major importer of titanium from russia, for instance. they could wind down supplies of that. more drastic would be reducing oil and gas supplies. i doubt putin is going to completely cut off its noes to spite its face because they will have no income at all as well as a collapsing financial system. i guess we will have to see what they do. when you think about what has already been expressed in terms of options that nato and its allies might result to, what will bite quickly? a lot of commentators say,

sanctions can take quite some time for the effects to be felt. i’m sanctions can take quite some time for the effects to be felt.— for the effects to be felt. i'm not sure that is _ for the effects to be felt. i'm not sure that is quite _ for the effects to be felt. i'm not sure that is quite true _ for the effects to be felt. i'm not sure that is quite true because . for the effects to be felt. i'm not sure that is quite true because if| sure that is quite true because if the west does go ahead and sanction the west does go ahead and sanction the biggest russian state banks, the effect would be felt very quickly. already today we have seen a run on some of the banks in moscow and if they are cut off from the dollar and any other hard currency they will face collapse. the central bank will be forced to dig into its war chest of high currency reserves and bail them out. if that is a rent on the banks, those reserves could disappear pretty quickly. i’m banks, those reserves could disappear pretty quickly. i'm sure we will speak _ disappear pretty quickly. i'm sure we will speak again _ disappear pretty quickly. i'm sure we will speak again but _ disappear pretty quickly. i'm sure we will speak again but thank - disappear pretty quickly. i'm sure we will speak again but thank you very much. they have been demonstrations and on the weather is a poet of the ukrainian government. one of those has taken place in central london just outside downing street. our correspondences there.

it looks very well attended. several hundred people. it has been going on for a few hours. you can see the yellow and blue ukrainian flags behind me. there is a lot of anger here but a lot of concern. many people were woken early this morning getting the call from family and friends back in the ukraine and saying that in some cases they were under pretty heavy shelling. i've got one woman here with me now, lives in london now but has got family in ukraine. how did you feel when he got the news this morning? i when he got the news this morning? i was extremely angry we are past the stage _ was extremely angry we are past the stage of— was extremely angry we are past the stage of fear because we felt fear all these — stage of fear because we felt fear all these months. today, it was extreme — all these months. today, it was extreme anger that somebody, we know who, a _ extreme anger that somebody, we know wbo, 6 sick— extreme anger that somebody, we know who, a sick man in russia with imperialist _ who, a sick man in russia with imperialist ambitions thinks he can

dictate _ imperialist ambitions thinks he can dictate us, — imperialist ambitions thinks he can dictate us, a free nation, what we think. _ dictate us, a free nation, what we think. what— dictate us, a free nation, what we think, what we do, what we do and what _ think, what we do, what we do and what we _ think, what we do, what we do and what we choose to do our lives. you must obviously _ what we choose to do our lives. 7m, must obviously be worried about your parents, i think, must obviously be worried about your parents, ithink, your parents—in—law. i parents, i think, your parents-in-law.- parents, i think, your arents-in-law. ., ., parents-in-law. iam worried. i thinki parents-in-law. iam worried. i think i am _ parents-in-law. iam worried. i think i am angry _ parents-in-law. iam worried. i think i am angry more - parents-in-law. iam worried. i think i am angry more than - parents-in-law. iam worried. i- think i am angry more than worried that i_ think i am angry more than worried that i anr _ think i am angry more than worried that i am worried about my family, my friends — that i am worried about my family, my friends. there are different types — my friends. there are different types of — my friends. there are different types of people in my circles and they have — types of people in my circles and they have different actions so people — they have different actions so people with young children and toddlers, they are panicking and they want— toddlers, they are panicking and they want to make sure their children— they want to make sure their children are safe. younger males among _ children are safe. younger males among my— children are safe. younger males among my friends, they are enlisting in the _ among my friends, they are enlisting in the territorial defence unit or the army — in the territorial defence unit or the army. my husband was my brother, he is in _ the army. my husband was my brother, he is in the _ the army. my husband was my brother, he is in the first line of reserve and has — he is in the first line of reserve and has been called to the army. he is going _ and has been called to the army. he is going there tomorrow. i am concerned _ is going there tomorrow. i am concerned where he will be sent because — concerned where he will be sent because the front line everywhere because _ because the front line everywhere because russia is invaded by air, sea and — because russia is invaded by air, sea and land. do because russia is invaded by air, sea and land-— because russia is invaded by air, sea and land. do you think that the british government _

sea and land. do you think that the british government has _ sea and land. do you think that the british government has done - sea and land. do you think that the i british government has done enough is doing enough? the british government has done enough is doing enough?— is doing enough? the whole of the world hasn't _ is doing enough? the whole of the world hasn't done _ is doing enough? the whole of the world hasn't done enough. - is doing enough? the whole of the world hasn't done enough. we - is doing enough? the whole of the world hasn't done enough. we let| world hasn't done enough. we let this happen because we didn't give enough _ this happen because we didn't give enough of— this happen because we didn't give enough of a reaction after georgia. ithink— enough of a reaction after georgia. i think the — enough of a reaction after georgia. i think the whole world must wake up to it. i think the whole world must wake up to it they— i think the whole world must wake up to it. they have to understand who is the _ to it. they have to understand who is the aggressor. there are things we can— is the aggressor. there are things we can do— is the aggressor. there are things we can do to prevent this. the ukrainian _ we can do to prevent this. the ukrainian army is holding the line and our— ukrainian army is holding the line and our people are dying for dignity and our people are dying for dignity and human— and our people are dying for dignity and human rights. we are fighting against _ and human rights. we are fighting against the power that is coming with authoritarianism, state terror and no _ with authoritarianism, state terror and no human rights at all. we have no voice. _ and no human rights at all. we have no voice. no — and no human rights at all. we have no voice, no rights if you are in russia — no voice, no rights if you are in russia belarus and ukraine and doesn't — russia belarus and ukraine and doesn't want to be at. what we can doesn't want to be at. what we can do is, _ doesn't want to be at. what we can do is, what — doesn't want to be at. what we can do is, what the world can do is turn off international markets. sanctions against _ off international markets. sanctions against the central bank so they cannot— against the central bank so they cannot have access to the international reserves, they cannot trade _ international reserves, they cannot trade in _ international reserves, they cannot trade in dollars. it means exclusion

russia _ trade in dollars. it means exclusion russia from — trade in dollars. it means exclusion russia from all assets so that no one can — russia from all assets so that no one can invest in them and it is a blanket— one can invest in them and it is a blanket ban— one can invest in them and it is a blanket ban on all russian banking system _ blanket ban on all russian banking system because we need to cripple the economic system is that they cannot— the economic system is that they cannot finance the war.— the economic system is that they cannot finance the war. thank you very much — cannot finance the war. thank you very much indeed. _ cannot finance the war. thank you very much indeed. i _ cannot finance the war. thank you very much indeed. i should - cannot finance the war. thank you very much indeed. i should also . cannot finance the war. thank you i very much indeed. i should also say that at this demonstration, we have seen some russians are saying they are standing in solidarity with ukraine as well. back to you in the studio. in response to russia's invasion, nato, the western military alliance, says it is activating its defence plan. the secretary generaljens stoltenberg warned whatever was necessary would be done to shield member countries from aggression with fighterjets and warships on standby. earlier, the european union said mr putin was bringing war back to europe. here is our diplomatic correspondent james landale. the invasion began as western capitals slept, their leaders woken to learn the diplomacy,

their deterrence had failed. their task now to respond to what one called europe's darkest hour since world war ii. in a recorded statement, borisjohnson promised a massive package of economic sanctions to hobble russia's economy. a vast invasion is under way, by land, sea and air, and this is not, in the infamous phrase, some far away country of which we know little. ukraine is a country that, for decades, has enjoyed freedom and democracy and the right to choose its own destiny. we and the world cannot allow freedom just to be snuffed out. we cannot and will not just look away. he promised more defensive military support. our mission is clear. diplomatically, politically, economically and eventually militarily, this hideous

and barbaric venture of vladimir putin must end in failure. this act of wanton and reckless aggression is an attack notjust on ukraine, it's an attack on democracy and freedom in eastern europe and around the world. this crisis is about the right of a free, sovereign, independent european people to choose their own future. and that is a right that the uk will always defend. in the early hours, the united nations met in emergency session, the chamber echoing to the sound of shock and condemnation. president putin, in the name of humanity, bring your troops back to russia. in the name of humanity, do not allow to start in europe what could be the worst war

since the beginning of the century. nato has already bolstered its eastern flank in recent days. this morning the military alliance activated plans to pave the way for the deployment of more troops to strengthen its deterrence and defence. the kremlin's aim is to re—establish its sphere of influence, rip up the global norms that have kept us safe for decades, and subvert the values that we hold dear. this is the new normal for our security. peace cannot be taken for granted. the fear now among some nato countries, particularly in baltic states like estonia and other parts of eastern europe, is that president putin might not stop at ukraine. everything we were afraid of, that we knew from the intelligence

before, has actually come true, and this is so frightening that this can happen in 2022. eu leaders will meet later today to discuss their response. the european commission president promised tough new sanctions. it is president putin who is bringing war back to europe and, in these dark hours, the european union and its people stand by ukraine and its people. we are facing an unprecedented act of aggression by the russian leadership against a sovereign, independent country. so what further economic sanctions are on the table? there are plans to restrict russia's ability to sell its gas and other energy to the rest of the world and there could be restrictions on russia was not ability to import technology muck microchips but there is pressure to act fast.

we will learn more this afternoon when the prime minister addresses mps at westminster. thank you very much forjoining us. what sort of response is now required, first of all from ukraine? well, ukraine is responding right here, right now because our forces are confronting russian forces that are confronting russian forces that are moving in different directions into our country. we need to understand, it is not limited to the front line like this is depicting. it is near kyiv and other areas. we are right here, right now, responding because this is the scene that we are being preparing for for

the last eight years. we have trained our armed forces, we modernise their workforces so we are right here, right now responding and making a russia pay the price because a lot of tanks were destroyed, planes were down so ukrainians are responding as much as they can. we made russia concentrate huge firepower around ukraine's people needs to understand ukrainian investment and how ukraine is paying the price for european security. we have heard from nato they put will protect members from aggression, how is that going to help ukraine? it can help ukraine only if nato create simultaneous forces in poland or baltic states. that would make russia rescinded aggression and to

look for grouping of forces. that is why i can say that be a major assistance ukraine if there are just minor reinforcements for central and eastern europe, state of the eastern flank of nato. we are waiting from our nato partners, nato countries, shipments of almonds. they would be some sanctions the sanctions will have affect midterm. but right now we need the means to destroy russian tanks and attack planes. we need some kind of repeat button. your government decided to ship anti—tank weapons here. we have already used them and they were successful. we need more of these things. that is why we appreciate the sanctions but

it is about readiness to supply means to destroy russian weapons. also, intelligence. reinforcements of eastern flank of nato is good but we are waiting for the direct shipments of defence analysts. when ou look at shipments of defence analysts. when you look at what _ shipments of defence analysts. when you look at what happened last night and today, to what extent do you think the international community gave president putin far too much time and space in recent months? well, i would say in general that history will explain, would say that when it was an utter failure of the west. the west has plenty of time to prepare ukraine better but i would say to ship pre—emptively more weaponry and in general, ukraine also might be said to bear some

blame. you are major stakeholders. i would stay it was depicted as a failure that in 30 years passing since the end of the cold war, the west allowed russia to regroup and be prepared to launch a major aggression against european country in the 20th century. we aggression against european country in the 20th century.— in the 20th century. we have 'ust heard from — in the 20th century. we have 'ust heard from the i in the 20th century. we have 'ust heard from the russian �* in the 20th century. we have just heard from the russian interior. heard from the russian interior ministry that russia intends to respond in a tit—for—tat manner against european and us sanctions. how much of a risk is it? what are the fact will that be? i cannot imagine the situation how russia can respond to tit for tat so it is difficult to imagine the situation of how the economy can inflict major damage on the nato

alliance which in total has approximately 50 trillions of dollars of the economy. i would say they would try some scenes that for instance, blocking of the russian access to the accounts in the western banks. they might try cyber attacks, for instance, say four metres very difficult to imagine how the response inflict damage on themselves. they can threaten to withhold the flow of gas or oil but it damages them because they dependent on the money they receive so in terms of the economic lavage, it is a privilege of the west, not the russian. taste it is a privilege of the west, not the russian-— the russian. we appreciate you talkin: to the russian. we appreciate you talking to us. _ the russian. we appreciate you talking to us. thank— the russian. we appreciate you talking to us. thank you - the russian. we appreciate you talking to us. thank you very i the russian. we appreciate you - talking to us. thank you very much. our europe editor is in brussels. are so much discussion about what to do now. we have got nato obviously

thinking about their strategy but also the g7 tell us what is coming out of those meetings. i also the g7 tell us what is coming out of those meetings.— also the g7 tell us what is coming out of those meetings. i think you have a concerted _ out of those meetings. i think you have a concerted effort _ out of those meetings. i think you have a concerted effort by - out of those meetings. i think you have a concerted effort by all - out of those meetings. i think you have a concerted effort by all the | have a concerted effort by all the west, the 27 eu member states, all their leaders meeting here in brussels tonight as well, individual readers, france, germany and so on making their own pronouncement as well. there is a real effort among western allies to really show a united front at the moment. everybody is thinking about sanctions, you havejust been discussing a big bang package of sanctions. at second packet. disapprove the first one yesterday. it will go into action as of tomorrow. there is a real concern amongst leaders. we heard from the french president and he thinks this is a turning point in european history. and the current situation for russia, ukraine, the impact of this will touch all of our lives, he said, in france and beyond. for the

european union they are looking at sending a warning to russia and getting new sanctions out as quickly as possible and showing solidarity with ukraine, promising support. but then also internally this is something that nato and eu are very aware of. eu member states, lithuania, latvia, the baltic states border with russia and this is seen as an aggression not only on ukraine but to change the balance of power in all the viewer up in russia's favour. that makes the baltic states feel very exposed. they are notjust looking for military bolstering which is what they have been promised but about disinformation campaigns. they are worried about cyber attacks to politically destabilise them and lithuania said these campaigns are already starting. if you look at eu member states, hungary, romania, poland, they border ukraine so they are bracing themselves for a massive influx of refugees, potentially, to

come from ukraine, as people tried to flee their homes and flee the fighting. and as the sanctions themselves, can they have an effect on a vladimir putin? i think even as we have often talked about bickering member states, some want tougher sanctions quicker than others, are worried about their own economies and how it motivate their own politics but mines are concentrated today. there has not been a peep about the second package of sanctions which the eu promises will do a real blow economically, politically to russia. there is talk about targeting the energy sector. think about those spiralling energy sectors. everybody is braced for the impact there. also the domestic situation in europe as well. our correspondent _ situation in europe as well. our correspondent is _

situation in europe as well. our correspondent is in washington and joins us now. feverish discussions around the world to try to decide what to do next. what is the latest at the white house are telling you? we understand that president biden held a meeting in the situation room this morning and he is participating in that virtual call with g7 leaders about now. at least that is the schedule for his call with those leaders. we are waiting to get a readout but i think we can decide that they will be making sure they are on the same page about this package of sanctions they have agreed together in a coordinated way to roll out in response to various steps that russia takes and we saw that earlier this week and we are expecting sanctions to be announced in europe. also here in the united states owe mr biden has said that he will be addressing the nation later today to talk about what tougher

measures he will take and these are largely financial in terms of targeting more banks. we understand and possibly also blocking russian access to crucial american technology that it needs for its economy. and measures of that nature. is economy. and measures of that nature. , . , economy. and measures of that nature. , ., , , , economy. and measures of that nature. , ., i, , ., economy. and measures of that nature. , ., , , , ., , nature. is there any sense that they should have — nature. is there any sense that they should have acted _ nature. is there any sense that they should have acted sooner? - nature. is there any sense that they should have acted sooner? is - nature. is there any sense that theyl should have acted sooner? is anyone admitting to that? not the administration, no. there have been pressuring congress especially from republicans, to have issued pre—emptive sanctions. the administration has always argued that the threat of sanctions as a deterrent and if you issue them before anything happens, then the deterrent is gone so it is a debate here in washington but the administration has stuck to its line that it wanted to hold the sanctions as a threat to try and prevent this from happening and i think also that we'll been part of the calculation in terms of getting an agreement

with european countries. us officials worked very hard to try to get this package of sanctions that everyone agrees on and then they can be coordinated about and i think a pre—emptive element of it would have been more difficult to win approval for. forthe been more difficult to win approval for. for the moment, thank you very much. we arejoined byjohn healey, the shadow defence secretary and labour mp. hejoins us now from westminster. welcome. four weeks there has been this threat of an invasion. to what extent has taken politicians in westminster, in your party, by surprise? it politicians in westminster, in your party. by surprise?— politicians in westminster, in your party, by surprise? it has not taken us by surprise- _ party, by surprise? it has not taken us by surprise. we _ party, by surprise? it has not taken us by surprise. we have _ party, by surprise? it has not taken us by surprise. we have watched i party, by surprise? it has not taken l us by surprise. we have watched with horror as putin has built up unprecedented level of forces to try to intimidate and now invade

ukraine. we have known of the threat and we have been making preparations but we need to move further now to put in place really tough sanctions as part of the penalty for this invasion. we need to step up the uk support to help ukraine defend itself and to support the brave resistance of these ukrainians and the uk has got to play a leading role and do more to try and reinforce the defences of nato allies along the eastern flank with russia because no one believes that russia because no one believes that russia will stop at ukraine and everything that we heard from putin overnight suggests that this is a new confrontation that he is drawing with the west. white make you say he will not stop ukraine. how far do you think his ambitions extend? he's trying to divide and weaken the west and turn the clock back and re—establish russian control over neighbouring countries and this is

sovereign country that has been invaded today. we believe in democratic and freedom and the rule of law. an attack on ukraine is an attack on democracy. it is the gravest threat to european security is that we have seen since the second world war.— is that we have seen since the second world war. how hopeful are ou that second world war. how hopeful are you that there _ second world war. how hopeful are you that there can _ second world war. how hopeful are you that there can be _ second world war. how hopeful are you that there can be containment i second world war. how hopeful are l you that there can be containment of russia and its forces because it feels like the international to some extent, is looking on somewhat helplessly. extent, is looking on somewhat helplessly-— extent, is looking on somewhat hellessl . ., , , ., helplessly. one of the results of the lona helplessly. one of the results of the long run _ helplessly. one of the results of the long run aggression - helplessly. one of the results of the long run aggression in - helplessly. one of the results of the long run aggression in the l the long run aggression in the build—up on the ukrainian border that it has made nato allies more unified, more determined and now

nato must stand firm, must stay unified. it must reinforce the defences of its allied nations. the uk has a leading part to play on that and i expect to hear more from the prime minister this afternoon in the prime minister this afternoon in the house of commons about how we will play that role. and when i was in ukraine last month they said, look, our best defence in ukraine as western unity. and so even the uk, we must do what we can to make sure our sanctions measure up to those in the european union and the us. that we help that strong response that must come from nato. and that we make sure that we stand with ukraine where we can to support them as they resist this russian invasion. there is a ukrainian diaspora in the - resist this russian invasion. there is a ukrainian diaspora in the uk i is a ukrainian diaspora in the uk who will be angry and tremendously worried about their families back home. other nations across europe are already talking about the kind of humanitarian help that they could

offer, taking in refugees. what position should britain be taking? the ukrainians, with family or friends in ukraine that are here in britain will be, i suspect, shocked and extremely worried. i'm glad our embassy staff are still in ukraine although not in kyiv any more. it is important that the government is able to spell out this afternoon the steps it will take to safeguard uk citizens. and help deal with concerns that family back home in britain may have. and it is a very grave situation that the ukrainians face today. this is president putin breaching all the of international law, or the guarantees that he and russia have given to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of ukraine and this is a

deeply hostile anti—western stands that president putin has taken now and it redraws the lines of confrontation, i am afraid, in a way we have not seen since the end of the cold war. we got used to a settled peace and security in europe and we have taken that for granted and we have taken that for granted and today tells us we can no longer do so. . ~ and today tells us we can no longer do so. ., ,, i. and today tells us we can no longer do so. ., ~' , and today tells us we can no longer doso. ., , . and today tells us we can no longer doso. . , . ., do so. thank you very much for talkin: do so. thank you very much for talking to _ do so. thank you very much for talking to us. _ do so. thank you very much for talking to us. more _ do so. thank you very much for talking to us. more lines - do so. thank you very much for talking to us. more lines of - talking to us. more lines of breaking news regarding reaction to russia boss mike invasion of ukraine. first of all, the eu has summoned russia to the eu over the invasion of ukraine. the european correspond it was saying that the 27 members are meeting tonight to discuss the situation so russia's ambassador is being summoned. the

football organisation in europe uefa strongly condemns the russian military invasion of ukraine. sport is obviously getting involved in politics again as it often has to when games are meant to be staged in a part of the world that are suddenly deemed not suitable. so uefa strongly condemning the invasion. oursecurity uefa strongly condemning the invasion. our security correspondent is here. a lot to get our heads around. this predawn invasion by russia after weeks of president putin saying that that was not his intention. so talk us through the sort of main elements that are standing out for you.— sort of main elements that are standing out for you. sure. the big ruestion i standing out for you. sure. the big question i think _ standing out for you. sure. the big question i think is _ standing out for you. sure. the big question i think is how— standing out for you. sure. the big question i think is how far - standing out for you. sure. the big question i think is how far does - question i think is how far does this invasion go. and what i president putin's intentions? did he intend to occupy the country permanently, which he says he doesn't but then he says he was not going to invade anti—did. that guarantee is not worth anything. the question a lot of people are asking, let's cut straight to the chase here. is this the period, as many people in ukraine are saying, to world war iii? at the moment i don't

think it is and i hope it stays that way. because as long as president putin does not send his forces across nato's borders then we don't have a nato russia conflict. ukraine, although it is an ally of the west and a partner country to nato, it is not a nato member. under the constitution there is something that article five which means that if one country is attacked, they are all attacked on all have to come to the defence. nato is doing two things. it is calling on putin along with everybody else to withdraw, which he is not going to. at the same time, they are bolstering defences along the eastern flanks, sending extra forces and hardware to the civil front line states, lithuania, latvia, estonia and poland and, to a lesser extent, romania. and bulgaria. because we simply don't know what is president putin's mind. this invasion was carefully planned. the build—up of

those forces began weeks ago so it is perfectly possible that, during all those days of diplomacy when the leaders were coming backwards and forwards to moscow in talking bout the window of diplomacy, the ground invasion plans had already been laid. this is not something you can just suddenlyjust like that. there were blood bank stock, field hospitals, pontoon bridges. artillery. the entire russian military doctrine is one of shock and awe law so what they tend to do is they reorganise themselves into what is called the italian tactical groups or tactical battalion groups. of between to, heavily backed by artillery. three times as much activity do with my artillery as a nato group. so when the infantry sweeps through there's been a barrage of missiles, drones and artillery shells that have preceded

it. and that is their way of doing business. ., ., ., ,, , ., business. for the moment, thank you very much- — business. for the moment, thank you very much- joining — business. for the moment, thank you very much. joining is _ business. for the moment, thank you very much. joining is now— business. for the moment, thank you very much. joining is now is _ business. for the moment, thank you very much. joining is now is joanna i very much. joining is now is joanna who is studying _ very much. joining is now is joanna who is studying at _ very much. joining is now is joanna who is studying at ucl— very much. joining is now is joanna who is studying at ucl in _ very much. joining is now is joanna who is studying at ucl in london. i who is studying at ucl in london. thank you very much forjoining us. what have yourfamily thank you very much forjoining us. what have your family been telling you? ma; what have your family been telling ou? ~ , . , what have your family been telling ou? ~ , ., , ., what have your family been telling ou? g ., ,~ ., you? my family are safe at the moment there _ you? my family are safe at the moment there that _ you? my family are safe at the moment there that can - you? my family are safe at the j moment there that can change you? my family are safe at the - moment there that can change any minute~ _ moment there that can change any minute. most of my family is unclear but i minute. most of my family is unclear but i also _ minute. most of my family is unclear but i also have relatives in odessa and another region. and from what i -et and another region. and from what i get from _ and another region. and from what i get from my— and another region. and from what i get from my mother, who is in contact — get from my mother, who is in contact with all of them, everybody has been _ contact with all of them, everybody has been safe so far although my father— has been safe so far although my father has— has been safe so far although my father has had to go into his basement earlier today because there was a _ basement earlier today because there was a missile strike near kyiv about

six kilometres from where he lives. what _ six kilometres from where he lives. what sort _ six kilometres from where he lives. what sort of — six kilometres from where he lives. what sort of offensive action had they seen or heard?— what sort of offensive action had they seen or heard? they have heard sirens and explosions. _ they seen or heard? they have heard sirens and explosions. they - they seen or heard? they have heard sirens and explosions. they have - they seen or heard? they have heard sirens and explosions. they have notj sirens and explosions. they have not suffered from anything yet. you been ”rotestin suffered from anything yet. you been protesting outside _ suffered from anything yet. you been protesting outside downing _ suffered from anything yet. you been protesting outside downing street i protesting outside downing street today? some of the people there were expressing anger as much as wary. well, that is what i feel. tell expressing anger as much as wary. well, that is what i feel.— well, that is what i feel. tell us more. i well, that is what i feel. tell us more- i am _ well, that is what i feel. tell us more. i am angry _ well, that is what i feel. tell us more. i am angry at _ well, that is what i feel. tell us more. i am angry at the - well, that is what i feel. tell us. more. i am angry at the russians well, that is what i feel. tell us - more. i am angry at the russians who are 'ust. more. i am angry at the russians who are just- you — more. i am angry at the russians who are just. you never— more. i am angry at the russians who are just. you never protested - arejust. you never protested against putin and they're trying to do something now and thank god they are trying to do something now. i'm angry at putting himself because we were trying to stave off his

invasion for eight years now and he is never backed down. and the propagandist machine that russia has got going is just never stopped. propagandist machine that russia has got going isjust never stopped. and i'm also angry at the west because we have been warning about this for years now. we have been warning about this for ears now. ~ . we have been warning about this for ears now. . ., ., , ., ., years now. what sort of preparation to have your — years now. what sort of preparation to have your parents _ years now. what sort of preparation to have your parents and _ years now. what sort of preparation to have your parents and your - years now. what sort of preparation | to have your parents and your family been making? we seen pictures of people heading towards the underground, tube stations, ? people heading towards the underground, tube stations,? thea;r underground, tube stations,? they are not underground, tube stations,? they are rrot doing _ underground, tube stations,? they are not doing that. _ underground, tube stations,? tie: are not doing that. they underground, tube stations,? tt;e: are not doing that. they obviously have stocked up on food and water to survive for at least another week. they have some plans, if there is an opportunity and the need to move further west across the border with poland because we have relatives

there. ., ., , ., , ,, , there. for now they are 'ust keeping an 0 en there. for now they are 'ust keeping an open mind * there. for now they are 'ust keeping an open mind and h there. for now they are just keeping an open mind and seeing _ there. for now they are just keeping an open mind and seeing how- there. for now they are just keeping an open mind and seeing how it - there. for now they are just keeping i an open mind and seeing how it goes. if you could get them out, would you do so? t if you could get them out, would you do so? . , . if you could get them out, would you do so? ., , ., , do so? i was in an interesting osition do so? i was in an interesting position recently _ do so? i was in an interesting position recently when - do so? i was in an interesting position recently when my i do so? i was in an interesting - position recently when my mother and brother, who is 16, they came to visit me here in london. it was almost two weeks ago now. and as you may remember, the insurance companies then stopped ensuring flights to ukraine and so there was a danger that they would not get home and we had to basically make a decision whether they should go back home stay here with me where it is guaranteed to be safe. and while ultimately we decided that we are not going to succumb to provocation, and they went home. so, yeah, i would. ~ , .,

and they went home. so, yeah, i would. ~ ,, and they went home. so, yeah, i would. ~ ., and they went home. so, yeah, i would. ~ i. . ,, ., ., would. when you look back, about how the international _ would. when you look back, about how the international community _ would. when you look back, about how the international community has - the international community has behaved, has responded to president putin over the last few weeks, what is your view of how they've got it wrong given the build—up around ukraine? t wrong given the build-up around ukraine? ~ , ., , ukraine? i feel like maybe there was not an ukraine? i feel like maybe there was rrot any way — ukraine? i feel like maybe there was rrot any way to _ ukraine? i feel like maybe there was not any way to react _ ukraine? i feel like maybe there was not any way to react better _ ukraine? i feel like maybe there was not any way to react better because, j not any way to react better because, you know, this has been an existing thread for eight years and it has not been escalating in this sort of way for eight years but it has been a threat always and it is hard to break this inertia and say that, 0k, break this inertia and say that, ok, now we are cutting off the swift payments. now we are cutting awful lot of the russian so—called money versus. on the other hand i wish there was more of a strong reaction. i wish there were pre—emptive sanctions. maybe putin would not have had anything to lose but it would be much more clear to the

russians who are the real force behind putin, that they're doing something wrong.— behind putin, that they're doing somethin: wronu. , ., , something wrong. extremely worrying times for you- — something wrong. extremely worrying times for you. we _ something wrong. extremely worrying times for you. we really _ something wrong. extremely worrying times for you. we really appreciate i times for you. we really appreciate you talking to us. thank you very much and resend our best wishes to your family. much and resend our best wishes to yourfamily. no problem. thank you very much. i'd bet let's speak to our correspondence in western ukraine. thank you forjoining us. you work for a telecommunication company and you woke up to discover that russia had invaded. what have you told your family? you gathered them around you didn't you? . hello. exactl . them around you didn't you? . hello. exactly- this — them around you didn't you? . hello. exactly- this is _ them around you didn't you? . hello. exactly. this is what _ them around you didn't you? . hello. exactly. this is what we _ them around you didn't you? . hello. exactly. this is what we have - them around you didn't you? . hello. exactly. this is what we have been i exactly. this is what we have been doing her morning so my wife and daughter, although thinking was to get my mum and my sister, all of us together. we've got alarms. at atm,

i would say, they were notifying us there is a danger because i think there is a danger because i think the reason you said that military objects were in our region which is why we have the air danger limes. we need to get our documents, food for a few days and water and get shelters, which we don't have. we have been working on that. we are waiting for the second area of alarming. we get together and we wait. what next, what is our next step? there is also a second option may be to get our women and children and move them to the village is far

from the city because it is pretty dangerous. so, yeah, thinking of different scenarios and trying to support our military as much as we can because we are all very confident that there are key questions here and they will not get anything here. questions here and they will not get anything here-— questions here and they will not get anything here. where are you at the moment? you _ anything here. where are you at the moment? you mean _ anything here. where are you at the moment? you mean the _ anything here. where are you at the moment? you mean the location i anything here. where are you at the moment? you mean the location of| anything here. where are you at the i moment? you mean the location of the ci or moment? you mean the location of the city or physically? _ moment? you mean the location of the city or physically? are _ moment? you mean the location of the city or physically? are you _ moment? you mean the location of the city or physically? are you in _ moment? you mean the location of the city or physically? are you in your- city or physically? are you in your apartment? _ city or physically? are you in your apartment? where _ city or physically? are you in your apartment? where have - city or physically? are you in your apartment? where have you i city or physically? are you in your| apartment? where have you move city or physically? are you in your- apartment? where have you move to? yes, i am apartment? where have you move to? yes, iam in apartment? where have you move to? yes, i am in my apartment. since there is no shelter nearby we will use our basement, in case. so that is why we sit in here, all packed, and prepared. thanks to my team—mates from london, i tried to do my best to share the information about the invasion, about how we try to protect our homes and, yeah, so, at the moment i'm in my apartment.

keep say. thank you very much. the launch of the major military operation against ukraine has caused uncertainty in the financial market and left investors on edge. oil barrels have reached the highest level in seven years. brush is the second biggest exporter and the world but largest natural gas exporter. we have seen the markets react with countries exposed to russia seeing the heaviest losses. with as is our correspondence. this is bound to have had ramifications around the world. you make sure many consumers around the world are wondering if it will affect them as well and most certainly it will. it's in the price of oil heading to recent historic levels of above $100 per barrel. keep in mind, petrol prices are exceptionally high. they've reached a record high in the uk today and with that price of oil

going above $100 that will ultimately pretty quickly filter through to prices that we are paying at the pumps. as you point out, also, russia is a major exporter of natural gas, the biggest of the european union. in the a bit player to the uk but when those prices go up to the uk but when those prices go up it means we'll end up paying higher prices as well and as we all know, gas prices have gone up too. we not talking about home heating bills only. it affects all aspects of the economy and baseline prices going up will pass them on to consumers and that will add to the big problems we have already been facing with higher prices coming out of lockdown as well. thank you very much. we will have much more on the ramifications, business wise, throughout the rest of the day here bbc news. don't forget that you can contact us using the hashtag and there is plenty more on the bbc news

website and the bbc news app. we continue throughout the day. you're watching bbc news. hello. we have had a fair amount of wintry weather across northern britain, and that's going to continue into the evening hours. the met office issued earlier on a snow and lightning warning across parts of scotland and northern ireland, and very vigorous, intense wintry showers spreading in from the north—west. you can see on the radar here this is where the wintry showers have been falling. rain in the south, so it's a little too mild here for any wintry weather, but it is in the north, across scotland in the pennines, parts of northern ireland where we could see snow accumulating, a few centimetres

on the ground, very hit and miss, though, and on top of that, some very strong gusty winds, a0 or 50 mph in one or two spots, so across the highlands no doubt at times we will have temporary blizzards. the temperature this evening will be around three degrees in newcastle, six degrees in the south, we've obviously for that strong wind, so it is going to feel cold outside. and i think that warning, that thunder and snow warning, will continue until at least around eight o'clock this evening, and after that it expires. the winds tend to ease, the weather clears up a little bit. i think the weather will generally be a lot calmer as we head into early friday morning. a touch of frost possible almost anywhere, but more especially across central and northern areas. here's friday, and into the weekend, we will see an area of high pressure building in from the south, that means that the weather will settle, we will lose those cold winds and we will also lose the wintry showers, and in fact friday morning starts off chilly, bright, and then sunshine for the afternoon, but notice behind me there is the next weather system approaching, and that means cloud and rain

for the western isles of scotland and possibly for northern ireland tomorrow afternoon. but for many of us tomorrow, it is going to be a bright if not sunny day with light winds and temperatures of around 10 degrees. here is that high pressure, admittedly the centre of the high will be across central parts of europe, so that is where the best of the weather will be. we are on the edge on this high, which does mean that weather fronts will tend to to sneak into north—western areas through the weekend. so i think saturday and sunday, there is a possibility of some rain in the north—west of the uk, but generally speaking, for many of us, the weekend is looking fine and dry. that's it from me. bye— bye.

this is bbc news. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. russia has invaded ukraine in a major military assault by land, sea and air. there have been explosions reported near major cities including in the capital, kyiv. as his army moved in, vladimir putin issued this warning to the world. translation: whoever tries to interfere with us _ or threaten our country should know that russia's response will be immediate and lead to such consequences that have never been experienced in history. in the capital, fearing the worst, some are desperate to leave. the president calls on the international community to help his country.

this morning has come down in history— this morning has come down in history but— this morning has come down in history but this study is different both for— history but this study is different both for our country and for russia. we have _ both for our country and for russia. we have severed diplomatic relations with russia, ukraine is defending itself— with russia, ukraine is defending itself and — with russia, ukraine is defending itself and will not give up its freedom. nato and western leaders have responded forcefully to the attack. their attempts to find a diplomatic way out of the crisis have failed. sadly, what we have warned against for months has come to pass. despite all calls on russia to change course and tireless efforts to seek a diplomatic solution. for all his bombs and tanks and missiles, i don't believe the russian dictator will ever subdue the national feeling of the ukrainians and their passionate belief their country should be free.

ukraine, with attacks by land, airand sea. leaders around the world have condemned the action, with president vladimir putin accused of bringing war back to europe. let's recap the main developments in this rapidly unfolding crisis. russian forces have launched an invasion of ukraine, crossing borders and bombing military targets near major cities. in a televised address, russian president vladimir putin announced what he called a "special military operation" in the donbas region, and warned of an "instant" response to any outside powers resisting the attack. ukraine's president, volodymyr zelensky says his country's armed forces are involved in heavy fighting, and has called on citizens ready to defend the country to come forward. world leaders have strongly condemned the offensive. nato's secretary general says

a "deliberate, cold blooded and long planned invasion" by russia is a "grave moment for the security of europe" and confirmed nato has activated its defence plans. uk prime minister boris johnson says "our worst fears have come true", with a vast invasion by land, by air and by sea, and promised more action against russia in the coming days. it's as leaders of the g7 group of nations meet to discuss how they will respond to the rapidly developing crisis. paul adams reports. until early this morning, some here in kyiv doubted that he would do it. not any more. the west warned vladimir putin was about to attack. he said he had no such plans. that fiction now utterly exposed. explosions right across this vast country.

in ivano—frankivsk in the far south—west, a missile struck an airport. unverified images from ukraine's northern and southern borders seemed to show columns of russian armour entering from belarus and crimea. within hours, russian tanks were reported to be on the streets of ukraine's second largest city, kharkiv. whatever russia says, this attack will not be surgical. to the east of kharkiv, emergency workers battled to control fires in residential building is hit by rockets. the number of civilian casualties is rising. at mariupol in the south, another airport on fire. this country's civilian infrastructure is being heavily struck. there are no more flights in or out. a glance at the map shows a country under attack from east to west, north to south.

earlier, a snarling russian leader said this was all in self defence and warned ukrainians to lay down their arms. translation: we will strive for the demilitarisation i and denazification of ukraine. russia cannot feel safe, develop and exist with the constant threat emanating from the territory of modern ukraine. in kyiv, ukraine's embattled president, who must now fear for his job, appealed to the world. translation: putin started a war against ukraine, i against the whole democratic world. he wants to destroy my country, he wants to destroy our country, everything we have been building, what we live for. so far, all the signs are that this attack is working out exactly the way western leaders have been warning for weeks. the country is being attacked from all directions, and the fear now has to be that some of those russian troops are heading here, to the capital.

some people are not waiting to find out what happens next. the roads out of kyiv jammed with traffic, most of it heading west. these people don't want to be liberated by vladimir putin. after weeks of extraordinary calm, this suddenly looks like panic. mid morning, and two jets fly over the city — it's not clear whose, but it seems only a matter of time before russia controls the air and much besides. pauladams, bbc news, kyiv. people in kyiv woke to the sound of air raid sirens and citizens who had long prayed for peace now had to face war. my colleague nick beake has been gauging the thoughts of some of the people here to the extraordinary unfolding events. sirens. the invasion, the attack that russia promised would never happen, has now started. and the ukrainian

government is urging people to stay calm, and it's appealing to the international community to stop president putin now. we soon find lana and her mum. russia forced them from their home in crimea eight years ago. now they're on the move again. it's very, very nervous, and i'm very scared, but i must be strong. after the overnight attacks from the skies, many are taking refuge underground. well, this feels like one of the safest places in the city today, notjust because there are lots of soldiers about, but because the metro is doubling up as a bomb shelter. and overnight, families have come down here, they're trying to follow the news of what's happening and trying to work out what they will do next. this two—year—old is still smiling, but his mum and dads are worried. eight bombs. eight bombs? "i'm very, very scared

for my boy," alexander says. then both parents ask, "where are nato to help us?" when the bombs started falling, sales manager helped his neighbours leave their homes. he tells me he's now ready to fight on the front line and die for his country. it's only one way to serve our country, our children, our mothers, and defend our country from russian occupation. and we will fight all day. many are fearful of what will come next, among them alexei. if russia will occupy kyiv, which i don't believe will happen, because i believe in our army, well, it will be like another nazi occupation. it is still eerily quiet in the heart of the capital.

it seems many have followed government advice to stay at home. lots of people will have heard russia's claimed that it carried out targeted attacks on ukrainian military. i have to tell you, people are saying it does not feel like that to them. instead, they feel they are under attack and that president putin has declared war on them. nick beake, bbc news, kyiv. we have seen pictures of long queues of cars living here. poland says it will take in refugees from opening night reception centres. this is the scene at the border crossing where people are already beginning to arrive from ukraine. the reception centres will offer care and a place to rest. the un has

urged other countries to open the borders. in an address on russian state tv, vladimir putin claimed russia had been left with no choice but to defend itself against what he claimed were threats from modern ukraine and that moscow tried to what he called, de—nazify the country. from moscow, steve rosenberg has the latest. from the president of russia, a fateful decision. vladimir putin said "military operation". but really, the kremlin was launching a full—scale invasion of ukraine. russian stocks plunged. the rouble hit an all—time low. fears of conflict superseded by the shock of a war and what may come next. i think that, if putin is not stopped now in ukraine, this war would be the beginning

of the third world war. vladimir putin comes across now as a leader with an almost messianic idea — to force ukraine back into moscow's orbit, even if that means war. what the public might think about that doesn't come into it. he seems determined to achieve his goal. in the centre of moscow, "we are against the war", she says, "and we want the whole world to know that". but, so far, few russians have come out to protest. maybe this is why. in russia now, protests end like this. i'm sorry, so shocked. ijust can't help crying. i think that most russians don't support this. it's horrible. and why don't they support it?

because it's not our war. it is war putin—biden or anyone else, but not our nation. "i think the ukrainian soldiers will surrender", she says, "and they should". "it's terrible to be at war with ukraine." this is not a conflict the russian public wants. this is the kremlin's war. steve rosenberg, bbc news, moscow. i'm joined now by ivanna klympush tsintsadze. she was the ukrainian deputy prime minister for european and euro atlantic integration from 2016 to 2019. thank you forjoining us here on the programme. we were hearing there from our colleague who was speaking to russian people and many of them were saying they don't want this war. do you agree with them?

this is the kremlin's walk but i would expect russian public to take it out to the street. it is a violation of any international rules of any international law. t mean,... once we are fighting back, eve bod mean,... once we are fighting back, everybody cannot — mean,... once we are fighting back, everybody cannot be _ mean,... once we are fighting back, everybody cannot be put _ mean,... once we are fighting back, everybody cannot be put behind i everybody cannot be put behind bars. i just want to get your thoughts on president zelensky who has been quite defiant in his response over the past few weeks. are you satisfied with the way he has

responded? t satisfied with the way he has responded?— satisfied with the way he has resonded? ~' .., . ., responded? i think we will calculate the mistakes _ responded? i think we will calculate the mistakes of the _ the mistakes of the authorities of the mistakes of the authorities of the team. iam not i am not satisfied how we got here to this point, how well prepared we are. i am counting on the ukrainian society, i am seeing right now i am at the centre of the city, i saw people coming, signing up to their territorial defence of kyiv, tend to get back their city. we also did that. i think that is important to understand that ukrainian society is going to push back. i hope that is

going to push back. i hope that is going to push back. i hope that is going to lead to that macro a lot is depending on the promptness and effectiveness of the response from the west. i would prefer it that macro... i think you have to even go further from what was agreed with partners. i think it is important that russia is cut off from the banking system

of visas and mastercard. i think all of visas and mastercard. i think all of the sections are important in orderfor the of the sections are important in order for the security of the sections are important in orderfor the security in of the sections are important in order for the security in europe. of the sections are important in orderfor the security in europe. it is definitely the epitaph of this crazy that macro it is going far beyond the geopolitics of the whole world. . ~ beyond the geopolitics of the whole world. ., ~' ,, beyond the geopolitics of the whole world. ., ,, i. . beyond the geopolitics of the whole world. ., ,, . ., ., world. thank you so much for 'oining us on the programme. i i'm joined now by misha glenny, former bbc correspondent for central europe and author of several books on cyber security and trans national organised crime. thank you so much forjoining us here. i was speaking there to a former lawmaker. these sanctions just didn't go far enough and the expectations of the west... taste

expectations of the west... we will have to wait and _ expectations of the west... we will have to wait and see _ expectations of the west... we will have to wait and see how _ expectations of the west... we will have to wait and see how the i expectations of the west... we will have to wait and see how the west| expectations of the west... we will i have to wait and see how the west is going to respond to this. the key response will come from washington. whether russia, whether they're a big sanctions on the big banks. we will begin effectively an economic war. that is the first thing we have to see. what is the extent of the russian invasion into ukraine? how much of the trying to use, how far are they going to go? are they going to encounter significant resistance from the ukrainians. there are two parts of this. the outcome of the russian victory and also a russian defeat. that in itself would have

many momentous implications. lanthem many momentous implications. when ou sa many momentous implications. when you say addition _ many momentous implications. when you say addition defeats, given the scale of the firepower of the russian air and land capabilities, what do you mean? are you purely talking about the ukrainian armed forces taking on the russians? yes. forces taking on the russians? yes, i am forces taking on the russians? yes, i am talking — forces taking on the russians? te: i am talking about the ukraine is taking on the russians because 240,000 soldiers, 60,000 national guard troops. the error much better and much better equipped in than they were in 2014. it is quite possible you will get a domestic resistance. that is what it is important to try and see whether russia is going to restrict its

occupation, the east, donetsk and luhansk whether it is going to go further into the region or whether it moves to kyiv and further west? we are already hearing that russians are in the kyiv region twice in three hours away.— are in the kyiv region twice in three hoursawa. , ., ., . three hours away. yes. contradictory re orts. three hours away. yes. contradictory reports- some _ three hours away. yes. contradictory reports. some are _ three hours away. yes. contradictory reports. some are saying _ three hours away. yes. contradictory reports. some are saying that - reports. some are saying that they are on the move to crimea, moving upwards. some are saying they are coming down from belarus as well. i am getting reports about attacks from russian tanks, using a variety of weapons and that in some places

the advance has been slowed. unfortunately, there is so much information coming in, it is difficult to identify what is disinformation or... difficult to identify what is disinformation or. . .- difficult to identify what is disinformation or... ., , ., disinformation or... that is part of the problem- _ disinformation or... that is part of the problem. the _ disinformation or... that is part of the problem. the information i the problem. the information coming out from all sides at this moment in time about how far the russians have gone for some whether they are stoppable and where they are. it is quite early to try and figure out what is going on on the ground. it is less than 12 hours since the invasion started orjust over 12 hours. so we don't know what the intentions of the russian military is. ~ .

intentions of the russian military is. . ., ., ,, , ., intentions of the russian military is. whatever happens we have moved into a different _ is. whatever happens we have moved into a different world. _ is. whatever happens we have moved into a different world. there - is. whatever happens we have moved into a different world. there are i into a different world. there are several scenarios they are planning for at the moment. it involves action which may result in the creation of a para— state in eastern ukraine. if the russians go to kyiv, if the russians try and unseat the ukrainian government, the west are going to feel compelled to take very serious countermeasures. i think we will see a cyber war of the cyber attack from both sides. thea;r will see a cyber war of the cyber attack from both sides. they have already started? _

attack from both sides. they have already started? they _ attack from both sides. they have already started? they were i already started? they were attacks auainst already started? they were attacks against ukraine _ already started? they were attacks against ukraine in _ already started? they were attacks against ukraine in the _ already started? they were attacks against ukraine in the past week. i against ukraine in the past week. the question is, will the western response include attempts to disrupt russian infrastructure, willis feels the west is crossing lines, will russia start to use cyber interference in the west? we simply don't know yet. it is too early to say. the only thing we can say is this is now a deadly serious situation and the most dangerous situation and the most dangerous situation since the world war. it is more dangerous than the cuban missile crisis. taste more dangerous than the cuban missile crisis.— missile crisis. we will have to leave it there. _ missile crisis. we will have to leave it there. i _ missile crisis. we will have to leave it there. i was - missile crisis. we will have to leave it there. i was security. leave it there. i was security correspondent frank gardner joins me. correspondent frank gardnerjoins me. let's carry on where he left

off, we are in a dangerous moment, we don't know the extent of this invasion. tt we don't know the extent of this invasion. , , ., ., , invasion. it is very dangerous. if thins at invasion. it is very dangerous. if things at that — invasion. it is very dangerous. if things at that point, _ invasion. it is very dangerous. if things at that point, there i invasion. it is very dangerous. if things at that point, there is i invasion. it is very dangerous. if things at that point, there is a i invasion. it is very dangerous. if. things at that point, there is a lot of hype about from various ukrainian figures that this. nato has gone to lengths there were no uniform of british personnel in ukraine as tricia gathered his forces on the they got them out in a hurry. when you get americans, there is a world war and nobody wants that. the key

unknowns are what i president putin's intentions inside ukraine? intend to simply carved donbas and say, we are noticing that. is it full on occupation which they said they weren't going to do but they said they wouldn't invade so that means nothing to stop all the worst case, does he plan to take advantage of this momentum, backed by all the artillery, aircraft and so on, does he intend to go further? no one is suggesting that at the moment but i can tell you that people in estonia, latvia, lithuania are concerned about it. that is a tiny border that separates the two native countries.

russia is separated from kaliningrad, an enclave on the baltic, by belarus. war—gamers have long planned how long it would take russia, if they wanted to, to take that stretch of border and the answer is, not very long. that would be war would — answer is, not very long. that would be war would nato. _ answer is, not very long. that would be war would nato. it _ answer is, not very long. that would be war would nato. it is _ answer is, not very long. that would be war would nato. it is one - answer is, not very long. that would be war would nato. it is one thing i be war would nato. it is one thing that macro we are not there. helpers under stand article number five. article before has been invoked where they held multilateral discussions among themselves, article five is if one nato country is attacked, almost come to its defence which is one of the reasons why there was momentum for ukraine

tojoin. the rest ukrainianjoining. this was an almost unnecessary argument. it was something they have indicated they wanted do. rather like turkey in the eu. from the ship is my point of view they have looked at the map of europe, presents looping was a kgb lieutenant. president putin was a kgb lieutenant. he said the collapse of the soviet union in 1999 when was the biggest is asked of the 20th

century. that boundary has moved. countries that used to be satellites in moscow's fear, czechoslovakia, east germany, weren't former soviet republics, all those countries are notjust in moscow's fit... you remember famously he said to george w bush, ukraine is not really a country. the whole idea ofjoining nato, he went after george and panos georgia. then we saw the invasion in

2014. he has made his intentions very clear. tie 2014. he has made his intentions very clear-— 2014. he has made his intentions very clear. he has and i think this invasion has _ very clear. he has and i think this invasion has planned _ very clear. he has and i think this invasion has planned a _ very clear. he has and i think this invasion has planned a long i very clear. he has and i think this invasion has planned a long time| invasion has planned a long time ago. we don't amass an invasion force like this with bridges, you don't do that overjust a few days. this is something that would have beenin this is something that would have been in a plan for a long time. all those days when western leaders were settling to and fro, that plans had been drawn up, i am certain of it. what would have put him off? i'm not saying sanctions are a good or bad idea but i don't think they have a big effect on president putin. he had factored those in, he has worked that out, he knew they would be a temporary cancellation of the pipeline. that is a blow but it is a blow to the west as well. he was a fact that all of this in and to him, presents putin and his circle, bringing ukraine back into what he sees as moscow sphere of influence,

moscow's orbit, that trumps everything. that is more important to him than anything else. at the moment, it doesn't indicate he wants to invade the nato country.— to invade the nato country. frank, thanks forjoining _ to invade the nato country. frank, thanks forjoining us. _ to invade the nato country. frank, thanks forjoining us. in _ to invade the nato country. frank, thanks forjoining us. in responsel thanks forjoining us. in response to the rest 's invasion, nato said it is activating its defence plan. jens stoltenberg said it'll be done to shield member countries from aggression with fighterjets and warships on standby. mr putin was bringing war back to europe. the invasion began as western capitals slept, their leaders woken to learn the diplomacy, their deterrence had failed. their task now to respond to what one called europe's darkest hour since world war ii. in a recorded statement, borisjohnson promised a massive

package of economic sanctions to hobble russia's economy. a vast invasion is under way, by land, sea and air, and this is not, in the infamous phrase, some far away country of which we know little. ukraine is a country that, for decades, has enjoyed freedom and democracy and the right to choose its own destiny. we and the world cannot allow freedom just to be snuffed out. we cannot and will not just look away. he promised more defensive military support. our mission is clear. diplomatically, politically, economically and eventually militarily, this hideous and barbaric venture of vladimir putin must end in failure. this act of wanton and reckless aggression is an attack notjust on ukraine,

it's an attack on democracy and freedom in eastern europe and around the world. this crisis is about the right of a free, sovereign, independent european people to choose their own future. and that is a right that the uk will always defend. in the early hours, the united nations met in emergency session, the chamber echoing to the sound of shock and condemnation. president putin, in the name of humanity, bring your troops back to russia. in the name of humanity, do not allow to start in europe what could be the worst war since the beginning of the century. nato has already bolstered its eastern flank in recent days. this morning the military alliance activated plans to pave the way

for the deployment of more troops to strengthen its deterrence and defence. the kremlin's aim is to re—establish its sphere of influence, rip up the global rules that have kept us safe for decades, and subvert the values that we hold dear. this is the new normal for our security. peace cannot be taken for granted. the fear now among some nato countries, particularly in baltic states like estonia and other parts of eastern europe, is that president putin might not stop at ukraine. everything we were afraid of, that we knew from the intelligence before, has actually come true, and this is so frightening that this can happen in 2022. eu leaders will meet later today to discuss their response.

the european commission president promised tough new sanctions. it is president putin who is bringing war back to europe and, in these dark hours, the european union and its people stand by ukraine and its people. we are facing an unprecedented act of aggression by the russian leadership against a sovereign, independent country. so what further economic sanctions are on the table? there are plans to restrict russia's ability to sell its gas and other energy to the rest of the world and there could be restrictions on russia's ability to import technology like microchips but there is pressure to act fast. we will learn more this afternoon when the prime minister addresses mps at westminster.

in this dark hour, i resolve with the ukrainian people. thea;r in this dark hour, i resolve with the ukrainian people. they have been cast into a war— the ukrainian people. they have been cast into a war not _ the ukrainian people. they have been cast into a war not through _ the ukrainian people. they have been cast into a war not through fault i the ukrainian people. they have been cast into a war not through fault of i cast into a war not through fault of their own, but because putin knows no people choose to live under his rule and most forced to at the barrel of a gun. the consequences of putting's war will be horrendous and tragic for the ukrainian people. but also, for the russian people. who have been plunged into chaos by a violent elite who have stolen their wealth, stolen their chance of democracy and stolen their future.

and we must prepare ourselves for difficulties here. we will see economic pain as mis—as be free europe from independence on russian gas and create our institutions from money stolen from the russian people. but the british public have always been willing to make sacrifices. to defend democracy on our continent and we will again. russia's democratic neighbours and every other democracy that lives in the shadow of autocratic power are watching their worst nightmare unfold. all those who believe in democracy over dictatorship, the rule of law over the reign of terror. in freedom over the jackboot of tyranny must unite and take a stand and ensure putin fails. we must make a clean break with a

failed approach to handling putin which, after georgia, crimea and on bass, said his belief that the benefits of aggression the costs. we must finally show him he is wrong. that means doing you all we can to help ukraine defend herself. we are showing our allies in eastern europe and the hardest possible sanctions must be taken against the putin regime. it must be isolated, its finances are frozen, its ability to function crippled. and there are changes we must make even the uk. for too long, our country has been a safe haven for the money that putin and his fellow russian people. it must end now. and this must be a turning point in our history. we must look back and say, that this

terrible day was actually when putin deemed himself to defeat. he seeks division so we must stay united. he hopes for inaction, so we must take a stand. he believes that we are too corrupted to do the right thing so we must prove him wrong. i believe we must prove him wrong. i believe we can. but only if we stand together. we can. but only if we stand together-— we can. but only if we stand touether. ,, ., ., together. kier starmer giving a statement _ together. kier starmer giving a statement there. _ together. kier starmer giving a statement there. i'm _ together. kier starmer giving a statement there. i'm joined i together. kier starmer giving a statement there. i'mjoined by| together. kier starmer giving a l statement there. i'm joined by a research fellow and lecturer in east and central european countries at the university of glasgow. since 2015 he has also conducted extensive fieldwork in ukraine, interviewing former and active members of pro—government paramilitary groups. thank you so much forjoining us on

the programme. this is a nation, ukraine, that really has been at war for the last eight years. it has had an excess of 14,000 people killed. tell me about your experience on the ground in the field, speaking to these paramilitary troopers and what they were saying about what was actually happening. taste they were saying about what was actually happening.— actually happening. we have to remember _ actually happening. we have to remember that _ actually happening. we have to remember that during - actually happening. we have to remember that during the i actually happening. we have to remember that during the first| actually happening. we have to i remember that during the first phase of this conflict, the beginning of this conflict in 2014 and it continued well into the first—half of 2015, much of the fighting was done not necessarily the ukrainian armed forces which have only begun to develop and become to modernise under that period of time but much of the fighting was actually done by this pro—government volunteer battalions. they have actively participated in fighting around the people's republics and they have basically been responsible for being able to withhold russian offensives

around those areas at that time so they also suffered heavy casualties at that time. now we conceive immobilisation of this volunteer forces, not only within the frameworks of territorial battalions but also within the frameworks of the same organisations, the same volunteer organisations that have participated in military action is backin participated in military action is back in 2014.— participated in military action is backin2014. �* , ., ., back in 2014. because, for a while, there were — back in 2014. because, for a while, there were some _ back in 2014. because, for a while, there were some kind _ back in 2014. because, for a while, there were some kind of _ back in 2014. because, for a while, there were some kind of ceasefire l there were some kind of ceasefire agreement. granted, it was being breached every now and then there was not, you know, full—scale battles taking place. was not, you know, full-scale battles taking place.— battles taking place. that is absolutely _ battles taking place. that is absolutely correct. - battles taking place. that is absolutely correct. there i battles taking place. that is i absolutely correct. there was a certain period where there were these violations in almost a daily basis after the end of active combat. there was the resumption of combat. there was the resumption of combat in 2016 and most of this volunteer units have been removed from the front lines from around 2016 so they had been mobilised, mostly. now they are and we see

those people who have participated in this active fighting going back to the front so ukraine has this potential, it has thousands of men and women who participated in this fighting as volunteers back in 2014 and also they certainly have a lot of combat experience that will be very useful to ukrainian forces now. we don't yet see this volunteer forces in action at the moment but we should certainly expect them to take a significant role in the coming days. take a significant role in the coming days-— take a significant role in the cominu da s. . ~' . ., coming days. thank you so much for 'oinin: us coming days. thank you so much for joining us here _ coming days. thank you so much for joining us here in _ coming days. thank you so much for joining us here in the _ coming days. thank you so much for joining us here in the programme. i joining us here in the programme. here in london, ukraine's ambassador to the uk hasjust here in london, ukraine's ambassador to the uk has just been here in london, ukraine's ambassador to the uk hasjust been holding here in london, ukraine's ambassador to the uk has just been holding a news conference about the crisis unfolding in his home country. let's just have a listen. taste unfolding in his home country. let's just have a listen.— just have a listen. we see this full-scale _ just have a listen. we see this full-scale attack _ just have a listen. we see this full-scale attack against i just have a listen. we see this full-scale attack against us. i just have a listen. we see this i full-scale attack against us. the full—scale attack against us. the idea described as to denazification

ukraine, we do not want to be freed from anybody. these are our neighbours. one of our neighbours just betrayed us, that is belarus. we have seen attacks from their territory. we have seen cruise missiles coming from there, we see tanks rolling over with belarus. this is something very unexpected. he knew how bad, but we did not think belarusians would betray is as if in the nation. russians came from all four sides. they are trying to take all of our territory. they have taken a couple of towns. we see that people have been killed, both civilians and military personnel. we don't have the exact number but the number you see on the ukrainian media reporting from ukraine are

correct. you can report those. we can actually check our armed forces to see the losses. but we are putting up a realfight. you're trying to get as many russians as possible as well. tanks, helicopters, planes have been shut down. we are defending our land. unfortunately, some of it is very difficult to defend. they have blocked the whole sea. we can have access to the black sea and sealers. they have blocked it and is explained as an anti terrorist attack in the black sea. it is limiting our capabilities of bringing in reinforcements or even supplies. bringing in reinforcements or even su lies. ., ., , ~ ., ., supplies. that was the ukrainian ambassador _ supplies. that was the ukrainian ambassador to _ supplies. that was the ukrainian ambassador to the _ supplies. that was the ukrainian ambassador to the uk _ supplies. that was the ukrainian ambassador to the uk speaking | supplies. that was the ukrainian | ambassador to the uk speaking a little earlier. joining me now is the former us ambassador to azerbaijan. thank you very much, ambassador, forjoining us in the programme. for many weeks now us

intelligence, western intelligence has been pointing to this, has been warning about this and that is, you know, a big reason why much of the classified information and intelligence became declassified. yes, that is extremely unusual. i mean, i spent 23 years in the us foreign service and, you know, i almost did not get to be an ambassador because some people were confused thinking that i had divulged classified information one time and i was simply citing a press statement by then president george w bush so that is how sensitive classified information like this can be treated. this is highly unusual. a tactic i've never seen before. who knows much deterrence it provided but what is pretty clear is that this tactic of the administration is “p this tactic of the administration is up to keep nato the transatlantic community unified which putin did not expect. bhd community unified which putin did not exect. �* , community unified which putin did rrot “pact-— not expect. and yet, despite the unified sorter _ not expect. and yet, despite the unified sorter front _ not expect. and yet, despite the unified sorter front that - not expect. and yet, despite the unified sorter front that nato i not expect. and yet, despite the | unified sorter front that nato and the western allies had been put in,

ultimately putin seems to be doing what putin wants to do. hate ultimately putin seems to be doing what putin wants to do.— what putin wants to do. we do not know what — what putin wants to do. we do not know what he _ what putin wants to do. we do not know what he would _ what putin wants to do. we do not know what he would have - what putin wants to do. we do not know what he would have done i know what he would have done otherwise, right? or how hired he would push. clearly, he was planning all along to use military force to consolidate control. next he wants to attack the port, as the ukrainian ambassador was just talking about. russia is trying to squeeze the ukrainian economy by denying it access to the sea. if there is not a unified response he will push further and go towards odessa and tried to capture the entire coastal area of ukraine. or go to kyiv and try to generate regime change. it all depends now whether he goes that far and how firmly the transatlantic community stands together. larbfheh far and how firmly the transatlantic community stands together. when you talk about the — community stands together. when you talk about the transatlantic _ talk about the transatlantic standing together what can they now do to support ukraine, the president and the ukrainian armed forces? we keep hearing that they are not the

same armed forces is eight years ago. they are a much stronger force that can almost take on the russian forces. , ., ._ , ., forces. they are way stronger. the forces. they are way stronger. the force in the — forces. they are way stronger. the force in the field _ forces. they are way stronger. the force in the field right _ forces. they are way stronger. the force in the field right now- forces. they are way stronger. the force in the field right now for- force in the field right now for ukraine is almost at the same numerical level as the russian. maybe even a little larger. they're much better equipped and that is exactly what the transatlantic community can do. keep on equipping ukrainian forces of anti—tank weapons, air defence weapons, a full array of other weapons. russia will take very seriously the fact that these cutting edge weapons from the nato arsenal have been used by ukraine. russia will hate it but there is a potent weapons especially in the hands of a much more capable ukrainian military force. on top of that, i think the economic sanctions that, i think the economic sanctions that president biden is going to announce it will be going to hurt the russian economy. they are designed to begin breaking the russian economy and at some point, ukrainian people have enough pain pursuing this immoral that is not popular in ukraine put up russians

don't want to kill ukrainians. they think of them as their brothers and sister so if the west kicked up enough pressure there may be a pain point. d0 enough pressure there may be a pain oint. ,, ~' enough pressure there may be a pain oint. ,, ~ _, ., . point. do you think the economic ackaue point. do you think the economic package and _ point. do you think the economic package and sanctions _ point. do you think the economic package and sanctions they i point. do you think the economic package and sanctions they put i package and sanctions they put together a good enough? because, frankly, there are many people who say this has not gone far enough. it is predictable, it is weak and it is something that putin frankly has prepared for, knows what to do when it comes his way and almost like the sort of fortis russia that he has created. tie sort of fortis russia that he has created. tt t , sort of fortis russia that he has created. .t t , . ., ., created. he has definitely created a bi fund of created. he has definitely created a big fund of $650 _ created. he has definitely created a big fund of $650 billion _ created. he has definitely created a big fund of $650 billion that - created. he has definitely created a big fund of $650 billion that can i big fund of $650 billion that can help cushion the blow but, you know, the sanction that president biden is about to announce are unprecedented. i don't know exactly what they are but they will target putin himself and his wealth. they will try to break the russian economy. it will be impossible for russian banks to do business anywhere. the ruble won't convertible. we may see russia disconnected from the global system of financial transaction settlements, so it is swift. in that

situation we are going to see the russian stock market continue to sink, followed by a record pace today. and we will see the ruble continued sing. it is the lowest it has ever been. that imposes real cost on russian consumers as goods get more expensive. a lot more expensive. get more expensive. a lot more “pensive-— get more expensive. a lot more exensive. ~ , expensive. the uk prime minister will make a _ expensive. the uk prime minister will make a statement _ expensive. the uk prime minister will make a statement to - expensive. the uk prime minister will make a statement to the - expensive. the uk prime minister. will make a statement to the house of commons in the next few hours. our political correspondent is at westminster for us. our political correspondent is at westminsterfor us. we our political correspondent is at westminster for us.— our political correspondent is at westminster for us. we are expected to hear from — westminster for us. we are expected to hear from boris _ westminster for us. we are expected to hear from boris johnson _ westminster for us. we are expected to hear from boris johnson in - westminster for us. we are expected to hear from boris johnson in about l to hearfrom borisjohnson in about an hour or so with some specific details that, of the sanctions imposed by the uk, many of which we are expecting will have been agreed with international partners as well. we have not got exact details of what they will be but certainly the foreign office has been working on plans which would see more asset freezes and travel bans or people close to president putin, there is

talk of more banks been subject to asset freezes as well and key sectors that the foreign office in the uk thinks is linked to the situation in ukraine at the moment. things like energy, chemicals and tech, and there is that question about how far the west is prepared to go in taking russia out of the global exchange and the global banking system. it is something that ministers here have been looking very closely at. we are not completely certain how far they are prepared to go today but the foreign secretary has been talking about the prospect of stopping russians from raising capital in london markets which would have a pretty significant impact on the russian economy. we did here from boris johnson a little early and he was talking about the uk's worst fear is coming to when it to the invasion we are seeing at the moment. one of the

things which struck me about the phraseology he used when he talked about the impact the sanctions will have on russia and he talked about hobbling the russian economy in time, there seems to be an acceptance in london that some of this will have an impact over the next few weeks but in terms of its immediate impact, there is a feeling also that president putin may have factored a lot of this in that it will have an immediate impact on the scenes were seen unfolding ukraine today. scenes were seen unfolding ukraine toda . . ~ scenes were seen unfolding ukraine toda . ., ~ ,, scenes were seen unfolding ukraine toda. ., ~ . ., scenes were seen unfolding ukraine toda. ., . ., ., today. thank you so much for that u date. today. thank you so much for that udate. i today. thank you so much for that undate- i am _ today. thank you so much for that update. i amjoined _ today. thank you so much for that update. i amjoined by— today. thank you so much for that update. i am joined by teresa - update. i am joined by teresa fallon, directorfor russia europe asia studies. thank you forjoining us. there is a lot of talk of how emboldened vladimir putin has become but when you open up the

conversation a little bit wider and look at, say, china, surely china is watching the developments very closely right now and how the west is likely to respond to this. that is likely to respond to this. that is a aood is likely to respond to this. that is a good point. _ is likely to respond to this. that is a good point. we _ is likely to respond to this. that is a good point. we saw- is likely to respond to this. twat is a good point. we saw on february four meeting where document was signed and this is different this time because after the annexation of crimea russia turned towards china now they know they have got, china has got put on�*s back. they have made deals, energy deals can have loans from china so this will cushion any blow from western sanctions on the western sanctions we have seen so far, very weak, i would say, they have not acted as a deterrent. ht would say, they have not acted as a deterrent. , ., ., ., deterrent. if they go hard on the sanctions as _ deterrent. if they go hard on the sanctions as we _ deterrent. if they go hard on the sanctions as we seem _ deterrent. if they go hard on the sanctions as we seem to - deterrent. if they go hard on the sanctions as we seem to be - deterrent. if they go hard on the - sanctions as we seem to be hearing, do you think it is enough what china is offering to the russians as a sort of buffer solution, as they describe it. i am hearing lots of

rumours that there is a lot of divisions. things like energy, they don't want to sanction. italians want to carve out foreign luxury goods, so we are seeing cracks. a lot of talk but i will be very interested to see what sanctions are actually agreed. this is something that analysts have been looking at. what is the relationship between russia and china? will this push further into china's arms and they help each other out. they definitely have some areas of conflict, and tensions in central asia but for now russia and china's interest overlap and they both are pushing back hard on the west so we are seeing a clear division and we know which side, we hope you know which side the west is

on. you know, you talk about this memorandum of understanding, almost, that they signed. they talked about their friendship that they signed. they talked about theirfriendship having that they signed. they talked about their friendship having almost no limits. ., , ., their friendship having almost no limits. . , ., . their friendship having almost no limits. . . ., their friendship having almost no limits. . , ., . ., limits. that is a nice way to say we are not an — limits. that is a nice way to say we are not an alliance _ limits. that is a nice way to say we are not an alliance because - are not an alliance because technically china does not have allies. and this is very ambiguous so it is unclear what it is. most analysts see it as a taunt. we will have to leave _ analysts see it as a taunt. we will have to leave it _ analysts see it as a taunt. we will have to leave it there. _ analysts see it as a taunt. we will have to leave it there. thank - analysts see it as a taunt. we will have to leave it there. thank you | analysts see it as a taunt. we will l have to leave it there. thank you so much for your analysis there. the launch of the major military operation against ukraine has caused uncertainty in financial markets and left investors on edge. earlier, oil prices surged past $100 per barrel, the highest level in seven years. russia is currently the second biggest exporter of crude oil after saudi arabia and is also the world's largest natural gas exporter. we've also seen financial markets tumble with companies exposed to russia seeing the heaviest losses. michelle

joint is now from new york. give us an update on how the markets are reacting to this morning in new york. , ., , ., ., , york. there is no question that this is auoin to york. there is no question that this is going to have _ york. there is no question that this is going to have a _ york. there is no question that this is going to have a huge _ york. there is no question that this is going to have a huge impact - york. there is no question that this is going to have a huge impact on l is going to have a huge impact on the global economy and, if you like, the global economy and, if you like, the immediate barometer that is the stock market and investors selling off around the world. it started overnight in asia are now in the united states we are seeing again that sell—off continue. the dow jones industrial average down around 2%, keep an eye on the snp 500 and the nasdaq. sharp falls dead and more than 10% from the recent record high and a sign that investors are pessimistic about the outlook and what it is going to mean. higher prices is one of those things. we are seeing that effect in commodity prices, you the price of oil, brent crude trading above $100 a barrel for the first time since 2014. it is affecting other commodities where russia is a sort of a big provider

and plays a bigger role in the world, things like wheat. that is something to keep an eye on in the weeks ahead and that knock—on effect on other issues you and i have talked about so much in recent months, inflation. it is going to continue to drive prices higher. in general, it is going to be tough in terms of impact peoples daily lives, certainly, you know, in terms of oil and gas for the foreseeable future, the way things are going. you and gas for the foreseeable future, the way things are going.— the way things are going. you are talkin: the way things are going. you are talking with _ the way things are going. you are talking with your— the way things are going. you are talking with your previous - the way things are going. you are talking with your previous guest | talking with your previous guest about sanctions. looking ahead, we expect more sanctions to be unveiled. that, too, is going to have an impact. one of the things, for example, that the united states could do is impose some sort of restrictions on exports and imports of technology. has already been a shortage of semiconductors and other industries. we could see more of that going forward. if the sanctions

start to target technology. the other factor also to bear in start to target technology. the otherfactor also to bear in mind as cyber attacks. otherfactor also to bear in mind as cyberattacks. if otherfactor also to bear in mind as cyber attacks. if you start to see cyber attacks. if you start to see cyber attacks. if you start to see cyber attacks that causes a lot of disruption and again that disruption can create problems for the economy and the local countries that are affected. . ~ and the local countries that are affected. ., ~ , ., and the local countries that are affected. ., ~ and the local countries that are affected. . ~' . and the local countries that are affected. ., ~ . ., and the local countries that are affected. ., . ., ., affected. thank you so much for that u date affected. thank you so much for that update there — affected. thank you so much for that update there from _ affected. thank you so much for that update there from new _ affected. thank you so much for that update there from new york. - affected. thank you so much for that update there from new york. that i affected. thank you so much for that update there from new york. that is| update there from new york. that is it from me in the team here. of course, we will be following developments in ukraine and the situation in the region very closely and the western response as things go this evening and throughout the coming days and weeks here on bbc news. you can get in touch with me on twitter. hello. we have had a fair amount of wintry weather across northern britain, and that's going to continue into the evening hours. the met office issued earlier on a snow and lightning warning across parts of scotland and northern ireland,

and very vigorous, intense wintry showers spreading in from the north—west. you can see on the radar here this is where the wintry showers have been falling. rain in the south, so it's a little too mild here for any wintry weather, but it is in the north, across scotland in the pennines, parts of northern ireland where we could see snow accumulating, a few centimetres on the ground, very hit and miss, though, and on top of that, some very strong gusty winds, a0 or 50 mph in one or two spots, so across the highlands no doubt at times we will have temporary blizzards. the temperature this evening will be around three degrees in newcastle, six degrees in the south, we've obviously for that strong wind, so it is going to feel cold outside. and i think that warning, that thunder and snow warning, will continue until at least around eight o'clock this evening, and after that it expires. the winds tend to ease, the weather clears up a little bit. i think the weather will generally be a lot calmer as we head into early friday morning. a touch of frost possible almost anywhere, but more especially across central and northern areas. here's friday, and into the weekend, we will see an area of high pressure

building in from the south, that means that the weather will settle, we will lose those cold winds and we will also lose the wintry showers, and in fact friday morning starts off chilly, bright, and then sunshine for the afternoon, but notice behind me there is the next weather system approaching, and that means cloud and rain for the western isles of scotland and possibly for northern ireland tomorrow afternoon. but for many of us tomorrow, it is going to be a bright if not sunny day with light winds and temperatures of around 10 degrees. here is that high pressure, admittedly the centre of the high will be across central parts of europe, so that is where the best of the weather will be. we are on the edge on this high, which does mean that weather fronts will tend to to sneak into north—western areas through the weekend. so i think saturday and sunday, there is a possibility of some rain in the north—west of the uk, but generally speaking,

for many of us, the weekend is looking fine and dry. that's it from me. bye— bye.

you're watching bbc news — and special coverage of the russian invasion of ukraine. i'm matthew amroliwala in london. and i'm lyse doucet in kyiv. russia launches a major military assault on ukraine — by land, airand sea. there've been explosions near major cities, including the capital, kyiv. as the russian army moved in — there was international condemnation of vladimir putin. peace on our continent has been shaltered~ — peace on our continent has been shattered. we now have war in europe on a scale _ shattered. we now have war in europe on a scale and of a type we thought

belonged _ on a scale and of a type we thought belonged to history. long queues in kyiv — as residents try to flee the capital. their president calls on the international community for help. western leaders pledge aid to ukraine — and promise further sanctions on russia. i don't believe that the russian dictator will ever subdue the national feeling of the dictator will ever subdue the nationalfeeling of the ukrainians and their passionate belief that their country should be free. we'll be live with our correspondents — in washington. i'll be talking to a former prime minister of ukraine — to senior diplomats — to those caught up in all of this — as we assess the momentous events of the last few hours.

welcome to bbc news and special coverage from kyiv — wherejust before dawn, as air—raid sirens sounded, vladimir putin launched an all out assault on ukraine. the government here, called it a "full—scale invasion," sayingthere have been multiple explosions from cruise and ballistic missiles in several cities. russian tanks and troops have poured across the borders. the nato secretary general said it was a brutal act of war, of the type we thought was part of history in europe. in an address to the nation, russia's president, vladimir putin said, anyone who tried to interfere with russia's operation would face consequences— "that have never been experienced in history." the british prime minister has said, this 'hideous and barbaric�* venture

must end in failure. the french president saidm, we will respond to this 'act of war�* without weakness. for the people here — calm for weeks — a dramatic change in mood today, with an exodus in the hours since military action started. our correspondent paul adams, here in kyiv, has our first report. until early this morning, some here in kyiv doubted he would do it. not any more. the best one that vladimir putin was to attack. he said he had no such plans. that fiction now utterly exposed. explosions right across this vast country. in the far southwest,

a missile struck an airport. unverified images from the northern and southern borders show columns of russian armour entering from belarus and crimea. tanks were reported to be on the streets of the second largest city. whatever russia says, this attack will not be surgical. to the east, emergency workers battled to control fires in buildings hit by rockets. the number of civilian casualties is rising. in the south, another airport on fire. the country's civilian infrastructure is being heavily struck. there are no more flights in or out. a glance at the map shows a country under attack from east to west, north to south.

earlier, a snarling russian leader said this was all in self—defence and warned ukrainians to lay down their arms. translation: we will strive for the demilitarisation - and de—nazification of ukraine. russia cannot feel safe, developed and exist with the constant threat emanating from the territory of modern ukraine. in kyiv, ukraine's embattled president, who must now fear for hisjob, appealed to the world. translation: putin started a war against ukraine - and the whole democratic world. he wants to destroy my country, he wants to destroy our country. everything we have been building, what we live for. so far, the signs are this attack has worked out the way western leaders have been warning for weeks. the country is being attacked from all directions and the fear now has to be that some of those russian troops are heading here to the capital. some people aren't waiting to find out what happens next. the roads out of kyiv are jammed with traffic,

most of it heading west. these people don't want to be liberated by vladimir putin and after weeks of extraordinary calm this suddenly looks like panic. mid—morning and two jets fly over the city. it is not clear who they belong to but it's only a matter of time before russia controls the air and much besides. in the early hours of the morning, ukrainians heard from their president, urging them to remain calm, all those deeds are extraordinary times. in the past hour, the ukrainian president has again spoken to the people. let's hear what he had to say in this latest address. i'mjoined hear what he had to say in this latest address. i'm joined byjames waterhouse, who was listening to what president zelensky had to say.

what is his main message now? he ave a what is his main message now? he: gave a bit of detail on the fighting happening at the moment. he swapped his dark suit for a military uniform. behind a podium, he said, the sound of the new iron curtain... our task is for that curtain not to fall on ukrainian territory. he described an operational pause. we don't quite know what that means. it is quite here, but we know that is not the case elsewhere. he said his troops have been successfully defending the eastern donbas region. he said the most problematic area is in the south of the country, where russian troops apparently have moved north from crimea. in the north, he said the enemy has continued to push into the region, describing heavy fighting at chernobyl. he also talks of casualties as well as troop

captures. we see that many russians are shocked with what is happening. he has given us a bit of a debrief on what has been a devastating day for ukraine. there is otherfighting happening as well. antonov airport, 30 kilometres from here, ukrainian forces say they have launched an artillery attack on russian paratroopers who have landed there and tried to take control. it is still a messy picture, despite this operational pause that the president speaks of. operational pause that the president seaks of. . , operational pause that the president seaks of. ., , ., ., , operational pause that the president seaksof. ., ., , , , speaks of. that is ominous, because that airport — speaks of. that is ominous, because that airport is _ speaks of. that is ominous, because that airport is not _ speaks of. that is ominous, because that airport is not that _ speaks of. that is ominous, because that airport is not that far _ speaks of. that is ominous, because that airport is not that far from - that airport is not that far from kyiv. it that airport is not that far from k iv. , ., , ., that airport is not that far from k iv. , ., that airport is not that far from k iv. _, ., ., ., ., ., kyiv. it is about an hour and a half drive, kyiv. it is about an hour and a half drive. we — kyiv. it is about an hour and a half drive, we make _ kyiv. it is about an hour and a half drive, we make it. _ kyiv. it is about an hour and a half drive, we make it. it— kyiv. it is about an hour and a half drive, we make it. it is— kyiv. it is about an hour and a half drive, we make it. it is also - kyiv. it is about an hour and a half drive, we make it. it is also a - drive, we make it. it is also a significant international cargo port for ukraine military base. that aligns with putin's objectives of trying to take out key military sites in ukraine alongside another airport, a military airport that has been targeted in the west of the country, outside of kyiv. those

explosions we heard this morning. it is part of this large—scale operation, but we know civilians are affected, too. we are not getting a clear picture on overall losses today, but the fighting we have seen in the eastern donbas, the region around kharkev, we have seen smoke coming from a military base there. the scale of this attack is being realised as the day goes on. indeed, it's clear it is — realised as the day goes on. indeed, it's clear it is just _ realised as the day goes on. indeed, it's clear it is just the _ realised as the day goes on. indeed, it's clear it isjust the beginning, - it's clear it is just the beginning, and in no sense the beginning of the end. as james emphasised, president zelensky describing this moment has an operational pause. it's not quite clear what he meant by that, whether he meant his own ukrainian forces are whether they are seeing a pause in the advance of russian forces. as james says, it has been quiet for the past few hours. but this is a moment of nervous calm for the residents of the capital, kyiv, and indeed right across this company

delete my country. even as the world was predicting there was going to be this all out as —— right across this country. people are trying to get one with the rhythm of daily life, but now they have been shattered. let's look at this report from nick beek. the attack that russia promised would never happen has now started and the ukrainian government is urging people to stay calm and appealing to the international community to stop president putin now. we soon find lana and her mum. russia forced them from their home in crimea eight years ago. now they're on the move again. i'm very, very nervous and scared but i must be strong. after the overnight attacks from the skies, many are taking refuge underground. this feels like one of the safest places in the city today, notjust

because there are lots of soldiers about but because the metro is doubling up as a bomb shelter and overnight, families have come down here, they are trying to follow the news of what is happening and trying to work out what they will do next. this two—year—old is still smiling but his mum and dad are worried. eight bombs. this is a war starting. i'm very, very scared for my boy, aleksandr says. then both parents ask, "where are nato to help us?" when the bombs started falling, sales manager mark helped his neighbours leave their homes. he tells me he is now ready to fight on the front line and die for his country. there's only way to serve our country, our children, our mothers and defend our

country from russian occupation. we will fight all day. many are fearful of what will come next, among them aleksei. if russia will occupy kyiv, which i don't think will happen because i believe in our army, well, it will be like another nazi occupation. it's still eerily quiet here in the heart of the capital. it seems many have followed government advice to stay at home. lots of people will have also heard russia's claim that it carried out targeted strikes on the ukrainian military. i've got to tell you, people here are saying doesn't feel like that to them. instead, they feel that they are under attack and that president putin has declared war on them. breaking news — the g7 countries

have been meeting and have put out a joint statement. let me give you the key lines, because they have just called on russia to stop the bloodshed. that was the the phrase they use, saying the russian president has reintroduced water the european continent. he has put himself on the wrong side of history. he said the action by vladimir putin is against the values enshrined in the un charter. there is a lot of fear about the knock—on consequences in the weeks ahead. and finally describing this crisis as a serious threat to global order. the joint statementjust put out by the g7. let's head to washington and talk to our state department correspondent, barbara plettusher.

what have they been saying? they said they believe _ what have they been saying? they said they believe the _ what have they been saying? t�*yuaz said they believe the russians what have they been saying? t't;a11. said they believe the russians still have every intent of decapitating the government in kyiv, and that they were basically playing out what they were basically playing out what the pentagon had been expecting to see, so we were told that they see this as the initial phase of what could be a multiphase attack. they said it is advancing on three main axes of assault, that the targets so far have been primarily focused on military air defence, barracks, and airfields have been targeted. they say they have started to see russian ground incursions into ukraine from belarus. they have seen some fighting in and around the airport near kyiv, but they said the heaviest fighting they have seen so far has been in kharkev, in the north—east, about 500 kilometres from kyiv. again, they said this is very much in line with what they were expecting to see but they don't want to predict how it will play out, not least because, if there was

resistance, that could change the plan. also, they stressed this was an initial phase of what they expect to roll out over time. fin an initial phase of what they expect to roll out over time. on sanctions, i am reading _ to roll out over time. on sanctions, i am reading ukraine's _ to roll out over time. on sanctions, i am reading ukraine's foreign - i am reading ukraine's foreign minister urging countries to ban russia from the swift interbank payment system, one of the toughest non—military sanctions. so far that has not been on the table, but eventually, joe biden will get round to the next round of sanctions. when and what? he to the next round of sanctions. when and what? , , . ., ., , , and what? he is expected to address the nation shortly, _ and what? he is expected to address the nation shortly, then _ and what? he is expected to address the nation shortly, then he _ and what? he is expected to address the nation shortly, then he will- the nation shortly, then he will talk about the next round of sanctions, so he is already targeting russian banks. i think we can expect to see him target more state owned banks, perhaps blocking their ability to transact in dollars and freezing some of their assets. he has already moved to block russia's ability to get finance, western financing. you may now also impose restrictions on exports to

russia of crucial american technology that is needed in everything from developing warplanes to computers to smartphones, and so these sanctions being in line with these sanctions being in line with the general package that the united states has organised with the europeans to strangle russia's economy, in effect. of course, that will be quite a challenge because russia has the 11th largest economy, it is a nuclear armed power, a major exporter of fuel. so anything the americans and europeans do to bring russia to its knees economically, so to speak, will also probably have knock—on effects on their own economies, so that is the balance playing out here. economies, so that is the balance playing out here-— playing out here. barbara, in washington. _ playing out here. barbara, in washington, thanks - playing out here. barbara, in washington, thanks very - playing out here. barbara, in i washington, thanks very much. playing out here. barbara, in - washington, thanks very much. to moscow now to speak to petr kozlov.. ijust moscow now to speak to petr kozlov.. i just want to put onto boot screen pictures of small crowds protesting against the war, chanting no to war.

bring us up to date. wearing russia is this? i have seen that the authorities are saying that there will be a ban on anti—war protest. tell us more about what people are being told about what is happening. this is what is happening. it came as a great shock to russians. the first hours, people couldn't believe what is happening, and i have seen a lot of messages in social media. i know people were talking on the streets that they can't believe it. after a few hours of this operation which vladimir putin called a military operation, and he says he is not targeting the ordinary people, civilians. in siberia and in some russian cities and towns, there are some anti—war protest, but we know that before this started, the authorities warned the people not to gather anywhere on the streets, otherwise they will be tamed. that's what we know. in fact, in siberia and saint petersburg, the people

protesting against war, against this operation, they are being detained ljy operation, they are being detained by the police. we operation, they are being detained by the police-— by the police. we believe it there, but i will let _ by the police. we believe it there, but i will let you _ by the police. we believe it there, but i will let you continue - by the police. we believe it there, but i will let you continue to - but i will let you continue to monitor the situation. if there is more, we will return to you. let's get a more, we will return to you. let's geta ukrainian more, we will return to you. let's get a ukrainian perspective on this extraordinary moment. the country has lived with eight years of war since russia first invaded. i am joined now by the former ukrainian prime minister — oleksiy honcharuk. welcome to bbc news. thank you very much. , , , . welcome to bbc news. thank you very much. , ,, ., ., much. despite all of the predictions, _ much. despite all of the predictions, the - much. despite all of the l predictions, the warnings much. despite all of the - predictions, the warnings from western intelligence agencies, did you believe that you would see this happening in ukraine again, and on this scale? , ., ., this scale? look, i believe that all of us were —

this scale? look, i believe that all of us were hoping _ this scale? look, i believe that all of us were hoping that _ this scale? look, i believe that all of us were hoping that putin - this scale? look, i believe that all of us were hoping that putin is - this scale? look, i believe that all| of us were hoping that putin is not crazy, is not totally crazy. but we made a mistake. it looks like putin finally lost his mind, and now we should push back against the mad kremlin leader. i can't tell you that i expected it. we were worried about it, and we were concerned about it, and we were concerned about it, and we were prepared and have been preparing for this scenario, but of course, a full—scale invasion was a shock for the majority of ukrainians. like everyone. _ the majority of ukrainians. like everyone. you _ the majority of ukrainians. like everyone, you are _ the majority of ukrainians. like everyone, you are seeing the advance of russian forces from three directions. what is your greatest worry now when you come to the

response of ukrainian forces? tt’s worry now when you come to the response of ukrainian forces? tt’s a response of ukrainian forces? it's a reali , response of ukrainian forces? it's a reality. you — response of ukrainian forces? it's a reality. you know — response of ukrainian forces? it's a reality, you know? _ response of ukrainian forces? it's a reality, you know? we _ response of ukrainian forces? it's a reality, you know? we have - response of ukrainian forces? it's a reality, you know? we have a - response of ukrainian forces? tt�*s —. reality, you know? we have a war against democracy, not only against ukraine. ukraine was invaded because of our democratic choice. it is only the start of, i believe, are bigger, global war, actually, because russia is an aggressor not only against ukraine, and ukraine is only the main battleground now. i'm worried that western leaders are still living in a world in which it's enough to react with only economic sanctions. i believe this is a huge mistake, because economic sanctions are too little too late. it's possible to stop putin only using force, only showing him that he can

get a very strong push back from civilised western world. the russians hold power. i don't expect economic sanctions will stop putin. this understanding of the situation by western leaders that economic sanctions are adequate and enough, and a normal reaction to full—scale military aggression, this is what i'm worried about i believe most, because it's obvious from our perspective, it's obvious that this mad strongman could be stopped only by showing him power, only by

showing him unity. this is the only way to stop this war.— showing him unity. this is the only way to stop this war. thank you very much forjoining _ way to stop this war. thank you very much forjoining us, _ way to stop this war. thank you very much forjoining us, emphasising i much forjoining us, emphasising that there needs to be more than just economic sanctions. of course, we've seen, day in, day out, the arrival of defensive weapons, ammunition, communications and intelligence support arriving here intelligence support arriving here in ukraine, but we heard again from the nato gender of the —— the nato secretary general, that nato troops will not be on the ground to fight this war, and how ukrainians know it. what might we will be back with you in a moment or two. the former ambassador to ukrainejoins us. ambassador to ukraine joins us. john, ambassador to ukrainejoins us. john, welcome. your assessment of what we have seen from russia in the last 12 hours or so? tt is what we have seen from russia in the last 12 hours or so?— last 12 hours or so? it is clear, putin has _ last 12 hours or so? it is clear, putin has decided _ last 12 hours or so? it is clear, putin has decided to _ last 12 hours or so? it is clear, putin has decided to invade i last 12 hours or so? it is clear, - putin has decided to invade ukraine in a major way. this is the first time since the end of world war ii that a major military has attacked a

peaceful neighbour. it is a great challenge to the whole structure of security and stability established since the cold war. the security and stability established since the cold war.— security and stability established since the cold war. the dangers of multi - le since the cold war. the dangers of multile - since the cold war. the dangers of multiple - what — since the cold war. the dangers of multiple - what alarms _ since the cold war. the dangers of multiple - what alarms you - since the cold war. the dangers of multiple - what alarms you most? | multiple — what alarms you most? putin's objective don't end with ukraine, with it notjoining nato. he said in a speech on monday that he has the right to take control of any of the states of the former soviet union, and he is demanding influence in the nato states that joined after 1997. for example, influence in the nato states that joined after1997. for example, he demands to demilitarise those states. it is a play to establish russian firm control across the old soviet empire, which is a direct challenge to american and european interests. ~ ., ., , ., ., ~ interests. what does nato, america and euro -e interests. what does nato, america and europe actually _ interests. what does nato, america and europe actually do _ interests. what does nato, america and europe actually do here - interests. what does nato, america and europe actually do here now? i and europe actually do here now? well, we're not going to send troops to fight russians in ukraine. we

made that clear. but we need to put the heavier sanctions on moscow, exclude them from the swift financial payments programme, sanction the russian central bank, sanction the russian central bank, sanction not five but thousands of high—ranking officials, oligarchs and theirfamilies. this high—ranking officials, oligarchs and their families. this way, high—ranking officials, oligarchs and theirfamilies. this way, you will severely damage the russian economy, which will make the russian people unhappy. the russian people don't want this and it will reduce, over time, don't want this and it will reduce, overtime, russia's don't want this and it will reduce, over time, russia's military might. we need to boost nato forces to show russia that its military position has deteriorated. we russia that its military position has deteriorated.— russia that its military position has deteriorated. ~ ., ~ ., �* , has deteriorated. we heard ukraine's former prime — has deteriorated. we heard ukraine's former prime minister— has deteriorated. we heard ukraine's former prime minister say _ has deteriorated. we heard ukraine's former prime minister say it - has deteriorated. we heard ukraine's former prime minister say it was - has deteriorated. we heard ukraine's former prime minister say it was an l former prime minister say it was an attack on wider democracy to wipe ukraine off the map. can you believe what you are witnessing in 2022 in europe? what you are witnessing in 2022 in euroe? . ~ , what you are witnessing in 2022 in euroe? . a} �* what you are witnessing in 2022 in euroe? ., �* , , , ., europe? frankly, i'm surprised that putin took this _ europe? frankly, i'm surprised that putin took this risk. _ europe? frankly, i'm surprised that putin took this risk. so _ europe? frankly, i'm surprised that putin took this risk. so far - europe? frankly, i'm surprised that putin took this risk. so far in - europe? frankly, i'm surprised that putin took this risk. so far in his - putin took this risk. so far in his career, he has been a provocative

but within limits. now he is pulling the tablecloth off the table and hoping the dishes will remain in place. we need to make sure they crashed to the floor. we need to ensure that sending supplies to the ukrainian military continue. this will make moscow's life very difficult for its invasion forces in ukraine. the ukrainian people will fight. tt’s ukraine. the ukrainian people will firht. �* , , , ., ukraine. the ukrainian people will firht. h , fight. it's interesting you say that, because _ fight. it's interesting you say that, because ukraine's- fight. it's interesting you say - that, because ukraine's ambassador after the us has said in the last few minutes, we are fighting. that is the latest quote. in terms of what you said, you're right, and i acknowledge that nato has no intention of actually going into ukraine andjoining intention of actually going into ukraine and joining the fighting, but that was a really ominous warning from vladimir putin, wasn't it, saying the response would be instant if anyone tried to interfere.— instant if anyone tried to interfere. �* , , ., ., interfere. let's understand one thin - interfere. let's understand one thing - putin — interfere. let's understand one thing - putin is _ interfere. let's understand one thing - putin is great _ interfere. let's understand one thing - putin is great at - thing — putin is great at threatening, and he is willing to take military steps against weaker opponents, but he knows that if it

comes to conventional military forces, the united states could easily out match them, add nato even more. we need to remind him that we are stronger than he is, in every measure of national power except nuclear. we measure of national power except nuclear. ~ ., ., ., nuclear. we have to leave it there, but thank you _ nuclear. we have to leave it there, but thank you for _ nuclear. we have to leave it there, but thank you forjoining _ nuclear. we have to leave it there, but thank you forjoining us - nuclear. we have to leave it there, but thank you forjoining us live - nuclear. we have to leave it there, but thank you forjoining us live on | but thank you forjoining us live on the programme. mr; but thank you for 'oining us live on the programme.— but thank you for 'oining us live on the programme._ we| but thank you for 'oining us live on - the programme._ we heard the programme. my pleasure. we heard 'ust before the programme. my pleasure. we heard just before that. — the programme. my pleasure. we heard just before that, criticism _ the programme. my pleasure. we heard just before that, criticism from - the programme. my pleasure. we heard just before that, criticism from the - just before that, criticism from the former ukrainian prime minister that sanctions arejust not former ukrainian prime minister that sanctions are just not enough. daniel fried was the coordinator for sanctions policy during the obama administration who crafted u.s. sanctions against russia in 2014. welcome back to bbc news. thank you. i wish it were — welcome back to bbc news. thank you. i wish it were under _ welcome back to bbc news. thank you. i wish it were under better _ i wish it were under better circumstances. t

i wish it were under better circumstances.— i wish it were under better circumstances. ~' , ., circumstances. i think everyone in ukraine and _ circumstances. i think everyone in ukraine and beyond _ circumstances. i think everyone in ukraine and beyond its _ circumstances. i think everyone in ukraine and beyond its borders i circumstances. i think everyone in i ukraine and beyond its borders would say that as well. since we last spoke, there was what has been described as the first tranche of sanctions. that obviously didn't stop president putin from advancing in three directions on ukraine. now there is talk of a barrage of new sanctions. what could be imposed now that could make a difference, do you believe? the that could make a difference, do you believe? . ., , ., believe? the sanctions imposed a day before yesterday _ believe? the sanctions imposed a day before yesterday were _ believe? the sanctions imposed a day before yesterday were just _ believe? the sanctions imposed a day before yesterday were just a - believe? the sanctions imposed a day before yesterday were just a taste i before yesterday were just a taste of what's coming. president biden will announce new sanctions and a couple of hours. i suspect they will include heavy sanctions on russian state banks. i suspect they will include export controls, blocking people sending semiconductors to russia. that is a big deal. they will hit the russian economy hard. my will hit the russian economy hard. my friend and colleague, the

ambassador who was just on, pointed out that one of the purposes of sanctions is notjust to change putin's mind but also to weaken the russian economy, diminishing the resources that putin has to commit aggression. i think the sanctions will be tough, but we have to mean it, we have to keep it up for a long time. tt it, we have to keep it up for a long time. , ., , time. it is often said in these dramatic _ time. it is often said in these dramatic times _ time. it is often said in these dramatic times that - time. it is often said in these | dramatic times that president time. it is often said in these i dramatic times that president putin seems to have calculated that his reserves are in a better position than they were in 2014, that gas and oil prices are high, that the russian economy is stronger than it was eight years ago. can he withstand these sanctions, which of course will be imposed notjust by the us but by europe as well, for at least a long window of time? the trouble with _ least a long window of time? t'te trouble with sanctions least a long window of time? he trouble with sanctions is that even when they work, they can take more

time to work than you wish they would. what you suggested... sanctions are not a magic bullet, not a magic wand. they are an instrument of pressure, which can do damage to the economy of an adversary, but they cannot substitute for everything. they are one tool. i think it is critical at this point that we hit the russian economy hard, we'd be in the us, the uk and europe. but also that we sustain this. we can't go back to a reset with russia. we have to draw long—term conclusions about putin's aggression. the man is a tyrant in the model of the 20th century tyrants and we need to treat him accordingly. we will not have a

predictable and stable relationship with russia. the biden administration didn't want to have to deal with china and russia at the same time, but in foreign policy, it often doesn't matter. we have to deal with the authoritarians as they are. and we have to take the putin challenge seriously for the longer term. if we want a better relationship with a better russia, we have to deal with the bad and aggressive russia we have right now. that requires pressure. we have heard from you and other financial experts that it is very difficult to impose sanctions that would really hurt president putin himself who seems to be the man really calling the shots, literally, in this crisis.— in this crisis. well, look, there has been _ in this crisis. well, look, there has been talk _ in this crisis. well, look, there has been talk of _ in this crisis. well, look, there has been talk of going - in this crisis. well, look, there has been talk of going after. in this crisis. well, look, there | has been talk of going after the finances of vladimir putin and his circle and it is true, there is no

reason on god's green earth that we should allow britain to attack the western system while he is banking the money is deals from his own people in that system. we have to go after him, we have to go after his fans and we have to expose it. because putin did not become a multi—billionaire by saving his government salary. he did it through massive theft. but he does not have bank accounts in own name. he works the cutouts, through intermediaries, through other men. and his elite does this and we are all that fault. london real estate, new york real estate, miami real estate, we all need to clean up our act and go after dirty russian money and we need to mean it.— after dirty russian money and we need to mean it. ., ~ , ., , . need to mean it. thank you very much for 'oinin: need to mean it. thank you very much forjoining us— need to mean it. thank you very much forjoining us with _ need to mean it. thank you very much forjoining us with your— need to mean it. thank you very much forjoining us with your assessment i forjoining us with your assessment at this really critical hour where all the world is looking at what the impact of sanctions would be. let's speak now to our security

corresponding to its here in the studio. let's get back to what has been targeted in these opening 12 or 13 hours. take us through where the attacks have happened, where and what has been targeted? the attacks across the whole _ what has been targeted? the attacks across the whole of _ what has been targeted? the attacks across the whole of ukraine - what has been targeted? the attacks across the whole of ukraine for i what has been targeted? the attacks across the whole of ukraine for top l across the whole of ukraine for top us officials are saying they believed to have been about 100 missiles launched, short—range, medium—range cruise missiles attacking a variety of targets but most of them appear to be command and control. military infrastructure, airports, trying to degrade ukraine's ability to fight back, if you like. so if you some it looks like in the capital of kyiv, like military intelligence as well. all part of that strategy to try to undermine ukraine's ability to fight back. that seems to be the initial tranche of missile targets. $5 back. that seems to be the initial tranche of missile targets. as well as a power — tranche of missile targets. as well as a power station _ tranche of missile targets. as well as a power station on _ tranche of missile targets. as well as a power station on the - tranche of missile targets. as well as a power station on the edge i tranche of missile targets. as well as a power station on the edge of| as a power station on the edge of the capital, was reading just a

short while ago. events are actually transpiring almost exactly on the timeline, the pretext, the type of incursion that the us intelligence services and others were quite open about weeks ago. thea;r services and others were quite open about weeks ago.— about weeks ago. they clearly had aood about weeks ago. they clearly had good intelligence _ about weeks ago. they clearly had good intelligence in _ about weeks ago. they clearly had good intelligence in russia's i about weeks ago. they clearly had good intelligence in russia's plans and intentions. they talked about a major invasion. they talked about it coming from three sides, which is what we have seen. i think one of the significant things was going to drive. that looks possible. we have had an airport may have been captured not far from the city which may be used to bring in more troops from russia to land and potentially encircle that city. i think this senseis encircle that city. i think this sense is probably that it is not necessarily that russia does not necessarily that russia does not necessarily want to fight street to street and go into those cities. they may want to do as much damage as they can to the ukrainian military perhaps encircle some of the cities and then they hope demand

surrender and a change of government.— surrender and a change of government. . �* government. the intelligence if i'd been correct- _ government. the intelligence if i'd been correct. are _ government. the intelligence if i'd been correct. are you _ government. the intelligence if i'd been correct. are you hearing i government. the intelligence if i'd| been correct. are you hearing what they are thinking about what potentially put in's moves will be in the coming days? that potentially put in's moves will be in the coming days?— in the coming days? that is something _ in the coming days? that is something which _ in the coming days? that is something which people i in the coming days? that is| something which people are in the coming days? that is i something which people are still about is how far will this go. that will depend on the level of resistance they get from the ukrainian military. in some cases they are fighting back and fighting back hard. so much of the intelligence was right. one piece of intelligence was right. one piece of intelligence in the last week was their work catch or kill lists for people within ukraine that the russians might go out and that could be another conservator what might be going on with russian agents and networks on the ground within ukraine. �* , ., ., , ukraine. briefly and finally, in terms of the _ ukraine. briefly and finally, in terms of the russian - ukraine. briefly and finally, in| terms of the russian strategy, ukraine. briefly and finally, in i terms of the russian strategy, they will be planning if they had gone very hard on these initial days that those sorts of potentials that you are talking about about fighting back, we had about people going to

gun shops and actually buying weapons themselves, that in a sense filters away. weapons themselves, that in a sense filters away-— filters away. that is why the russians — filters away. that is why the russians have _ filters away. that is why the russians have gone - filters away. that is why the russians have gone hard i filters away. that is why the | russians have gone hard and fast and they will be hoping that they can, if you like, degrade the ukrainian military so fast that there is a collapse but of course, you just don't know in the situation is how could unfold and i think it is always unpredictable. could unfold and i think it is alwa s unredictable. . ~ , always unpredictable. thank you very much for taking _ always unpredictable. thank you very much for taking us _ always unpredictable. thank you very much for taking us through _ always unpredictable. thank you very much for taking us through all - always unpredictable. thank you very much for taking us through all of i much for taking us through all of that and let's head back to kyiv and back to our correspondence. i was listening earlier this morning on the radio and you said something quite startling because you said, despite all of the anticipation over the last few days in the last few weeks, when the invasion actually happened it felt like you had been turned upside down and inside out. you know, people here, as we have said time and again, have lived with the russian presence threaded to the lives of the past eight years ever since russia first invaded in 2014. and that has given rise to a certain

kind of impressive stoicism that kind of impressive stoicism that kind of impressive stoicism that kind of resilience that theyjust kept carrying on with their lives and the president kept saying, week in, week out, let's be calm, warning western leaders not to talk up an escalation lest it bring about an escalation lest it bring about an escalation itself. but we felt, ever since monday night and that speech by president putin in which he basically said ukraine is a fake country, you could feel the nerves. you could feel the city and across the country, ukraine is much more an urgent last night, into the early hours of the morning, the feeling was palpable. many ukrainians told us they did not sleep through the night. they knew something was about to happen and so it did. in the early hours of the morning russia's invading, starting from the north—east and russian tanks and troops unbelievably pouring across the border. and of course this is a development that has been watched

and worried about right across the world. condemnation from nato, from european powers, describing it as a brutal act of war. and the line saying it was a war of a type and scale belongs to history. in london, the british prime minister described this invasion as hideous and barbaric. he warned again that it will trigger a tidal wave of violence. he and many other leaders are now calling on the russian people not to allow the country to become a pariah state. let's get a sense of what the mood is in moscow with this report from our correspondent.— with this report from our correspondent. with this report from our corresondent. ., , ., correspondent. from the president of russia, a fateful— correspondent. from the president of russia, a fateful decision. _ correspondent. from the president of russia, a fateful decision. vladimir. russia, a fateful decision. vladimir putin said military operation. but really, the kremlin was launching a full—scale invasion of ukraine. russian stocks plunged, the ruble hit an all—time low, fears of

conflict superseded by the shock of a war and what may come next. t a war and what may come next. i think if putin is not stopped now a war and what may come next. t think if putin is not stopped now in ukraine this war would be the beginning of the third world war. vladimir putin comes across now is a leader with an almost messianic idea to force ukraine back into moscow's or a bit, even to force ukraine back into moscow's ora bit, even if to force ukraine back into moscow's or a bit, even if that means war. but the public might think about that does into it. he seems determined to achieve his goal. in the centre of moscow, we are against the centre of moscow, we are against the war, she says, and we want the whole world to know that. but so far few russians have come out to protest. maybe this is why. in russia, now, protest end like this.

i'm sorry. i'm so shocked. i can't have _ i'm sorry. i'm so shocked. i can't have crying _ i'm sorry. i'm so shocked. i can't have crying i _ i'm sorry. i'm so shocked. i can't have crying-— i'm sorry. i'm so shocked. i can't have crying. i think most russians don't support _ have crying. i think most russians don't support this. _ have crying. i think most russians don't support this. it _ have crying. i think most russians don't support this. it is _ have crying. i think most russians don't support this. it is horrible. l don't support this. it is horrible. why— don't support this. it is horrible. why don't— don't support this. it is horrible. why don't they _ don't support this. it is horrible. why don't they support - don't support this. it is horrible. why don't they support it? - don't support this. it is horrible. why don't they support it? because it is not our — why don't they support it? because it is not our war. _ why don't they support it? because it is not our war. it _ why don't they support it? because it is not our war. it is _ why don't they support it? because it is not our war. it is by _ why don't they support it? because it is not our war. it is by putin i it is not our war. it is by putin but _ it is not our war. it is by putin but not — it is not our war. it is by putin but not our— it is not our war. it is by putin but not our nation. _ it is not our war. it is by putin but not our nation. i- it is not our war. it is by putin but not our nation.— but not our nation. i think the ukrainian _ but not our nation. i think the ukrainian soldiers _ but not our nation. i think the ukrainian soldiers will - but not our nation. i think the i ukrainian soldiers will surrender, she said. it is terrible to be at war with ukraine. this is not a conflict the russian public wants. this is the kremlin's war. the latest lines on the story, ukraine's president saying in the last little while that a new iron curtain is falling separating russia from the rest of the world. we heard from the g7 a short while ago saying the russian president has reintroduced war to the european continent and

has put himself on the wrong side of history. let's speak to our europe editor who is in brussels. give us a sense of the mood where you are. absolutely. the deck is exactly what you are just saying there. the eu is convinced that this is about more than ukraine for vladimir putin. it is a concerted effort, they believe, by the kremlin, to change the balance of power in europe so geopolitical change. to move the concentration of power from the west towards russia. and that means that former iron curtain countries in eastern europe are reallyjittery. if you have a look at the baltic states, lithuania, latvia, estonia, they border russia and they are eu member states and nato members now and they have been offered support but they are extremely jittery when you speak to them on and off the record. they fear that russia would try to destabilise the country with disinformation campaigns, cyber attacks as well and possibly, some

countries are saying, with missiles pointed at them. from either russia or its close ally. these are concrete fears. the french president said this morning that this crisis will have a profound impact on the citizens in his country and the whole of europe. he said this is going to change the course of european history with the actions last night and today by vladimir putin. the eu is gearing up to an as new sanctions package. they say should really hit russia politically and economically but of course, behind the scenes, again, some european countries are worried about being hit economically by sanctions and counter sanctions from russia. more than others. other european countries are bracing themselves for a possible migration crisis as ukrainians tried to flee the violence in the country. romania is reporting the first hundreds arriving there as well. i would say

that the eu is on high alert. you have got leaders meeting tonight here in brussels. they want to send a message of unity externally as a warning to russia and to underline solidarity with ukraine. but internally, too, for all of the member states, to say that they are all in this together. they realise that unless the eu itself and the west keeps a united front, they don't have much hope, they believe, in stopping vladimir putin. tote in stopping vladimir putin. we likel to in stopping vladimir putin. we likely to see that next tranche of sanctions on a timeline? you talked about the jitteriness and nervousness, isuppose about the jitteriness and nervousness, i suppose underpinning that, is simply the fear that nothing has worked so far and potentially the next round of sanctions might not work either. that is right. we heard from the french president, we are all in this together and we will respond together. but how far will the west go in its response? are economic sanctions enough? we know that since

the annexation of crimea eight years ago, vladimir putin has tried to move his country's dependency from the west because he already suffered sanctions at the time. the eu is looking on, announcing a sanctions package this afternoon. it has to be signed off legally and is expected to go into effect tomorrow. that is very speedy for the eu and they say this is an even bigger package of sanctions than the one they signed off yesterday aimed at more sectors inside russia and even the energy sector as well. the eu also underlines it has to keep something up underlines it has to keep something up its sleeve in case, as they fear, vladimir putin despite the snake sanctions package, continues with his aggression. sanctions package, continues with his aggression-— his aggression. thanks a lot for that. his aggression. thanks a lot for that- thank _ his aggression. thanks a lot for that. thank you. _ his aggression. thanks a lot for that. thank you. condemnation statements are coming in. the ukrainian ambassador to the united states addressed reporters where there was a detail of the russian

attack you in ukraine and pitting an assault in the area surrounding the chernobyl nuclear plant. tt is assault in the area surrounding the chernobyl nuclear plant.— chernobyl nuclear plant. it is not a military operation _ chernobyl nuclear plant. it is not a military operation or _ chernobyl nuclear plant. it is not a military operation or whatever i chernobyl nuclear plant. it is not a military operation or whatever it i military operation or whatever it was called yesterday. it is a war against ukraine. the aggressor carried out an invasion in many directions and the russian aggression took place in several areas. heavy fighting are still taking place. artillery shelling in the area continued. the aggressor state also use the territory of belarus to launch an attack. they

try to cross the state border with tanks, armoured personnel and military vehicles and for ballistic missiles have been launched towards ukraine from the territory of belarus. according to the latest data, they also attacked some of the hospitals, the information that came out from the minister of health. and they also made an attempt to seize they also made an attempt to seize the nuclear power station and the fight is going on there with ukrainian national guard protecting the chernobyl station from the attack. so, for the first time since the chernobyl nuclear disaster, after which ukraine has been protected together with our european and american friends and allies, all the world from another nuclear disaster, we have to defend it again from the russian forces. now, ukraine is activated our right to

self—defence in accordance with international law. the combat spirit of ukrainian military is high. we are fighting, we will be fighting. not only are brave and motivated military but all ukrainians. we are protecting our home and we will not stop. protecting our home and we will not sto -. protecting our home and we will not sto . _ ~' ., ., protecting our home and we will not sto. a, ., ., ., ., stop. the ukrainian ambassador to the united states _ stop. the ukrainian ambassador to the united states picking - stop. the ukrainian ambassador to the united states picking a - stop. the ukrainian ambassador to the united states picking a short i the united states picking a short time ago to reporters in washington. our viewers will know that for weeks now we have been getting these predictions that there would be an all—out assault on ukraine and so it has come to pass. but, at the same time, we also had dire warnings that a military escalation would also be a military escalation would also be a deterioration in the humanitarian situation with the united states and the united nations warning that this could create up to refugees. well, someone who is keeping a close eye on this possible development is the

high commissionerfor on this possible development is the high commissioner for refugees who joins us now from geneva. tell us what the preparations are now, as we are now in the first day of an all—out assault on ukraine. first are now in the first day of an all-out assault on ukraine. first of all, it is important _ all-out assault on ukraine. first of all, it is important to _ all-out assault on ukraine. first of all, it is important to recall- all-out assault on ukraine. first of all, it is important to recall that i all, it is important to recall that my organisation, the other un organisations and ngos, we are in ukraine, we have at last. and we are ready to step up and provide help. we have stock piles of cash and other means to help the population. it is very difficult to do it today because there is military action, as we heard, everywhere around the country. provided we have access and security, we are ready to move. we are particularly worried about displacement, but people on the move. we estimate that more than 100,000 must have already moved out of their homes in ukraine, seeking safety parts of the country. we

heard that we know that a few thousands have crossed over into moldova, in particular, some in romania and other countries. we have preparedness plans everywhere together with respective governments but clearly the situation is pretty daunting as we speak. you mentioned the --eole daunting as we speak. you mentioned the people who _ daunting as we speak. you mentioned the people who are _ daunting as we speak. you mentioned the people who are being _ daunting as we speak. you mentioned the people who are being displaced. l the people who are being displaced. we have seen you on the roads out of kyiv, you have had the reports, people fleeing, not sure where they are going to go. had there been resources put in place in parts of the country in anticipation of this kind of major displacement? tt has kind of ma'or displacement? it has been ve kind of major displacement? it has been very difficult _ kind of major displacement? it has been very difficult to _ kind of major displacement? it has been very difficult to predict i kind of major displacement? tt t—.3 been very difficult to predict how this situation were to develop. we have prepositioned assistance in the country in various places. the challenge now will be to deliver it in a situation of active military offensive so we will have two gauge

very carefully the space that we have to provide that assistance and coordination, clearly, with the ukrainian authorities and, in fact, with whoever is in control of the territory. this is why it is very important that whatever the military situation, access is granted for humanitarian assistance to be provided to civilians, that civilian lives and infrastructure be respected. these are the fundamental tenets of international humanitarian law. we still hope that some of it can be upheld. law. we still hope that some of it can be upheld-— can be upheld. you are confident that ou can be upheld. you are confident that you will _ can be upheld. you are confident that you will have _ can be upheld. you are confident that you will have the _ can be upheld. you are confident l that you will have the cooperation, that you will have the cooperation, that agencies like yours will need for european governments, we interviewed someone at the weekend is said european nations were ready to assist and have approved a package of 1.2 billion euros. are you confident this will unfold in

the way that would be necessary? yes, i am confident that humanitarian organisations will get that support. we will need, first and foremost, supporting ukraine for humanitarian operations. but we may also, unfortunately, need support in neighbouring countries if the crisis escalates and we see a major refugee crisis. i've been in touch today with several european commissioners, with several european commissioners, with governments in the neighbouring countries and i am confident that their efforts supported by us will be able to take place. the biggest challenge in my opinion will be inside ukraine especially in this military situation we are witnessing right now. pare military situation we are witnessing riaht now. �* i. military situation we are witnessing riaht now. �* ., . ., right now. are you anticipating that ou will right now. are you anticipating that you will need _ right now. are you anticipating that you will need to _ right now. are you anticipating that you will need to appeal— right now. are you anticipating that you will need to appeal for- right now. are you anticipating that you will need to appeal for more i you will need to appeal for more resources if this military crisis continues to escalate and with it, then, a deepening humanitarian challenge? you might wish we will

have to appealfor challenge? you might wish we will have to appeal for more resources. traditionally, unfortunately, humanitarian appeals for a ukraine have never been very well funded but now this has to change because needs escalate exponentially and we need those resources quickly. thank you very much forjoining us at this moment. very much for 'oining us at this moment. , ~' very much for 'oining us at this moment.— very much for 'oining us at this moment. , ., , ., ., ., , moment. the shock waves are already bein: felt moment. the shock waves are already being felt in — moment. the shock waves are already being felt in the _ moment. the shock waves are already being felt in the financial _ moment. the shock waves are already being felt in the financial markets. i being felt in the financial markets. what is the impact on things like energy prices as well? let's cross to america and our business correspondent. the marketsjust closing, just take me through generally has been happening in the last 15 hours or so. look, there is no doubt this is going to have an impact on the global economy and the most immediate reaction you could see is if you look at the prices of things ranging from commodities, we saw brent crude trading above $100

an hour since 2014 which is when russia annexed crimea. sharp falls in the markets. asia fell overnight, european stocks just closed, the ftse 100 in the uk. not surprising given that in some ways the biggest impact is likely to affect companies in europe. here in the united states we saw the markets open, it is worth noting trimmed some of those losses now, 600 points versus 700 earlier. nasdaq was in positive territory. you mentioned oil briefly in terms of energy, gas prices, a lot of people fearful of what all of this is likely to do to that. what

seeing? well, ithink, you think, you know, you and i have talked a lot in the past about inflation and one of those areas where we have seen price rises is in the energy sector. i think this is going to make that worse. that is going to continue for some time. obviously we have already seen sanctions related to the gas pipeline. that will put pressure on gas prices. you're going pressure on gas prices. you�*re going to pressure on gas prices. you're going to continue to see that until you find some kind of the replacement supplies. people need to prepare for the fact that prices will remain elevated at least at the pump and when they are talking about fuel bills at home, for some time. by, bills at home, for some time. a final word on sanctions because, in this last hour, we have had several contributors talking about, and the ukrainian foreign minister talk about swift global payment. they want that on the sanctions table. it has been resisted so far. is it likely now to be considered, do you think? tt likely now to be considered, do you think? , , ,

think? it is something, it seems, like the united _ think? it is something, it seems, like the united states _ think? it is something, it seems, like the united states and - think? it is something, it seems, like the united states and eu i think? it is something, it seems, l like the united states and eu want to keep in their back pocket for now. they are not ready to let everything out on the table just yet. they want to be able to sort of, if you like, inflict more of a punishment further down the line, so they don't want to leave it out. you can sense the frustration on the part of the ukrainian prime minster who was tweeting, i just come part of the ukrainian prime minster who was tweeting, ijust come off the phone with the french president and, you know, you need to look at putting swift on the table. the reason it matters is that woodcut of the transfer of payments and makes it very difficult for example, a company in europe doing business with a company in russia, to trade any kinds of goods. that would start to inflict the kind of economic pain they want to see but the europeans and us, ithink, are still taking they want to see but the europeans and us, i think, are still taking an incremental approach so we expect sanctions, for example, some of the biggest banks in russia but they are not yet doing everything in their arsenal. . ~ not yet doing everything in their arsenal. ., ~ , ., not yet doing everything in their arsenal. ., ~ i. not yet doing everything in their

arsenal. . ~' . not yet doing everything in their arsenal. ., ~ . ., ., arsenal. thank you so much for that. thank you- — arsenal. thank you so much for that. thank you- as _ arsenal. thank you so much for that. thank you. as we _ arsenal. thank you so much for that. thank you. as we have _ arsenal. thank you so much for that. thank you. as we have heard - thank you. as we have heard throughout this programme, this is an invasion of ukraine that is shaking the world. shaking the stock markets and creating the fears of a humanitarian crisis and also leading to condemnation in capitals around the world. the biggest shock of course is here in ukraine. including in the capital, kyiv, wherejust before dawn this morning, the explosions began. we have also been hearing the latest address from the ukrainian president. he described an operational pause but he said that the ukrainian forces will continue to fight. there was no sign yet that russia is ready to call a halt to its invasion of ukraine. we are also hearing from our correspondent at the united nations that a resolution is being prepared to condemn russia. we are expecting to hear from boris

johnson in the british house of commons. we will carry that live just as soon as he starts addressing mps. all of that and more coming up for you on bbc news, don't go away. hello. we have had a fair amount of wintry weather across northern britain, and that's going to continue into the evening hours. the met office issued earlier on a snow and lightning warning across parts of scotland and northern ireland, and very vigorous, intense wintry showers spreading in from the north—west. you can see on the radar here this is where the wintry showers have been falling. rain in the south, so it's a little too mild here for any wintry weather, but it is in the north, across scotland in the pennines, parts of northern ireland top of that, very strong gusty winds, 110 or

top of that, very strong gusty winds,110 or 50 miles top of that, very strong gusty winds,110 or50 miles an top of that, very strong gusty winds,110 or 50 miles an hour. {line winds, 40 or 50 miles an hour. one or two spots— winds, 40 or 50 miles an hour. one or two spots across _ winds, 40 or50 miles an hour. one or two spots across the highland at times. we will have temporary blizzards. the temperature this evening will be around three celsius in newcastle, six in the south. we have that strong win, so it will feel cold outside. that warning about thunder and snow will continue until at least 8pm. after that, it expires. the wind tends to ease on the weather clears up a little bit. i think the weather will generally be a lot calmer as we head into early friday morning. a touch of frost possible anywhere, but especially northern and central areas. friday and into the weekend, an area of high pressure builds in from the south, meaning the weather will settle, we will lose the cold winds, and we will lose the wintry showers. friday morning starts off chilly, bright, and then sunshine for the afternoon, but behind me there is the next weather system approaching, which means cloud and rain for the western isles of

scotland, and possibly for northern ireland tomorrow afternoon. for many of us tomorrow, it will be a bright if not sunny days, with light winds and temperatures around 10 celsius. the high pressure, admittedly the centre of it will be across central parts of europe, so that is where the best of the weather will be. we are on the edge of it, which means that weather fronts will sneak into north—western areas through the weekend. i think saturday and sunday, there is a possibility of rain in the north—west of the uk, but generally, for many of us, the weekend is looking fine and dry. that's all me. goodbye.

hello, welcome to bbc news. the headlines... russia launches a major military assault on ukraine by land, air and sea. there have been explosions near major cities, including the capital kyiv. as the russian army moved in, there was international condemnation of vladimir putin. and let us take you straight to the house of commons where there is now a debate and the prime minister will be talking to mps. prime minister will be talking to mp5. with prime minister will be talking to mps. with permission i will update a house on our response to president putin's onslaught against a free and sovereign european nation. shortly

after for sovereign european nation. shortly afterfor ami spoke to sovereign european nation. shortly after for ami spoke to president zelensky of ukraine is the first