Russia launches military invasion of Ukraine

In a televised address early in the morning, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the start of a so-called "special military operation" in Ukraine. Soon afterwards explosions were heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa and other cities.

Russian troops crossed into Ukraine from the north, east and south, including from Belarus and Crimea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared martial law and announced the severing of diplomatic relations with Russia.

The leaders of the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom condemned the invasion and promised unprecedented sanctions. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged Putin to stop the offensive.

Oil prices rose above 100 dollars a barrel for the first time since 2014, and global stock markets fell sharply. The rouble hit a record low against the dollar.