Explosions and warning sirens have been heard this morning in some of Ukraine's major cities after Russia's president ordered a "military operation" into the eastern part of the country.
Vladimir Putin claims his orders will "protect people" in breakaway regions who he says have been subject to bullying and genocide and he's warned other nations not to intervene.
The Russian president made the following announcement in a TV address.
The international community's responded to Mr Putin's move with condemnation within US President Joe Biden saying "the world will hold Russia accountable."
EU leaders are also going to hold crisis talks to discuss further sanctions on Moscow, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stating this morning that Russian assets in the EU will be frozen and Russian banks will no longer be able to access central bank funding.
The Ukrainian president's advised people to stay home as much as possible following the developments.
Volodymyr Zelensky's declared martial law and had this message for citizens.
Last night the Taoiseach told his parliamentary party what we're witnessing now's like nothing seen since World War 2.
While this morning, Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney tweeted a message in support of the people of Ukraine.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent people of Ukraine, as families wake up to shocking Russian attacks.
"Russian leaders are lying to their own people to justify this illegal aggression. We utterly condemn Russia for this act of unjustifiable war in the heart of Europe."
More to follow...
