Nicola Sturgeon has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine as "horrific" and called for the Kremlin to face the "severest consequences".
The First Minister joined other political leaders in condemning a string of air strikes which were launched at around 5am local time on a string of cities across the country.
Russian President Vladimir Putin used a TV address to announce he was launching a “special military operation” in Ukraine in what amounted to an effective declaration of war.
Seven people are known to have died in bombing by Russian forces, Ukrainian police say. Officials say an attack on a military unit in Podilsk, outside Odessa killed six people and wounded seven. Nineteen people are also missing.
In a tweet, Sturgeon said: "Overnight developments in Ukraine - however anticipated - are appalling and horrific.
"The Kremlin must face the severest consequences for this unprovoked aggression. And the world must stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine."
Aircraft flying to or from UK airports are being ordered to avoid Ukraine airspace after the crisis in the country intensified.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he made the decision “following the horrific events overnight” as Russia launched a major military assault.
Ukraine’s president declared martial law, while Russia’s military said it had targeted Ukrainian air bases and other military assets and had not targeted populated areas.
A Downing Street spokesperson said the Prime Minister will chair a Cobra committee meeting at 7.30am to discuss the response to the “horrific attacks”.
In a statement on Twitter, Mr Johnson said he had spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss “next steps”.
“I am appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine and I have spoken to President Zelenskyy to discuss next steps,” he said.
“President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine.
“The UK and our allies will respond decisively.”
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