Putin announces ’operation’
Russian President Vladimir Putin appears on television to announce the attack on Ukraine shortly before 6am (0300 GMT).
He says the military operation is to defend separatists in the east from “genocide” and warns the West of “horrible consequences” if it interferes.
'Full-scale invasion'
As airstrikes and artillery pummel the country, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accuses Putin of launching a “full-scale invasion”.
Russians close in on Kyiv
Russian ground forces cross into Ukraine from several directions. They break through into the region north of Kyiv, attacking Ukrainian positions with Grad missiles.
Battle for airbase
An airbase on the northern outskirts of Kyiv falls to the Russians after dozens of attack helicopters take part in the assault.
Fighting at Chernobyl
Ukraine says its troops are fighting to keep control of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which melted down with catastrophic consequences in 1986.
Massive casualty numbers
With dozens dead, including many civilians, the Red Cross says it fears “massive casualty numbers”.
Airbases, defences ’destroyed’
Russia says its military has destroyed more than 70 military targets, including 11 airfields in Ukraine.
Territorial gains
The Russian army says Moscow-backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine are advancing and gaining territory.
Crime against humanity
The Polish chairman of the Organization for Security and Co-operation Europe, which includes Russia, accuses Moscow of a “crime against humanity” in invading Ukraine.
’Decapitate’ Ukraine
The Russians intend to decapitate the Ukraine’s government and install a new leadership allied to Moscow, a senior US defence official claims.
China ’understands’
Beijing tells Russia’s foreign minister it understands Moscow’s “reasonable concerns on security issues” in Ukraine.
Martial law
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky declares martial law as a curfew is declared in Kyiv.
’Maximum losses’
The head of the Ukrainian military says Zelensky has ordered him to repel the Russian invasion and to “inflict maximum losses”.
Polish refugee centres
Poland is opening nine reception centres along its border with Ukraine to prepare for an influx of refugees.
Belarus ’not taking part’
Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko says his military is not taking part in the invasion, but France condemns him for allowing his country to be the launchpad of the attack on Ukraine.
’Ban Russia from banking system’
Ukraine calls on Russian banks to be excluded from the international SWIFT financial transfer network, as the West considers how to ramp up sanctions on Moscow.
Moscow arrests anti-war protesters
Dozens of Russian anti-war protesters are arrested in Moscow and St Petersburg despite a warning that they would be prosecuted if they took to the streets.
Olympics blast Russia
The International Olympic Committee harshly criticise Russia for violating the “Olympic Truce” for the Beijing Games.
Lithuania emergency
EU and Nato member Lithuania -- the nearest of the Baltic states to Ukraine -- says it will impose a state of emergency after the Russian attack.
Oil prices soar
Oil prices soar past $105 for the first time in more than seven years after Putin announces the invasion.
Record wheat prices
European wheat prices also hit a record high with Ukraine one of the world’s biggest grain producers.
European stocks slump
European stocks slump after similar falls in Asia, with the London market falling three percent.
AFP