Martial law in Ukraine has been imposed from 5.30am on February 24 for a period of 30 days.
Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine following escalating tensions over the last few weeks and months over Ukraine’s relationship to NATO and Western powers.
Boris Johnson said Russian president Vladimir Putin had "chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction" as explosions have been heard and seen in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and other major cities.
Ukranian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has declared martial law and the country's foreign minister says a "full-scale invasion" has begun.
READ MORE: LIVE Putin launches Russian invasion of Ukraine and explosions rock cities
Making a brief national address this morning, Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Russia had launched strikes on military posts and border guards.
He placed the whole of the nation under martial law and urged people not to panic.
He said: "Dear Ukrainian citizens, this morning President Putin announced a special military operation in Donbas.
"Russia conducted strikes on our military infrastructure and our border guards. There were blasts heard in many cities of Ukraine. We’re introducing martial law on the whole territory of our country."
He added: "Today each of you should keep calm. Stay at home if you can. We are working. The army is working. The whole sector of defence and security is working."
“No panic. We are strong. We are ready for everything. We will win over everybody because we are Ukraine.”
What is martial law?
Martial law refers to the temporary military control over normal civil functions and civil law.
It’s usually in response to a state of emergency or when civil forces are overwhelmed for some reason.
Why is martial law in place in Ukraine?
The Ukrainian president announced that the country would be put under martial law in response to an attack on the country from Russia.
Martial law in Ukraine has been imposed from 05:30 on February 24, 2022, for a period of 30 days.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
