Russia has launched a “full-scale invasion” of Ukraine with air strikes on major cities and troops arriving from the south and east.
The attack began minutes after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered special military operations in the east of the country.
The Russian president said the attack aimed to ‘demilitarise’ Ukraine and insisted Russia did not plan to occupy the country.
He warned other world leaders that if they intervened to protect Ukraine, “you will face consequences greater than any you have faced in history”.
“All the relevant decisions have been taken,” he said. “I hope you hear me.”
An image sent by the Ukraine President’s Office to CNN appearing to show an explosion in the capital Kiev.Speaking at Leinster House this morning, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the invasion as an “outrageous and immoral breach of the most fundamental and basic principles of international law”.
“As a small country in particular, today’s use of brute force in pursuit of a warped perception of national interest is a serious affront,” he said.
“It presents Europe with the most grave security situation it has faced in decades, with repercussions for global security and for the world’s economy.
“It cannot and it will not go unanswered. President Putin and those who support him will be held accountable.”
Mr Martin said the European Union would this evening "adopt the most severe set of sanctions we have ever considered".
He also said Ireland would "not be found wanting" when it comes to offering the Ukrainian people the humanitarian support they need.
In a statement, US President Joe Biden said he condemned the “unprovoked and unjustified” attack.
He said the US and her allies would impose severe sanctions on Russia and continue to “provide support and assistance to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people”.
The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the “unprovoked and unjustified military actions and warned said Russia was “grossly violating international law and undermining European and global security and stability”.
She said Europe would provide urgent humanitarian aid to Ukraine and would coordinate its response with NATO and the G7 whose leaders are meeting today.
"Act of war"
The Ukraine Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the goal of the Russian invasion was to “destroy the Ukrainian state, to seize by force Ukrainian territory and to establish occupational control”.
“This is an act of war, an attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, a brutal violation of the UN Charter and basic norms and principles of the international law,” it said.
Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now.
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) February 24, 2022
It said Ukraine had “activated its right to self-defence in accordance with international law”.
“The combat spirit of the Ukrainian military is high, our defenders are ready to give a decisive response to the aggressor state and will protect the Ukrainian soil with all their strength,” it said.
“Ukraine calls on the international community to act immediately. Only united and decisive actions can stop Vladimir Putin’s aggression against Ukraine."
The world must act immediately. Future of Europe & the world is at stake. To do list:
1. Devastating sanctions on Russia NOW, including SWIFT
2. Fully isolate Russia by all means, in all formats
3. Weapons, equipment for Ukraine
4. Financial assistance
5. Humanitarian assistance— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) February 24, 2022
The body urged international leaders to “immediately enact a package of new sanctions” and to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities by providing weapons and military equipment.
“Not only the lives and security of Ukrainian citizens, but also security of citizens of the entire Europe and the future of the world order depend on our joint response,” it said.
The Taoiseach Micheál Martin will today join an emergency meeting of EU leaders to discuss the response to the Russian attack.
In a statement, he said he 'utterly condemns, in the strongest possible terms, Russia’s indefensible attack on the sovereign people of Ukraine'.
"We will work with our EU partners and at the UN to hold President Putin and his regime accountable," he said.
"Russia will pay a high price for this outrageous act of aggression. We stand with Ukraine."
Russia has launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine. God help them.
Rocket attacks & explosions across the country. Make no mistake: this is a shocking murderous act of aggression against a sovereign peaceful state. EU and world needs to respond strongly. @dfatirl— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) February 24, 2022
The Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney described the invasion as a “shocking murderous act of aggression against a sovereign peaceful state”.
He called on the EU and the world to “respond strongly”.
He said Ireland’s diplomatic team in Kieve has been moved to a “safe place”.
“We stay in close contact with them,” he said. “We are working with EU colleagues to ensure their safety.”
At the emergency UN Security Council meeting Ireland condemned the decision of Russia to launch a military operation and called on UNSC members to “assume their responsibility and to speak out in the strongest possible terms about this act of aggression.”
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) February 24, 2022
The Department of Foreign Affairs urged all Irish citizens in Ukraine to “shelter in a secure place”.
“Do not move around the country in the coming hours,” it said. “Please follow the advice of local authorities.”
Main image shows Belarusian and Russian troops taking part in joint military drills at the Obuz-Lesnovsky training ground on February 19th. Image: Peter Kovalev/TASS/Alamy Live News.
