Russia invades Ukraine latest: Live updates, latest news and reaction after Vladimir Putin orders military action in Ukraine
For the latest updates on Friday February 25, visit today's live blog here.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Hide AdPetrol prices have shot up, markets have fallen dramatically and one retired Army officer suggested the UK could be at war with Russia soon.
General Sir Richard Shirreff said any incursion into Nato territory would bring Britain into direct involvement in the conflict.
“There is no surprise and there is profound sadness and a sense of appalling horror at what is about to unfold for the people of Ukraine,” he said.
“And I think we have to assume that this is not Russia biting off a chunk of Ukraine – for example, establishing a land corridor in Crimea – but a full-blown military offensive to occupy Ukraine.”
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Hide AdSir Richard said it is “entirely plausible” that Russian President Vladimir Putin could be aiming to revive the Soviet Union, adding that if Russia puts “one bootstep” into Nato territory, the entire alliance will be at war.
Boris Johnson said the Russian president has "chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction", and is expected to announce further sanctions.
The meeting of the Cobra emergency committee follows a call between Mr Johnson and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky during the night as Russia launched its assault.
The Prime Minister - whose initial package of sanctions was criticised by senior Tories and opposition figures - has promised to respond "decisively" to the Russian onslaught.
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Hide Ad"I am appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine and I have spoken to President Zelensky 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."
Meanwhile, Yorkshire MPs have taken to social media to share their feelings on the issue.
Leeds Central MP Hilary Benn said: "Despite Russia’s repeated claims that they had no plans to invade Ukraine we now know that was a lie. Full sanctions must be applied now."
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Hide AdLeeds North East MP Fabian Hamilton labelled the invasion a "blatant violation of international law". He said: "Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is completely unprovoked and a blatant violation of international law.
"The world’s democracies must come together to deliver the strongest possible response to support the Ukrainian people. We must not tolerate this disgraceful act of aggression."
Russia Ukraine crisis: Latest updates, news and reaction
David Davis calls for ‘air support' to be given to Ukraine
Haltemprice and Howden MP David Davis has said it is “not too late to provide air support to the Ukrainian army”.
He tweeted this morning: “If NATO does not act now, Ukraine will be defeated in a matter of days.
“Therefore if we do not provide military support, more than 40 million Ukrainians will go from living in a democracy to living under a brutal dictatorship.
“It is far too late to get boots on the ground but it is not too late to provide air support to the Ukrainian army which may neutralize Putin’s overwhelming armoured superiority.”
Russian ambassador summoned
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has summoned the Russian ambassador to “explain Russia’s illegal, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine”.
She tweeted this morning: “I have summoned the Russian ambassador to meet me and explain Russia’s illegal, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
“We will be imposing severe sanctions and rallying countries in support of Ukraine.”
The Yorkshire Post says
Here’s our leader on the latest developments in Ukraine, and the world of football.
Boy killed after apartment building shelled in Ukraine's Kharkiv region
A boy was killed in eastern Ukraine’s Kharkiv region after shelling struck an apartment building, emergency services said on Thursday, according to Reuters
An adviser to Ukraine’s presidential office said more than 40 Ukrainian soldiers were dead and dozens wounded.
Prime Minister to address the nation at noon
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will address the nation at 12 noon following developments in Ukraine.
He has already tweeted this morning calling the actions a “catastrophe for our continent”.
Boris Johnson addresses the nation
In a televised address to the nation Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the “UK and the world cannot allow Ukraine’s freedom to be “snuffed out”.
He said: “A vast invasion is under way by land, by sea and by air. And this is not, in the infamous phrase, some faraway country of which we know little.
“We have Ukrainian friends in this country, neighbours, co-workers. Ukraine is a country that for decades has enjoyed freedom and democracy, and the right to choose its own destiny.
“We and the world cannot allow that freedom just to be snuffed out. We cannot and will not just look away.”
He also called for the “hideous and barbaric venture” of Russian President Vladimir Putin to “end in failure”.
“It’s because we’ve been so alarmed in recent months at Russian intimidation that the UK became one of the first countries in Europe to send defensive weaponry to help the Ukrainians,” he said.
“Other allies have now done the same and we will do what more we can in the days ahead.
“Today, in concert with our allies we will agree a massive package of economic sanctions designed in time to hobble the Russian economy.
“And to that end, we must also collectively cease the dependence on Russian oil and gas that for too long has given Putin his grip on Western politics.
“Our mission is clear. Diplomatically, politically, economically, and eventually, militarily, this hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure.”
Boris Johnson calls invasion ‘attack on democracy and freedom in eastern Europe’
In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson labelled events in Ukraine as “an attack on democracy and freedom in eastern Europe”.
Speaking from Downing Street, he said: “I say to the British people and all who have heard the threats from Putin against those who stand with Ukraine, we will of course do everything to keep our country safe.
“We are joined in our outrage by friends and allies around the world.
“We will work with them, for however long it takes, to ensure that the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine is restored.
“Because this act of wanton and reckless aggression is an attack not just on Ukraine.
“It is an attack on democracy and freedom in eastern Europe and around the world.
“This crisis is about the right of a free, sovereign independent European people to choose their own future and that is a right that the UK will always defend.”
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