German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Russia's Vladimir Putin "made a terrible mistake" by starting a war in Ukraine. Ukrainian government reported Russian troops attacking from multiple directions.
Beijing understands Russia's 'reasonable' security concerns
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke on the phone with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, over Ukraine.
Wang told Lavrov that Beijing "respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"At the same time, we have also seen that the Ukraine issue has its complex and special historical latitude and longitude, and we understand Russia's reasonable concerns on security issues," it added.
"China advocates that the Cold War mentality should be completely abandoned, and a balanced, effective and sustainable European security mechanism should be finally formed through dialogue and negotiation."
According to the Interfax news agency, Russia's Foreign Ministry said the two diplomats agreed that "the cause of the crisis" was Kyiv's refusal, backed by Washington, to implement the Minsk agreements.
Separately, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying declined to label the Russian attack as an "invasion."
"This is perhaps a difference between China and you Westerners. We won't go rushing to a conclusion," Hua said.
UK's Boris Johnson: Attack gives Putin 'pariah status'
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK will be stepping up its support to Ukraine in an address to the nation. He said Ukraine "is not some faraway country" and added, "We cannot and must not look away."
Johnson noted the UK was one of the first European countries to deliver weapons to Ukraine. He said the invasion gave Putin's regime "pariah status."
"I don't believe the Russian dictator will ever subdue the Ukrainians and their passionate belief that their country should be free," Johnson said.
In a Twitter post before the conference, the British prime minister described the war as "a catastrophe for our continent."
Turkey says invasion 'unjust and unlawful'
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the Russian invasion of Ukraine "against international law" and a "heavy blow" to peace and regional stability. He repeated a call for a resolution of the conflict.
Erdogan reiterated that Ankara viewed both countries as friendly and said he was "sincerely saddened" by the war.
The country's foreign ministry said in a statement that it considers the attack "unacceptable."
Turkey, which is a NATO member state, shares maritime borders in the Black Sea with both Russia and Ukraine.
NATO chief: 'A grave moment for the security of Europe'
At a press conference, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which he called "deliberate, cold-blooded and long-planned."
He said that the invasion showed that peace could "not be taken for granted" but voiced the opinion that "freedom will always prevail over repression."
Stoltenberg also said NATO had activated its defense plans giving military commanders more authority to move and deploy forces when needed. He added NATO had increased its forces in the eastern part of the alliance and "will further increase and we are increasing."
"It will be a new reality, a new Europe after the invasion we saw today," Stoltenberg said.
He also reasserted NATO's principle that an attack on one ally will trigger a response from the alliance.
Kremlin: Objectives are Ukraine's demilitarization and 'denazification'
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Russian military operation in Ukraine is designed with two objectives in mind, namely the demilitarization and what he called the "denazification" of Ukraine. He added Putin will decide how long the military campaign will last based on the progress in achieving these objectives.
Peskov added that it was impossible to shut Russia off behind an Iron Curtain.
Putin will not talk to the media following a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Peskov said.
Germany's Scholz: 'This is Putin's war'
Expressing solidarity with Ukrainians, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Germany will coordinate with G7 and EU leaders to place severe sanctions on Russia.
Scholz said the assault on Ukraine was completely without justification and called it "Putin's war."
"It will be clear that Putin has made a terrible mistake by unleashing this war," Scholz said, adding that Russia would pay a "bitter price" for invading its neighbor.
"I call on Putin immediately to stop the attack," Scholz said, adding that the Russian leader must completely withdraw his troops from Ukraine.
Scholz also said that he had ordered Germany's Security Cabinet to convene and had called for a special session of the German parliament on Sunday. A special video conference on G7 leaders will also be convened at his request, he said.
Zelenskyy says second wave of missile strikes underway
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country is being hit by a second wave of missile strikes.
The first wave was launched in the early hours Thursday after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the Russian military into Ukraine.
Military command centers, the Kyiv Boryspil airport and other buildings in several Ukrainian cities were targeted in that first round of missile strikes.
NATO will bolster eastern flank
The permanent representatives of NATO member states agreed to bolster air, land and sea defenses on the alliance's eastern flank. NATO leaders will convene Friday to discuss the next steps after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
"We will continue to do whatever is necessary to shield the alliance from aggression," said NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. "NATO stands in solidarity with Ukraine and NATO allies are imposing severe costs on Russia."
In a statement, the North Atlantic Council, the alliance's principle political decision-making body, said the Russian invasion of Ukraine is "a grave violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and is wholly contradictory to Russia’s commitments in the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris, the Budapest Memorandum and the NATO-Russia Founding Act."
As such, "It constitutes an act of aggression against an independent peaceful country."
Ukrainian foreign minister: Russia attacking from multiple directions
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said, "This is not a Russian invasion only in the east of Ukraine, but a full-scale attack from multiple directions."
Putin ally: Ukraine must demilitarize to prevent war
Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the lower house of the Russian Duma, called for Ukraine to be "demilitarized."
Volodin said it was the only way to prevent war in Europe, Russian state news agency Ria reported. He is considered a close ally to the Russian president.
Germany offers support to Poland
Germany's Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said in a statement that her country would offer support to eastern European countries, notably Poland, that will likely soon face an influx of refugees spilling over from the conflict in neighboring Ukraine.
Faeser said, "We will offer massive support to the affected states — especially our neighbor Poland — in the event of large refugee movements."
She added Germany's security services have increased protections against the possibility of cyberattacks.
Latvian defense minister calls for Germany to allow lethal arms for Ukraine
Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks appealed to Germany to allow the transfer of lethal weapons to Ukraine to counter the Russian invasion.
"Please open your eyes. Please also allow Ukrainians to receive lethal aid, because the situation is totally different than it was before," he told DW. "Germany is the largest European country; it's time for you to act now because a lot depends on you."
Pabriks also said the West had just “one chance” to counter the Russian invasion.
"First, we must start immediately with massive sanctions against the aggressor state of Russia. Secondly, we must provide the Ukrainian army and the Ukrainian population with massive aid so they can prevail," he said.
"That is the only way we can say that the blood of Ukrainians is not also on our hands," Pabriks added.
Ukraine's Zelenskyy gives emotional address to nation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said weapons will be issued to those who want them and called on Ukrainians to donate blood.
In an address to the nation, he said Russia had suffered losses during the initial stages of its invasion and added Ukraine had severed diplomatic relations with Russia.
He concluded his emotional speech, "Glory to Ukraine!"
Russian tanks enter Ukraine
Russian tanks have entered Ukraine in the Luhansk region as well as from Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, Ukraine's border guard service reports.
The border guard also reported one casualty from shelling on the border with Crimea, the first confirmed military death during the invasion. Earlier Ukraine said eight people had died in the shelling.
Police in Ukraine have said they are distributing weapons to veterans.
Russia's Defense Ministry said its air campaign against Ukraine was not targeting cities and did not pose a threat to civilians, according to the Russian state-run RIA news agency.
First casualties reported, shelling across Ukraine
One person is reported to have been killed and another wounded in the city of Brovary in the Kyiv region, according to a Ukrainian Interior Ministry adviser.
Reports of shelling are coming in from cities across the country.
"Intense" shelling was first reported in eastern Ukraine, however, Ukraine's emergency service has said that the Lviv region in western Ukraine is also witnessing shelling.
DW correspondent: 'A very dangerous moment for Europe'
DW Russian affairs correspondent Konstantin Eggert has said Russia's actions "represented an attempt to establish full control of Ukraine." He said that Moscow's bid to overthrow an elected government in another country was a challenge the West had probably not expected, calling it "a very dangerous moment definitely for Europe if not for the world."
When asked about how much support Putin had among the Russian public for his actions in Ukraine, Eggert said that even independent polls showing that 45%-50% of people backed the invasion could not be trusted, as Russians were very cautious about giving their views. But he said, "We can't expect thousands of people in the Red Square demanding that Putin resign and the war stop."
Russia says Ukraine airbases, air defenses 'destroyed': reports
Russian news agencies have quoted officials saying that Ukraine's air defenses have been "neutralized."
"Military infrastructure at Ukrainian army air bases has been rendered out of action," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement quoted by the country's news agencies.
The statement added that Kyiv's air defense systems were "destroyed."
Ukraine's military claimed to have downed five Russian jets and a helicopter in eastern Ukraine. Moscow denied its aircraft were shot down.
Germany's Scholz vows 'full solidarity' with Ukraine
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of "Germany's full solidarity in this hard hour" in a phone call, according to a tweet from German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit.
Germany's Foreign Ministry called on any Germans still in Ukraine to leave the country urgently.
EU's aviation agency gives warning for civilian flights
Europe's aviation regulator, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), has warned against flying in bordering areas of Russia and Belarus because of military activities. This comes after Ukraine closed its airspace to civilian flights on Thursday, citing a high risk to safety.
"In particular, there is a risk of both intentional targeting and misidentification of civil aircraft," EASA said in a special bulletin, adding that “all altitudes and flight levels” posed a danger.
Attacks from Belarus
Ukraine is being shelled along its northern border with Russia and Belarus, the border guard service said. It said in a statement that the artillery fire was being returned by Ukrainian forces.
Border guards said Russian forces were supported by Belarus and that an attack had been launched from Crimea, the Russian-occupied peninsula region on Ukraine's southern flank.
"Attacks on border units, border detachments and checkpoints are carried out with the use of artillery, heavy equipment and small arms," the border guards' statement said.
Ukrainian president: 'Military infrastructure' under attack
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country's "military infrastructure" and border guards were under attack, but he urged citizens not to panic and vowed victory.
"This morning, Russia launched a new military operation against our state," Zelenskyy said in a statement posted on the presidential website. "This is a completely groundless, cynical invasion.
"We, the citizens of Ukraine, have been determining our own future since 1991," he said, referring to the year of the Soviet Union's collapse.
"But now, what is being decided is not only our country's future, but also the future of how Europe will live."
Air raid sirens across Kyiv
People in Kyiv woke up to air raid sirens echoing through the capital early on Thursday as Ukrainian officials reported Russian missile strikes and artillery in several cities.
Citizens were seen heading for underground metro stations to take shelter, AFP news agency reported.
Ukraine appeals for weapons
Ukraine's foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, wrote on Twitter that the international community needs to send weapons to Ukraine and put "devastating sanctions" on Russia.
German chancellor: 'A terrible day for Ukraine and a dark day for Europe'
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has condemned Russia's actions, calling them "a blatant breach of international law" and completely unjustifiable. "This is a terrible day for Ukraine and a dark day for Europe," he said.
"Russia must stop this military action immediately," he added.
US promises support to Ukraine
US President Biden called the Russian military operation in Ukraine an "unjustified" attack that will cause a "catastrophic loss of life."
Biden vowed "support and assistance" for Ukraine in a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy late on Wednesday night (Washington time), the White House said.
"We will continue to provide support and assistance to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people," Biden said in a statement.
UK, EU vow to hold Russia accountable
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Putin "has chosen a path of bloodshed" in Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen denounced Russia's attack and vowed to hold Moscow "accountable."
Ukraine president announces martial law
Following reports of explosions in Ukrainian territory, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia had carried out missile strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and border guards.
Zelensky added that he would introduce martial law throughout Ukraine. He called on people in Ukrainian citizens to stay at home as much as possible.
Russia's UN diplomat says target is Kyiv government
Russia's envoy to the UN Vassily Nebenzia told an emergency Security Council meeting late on Wednesday that Moscow's military operation against Ukraine was targeting "the junta" in power in Kiyv.
"I wanted to say in conclusion that we aren't being aggressive against the Ukrainian people but against the junta that is in power in Kiyv," Nebenzia said.
Kyiv mayor tells people to stay home
The mayor of Kyiv has urged citizens to stay at home after explosions were heard in the city. There were also reports of lights going out in some places.
Kyiv says 'full-scale invasion' underway
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says Russia has launched a "full-scale invasion of Ukraine." He has urged the world to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Report of Black Sea landings
The Interfax news agency is reporting landing operations by forces from Russia's Black Sea Fleet in the Sea of Azov and the western port of Odessa. The AFP news agency reported explosions in Odessa.
Biden says attack 'unprovoked and unjustified'
US President Joe Biden has denounced Russia's decision to conduct a military operation in eastern Ukraine, calling it "unprovoked and unjustified."
Biden vowed that the world will "hold Russia accountable."
He is set to address the nation on “consequences” for Russia on Thursday.
The US president said that he is monitoring the situation in Ukraine from the White House and will also talk to G7 counterparts on Thursday.
Biden said that the US and its allies will respond to the attack on Ukraine in a united and decisive way.
"President (Vladimir) Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering," he said in his statement."
Explosions reported in parts of Ukraine
Explosions were reported to have been heard in Kyiv, and other areas of Ukraine while Putin spoke. Blasts were reported in the eastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which is near the line of contact with separatist forces.
Putin announces military operation
The Russian president on Thursday announced an operation in Ukraine in a surprise televised address.
Putin said the action came in response to threats that he claimed came from Ukraine.
"I have made the decision of a military operation," he said in a statement shortly before 6 a.m. (0300 GMT).
Putin called on Ukraine's military to "lay down its arms," saying that servicemen who do so will be able to safely leave the zone of combat.
During the announcement, Putin said that Russia "cannot tolerate threats coming from Ukraine."
He said Russia did not have a goal to occupy Ukraine, and warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to "consequences they have never seen.''
Putin claimed that the goal of the operation was to protect civilians and ensure a "demilitarization" of Ukraine.
UN chief tells Putin not to attack Ukraine
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Putin not to order troops to attack Ukraine during an emergency security council meeting in New York.
"The day was full of rumors and indications that an offensive... was imminent," Guterres said.
"If indeed an operation is being prepared, I have only one thing to say from the bottom of my heart, Guterres added.
"President Putin, stop your troops from attacking Ukraine, give peace a chance."
The US envoy to the security council said during the meeting that the US and Ukraine believe that a "full-scale, further invasion into Ukraine by Russia is imminent."
Airspace deemed hazardous
Airlines should stop flying over Ukraine due to the risk of an unintended shootdown, a conflict zone monitor said.
The monitor also mentioned the possibility of cyberattacks targeting air traffic control.
Safe Airspace said it had increased its risk level to "do not fly."
The organization was set up to provide safety and conflict zone information for airlines after Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine in 2014.
"Regardless of the actual movements of Russian forces into Ukraine, the level of tension and uncertainty in Ukraine is now extreme," Safe Airspace said.
"This itself gives rise to significant risk to civil aviation."
Ukraine said that flights of civilian aircraft in its airspace are "restricted due to potential hazard for civil aviation," according to a notice to airmen issued at 0156 GMT on Thursday.
The notice is due to expire 2359 GMT on Thursday unless extended.
Airports in the Ukraine's central-eastern cities of Dnipro, Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia are closed to traffic until Thursday morning, also according to notices to airmen.
Most recent developments on Ukraine
Diplomats said that the UN security council would hold an emergency session on Ukraine on Wednesday night.
The meeting — scheduled for 0230 GMT/UTC — would be the second to be held on Ukraine in three days and comes hours after Kyiv requested it.
The news comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he had unsuccessfully sought talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the escalating crisis in eastern Ukraine.
Zelensky rejected Moscow's claim that Ukraine was a threat to Russia.
"The people of Ukraine and the government of Ukraine want peace," Zelensky said, adding that a Russian invasion would cost tens of thousands of lives.
Zelensky added that there were now 200,000 Russian troops amassed near Ukraine's borders.
According to Moscow, the leaders of the two Russian-held separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk have asked Putin for help to fend off Ukrainian "aggression."
The US has accused Russia of plotting so-called false flag incidents, provocations staged to create a pretext for action.
Earlier on Wednesday, US President Joe Biden has sanctioned the makers of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline that connects Russia and Germany.
Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called EU sanctions approved Wednesday against Russia "a first step" and warned more could follow.
