Ukraine war latest: Explosions in Kyiv as Ukrainian forces continue to face Russians, UK aircraft banned from Russian airspace in retaliation to sanctions plus all the updates

FIGHTING continues in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of the country.
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Explosions have been reported in the capital of Kyiv this morning.

Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Tom Tugendhat condemned Russia’s ‘vile act of war’ against Ukraine.

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EU foreign affairs policy chief Josep Borrell said the events in Ukraine mark ‘among the darkest (hours) for Europe since the end of World War Two’.

A woman walks through a near empty Independence Square on February 24, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Overnight, Russia began a large-scale attack on Ukraine, with explosions reported in multiple cities and far outside the restive eastern regions held by Russian-backed rebels. Picture: Chris McGrath/Getty ImagesA woman walks through a near empty Independence Square on February 24, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Overnight, Russia began a large-scale attack on Ukraine, with explosions reported in multiple cities and far outside the restive eastern regions held by Russian-backed rebels. Picture: Chris McGrath/Getty Images
A woman walks through a near empty Independence Square on February 24, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Overnight, Russia began a large-scale attack on Ukraine, with explosions reported in multiple cities and far outside the restive eastern regions held by Russian-backed rebels. Picture: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Britain’s ambassador to Ukraine urged UK nationals to leave Ukraine immediately.

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Ukraine crisis: Russia invades Ukraine with explosions heard across the country ...

Melinda Simmons wrote on Twitter: ‘We advise GB nationals to leave Ukraine immediately if you judge that it is safe to do so from your location. Please call +380 44 490 3660 if you need assistance.’

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: ‘Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine is unprovoked and unjustifiable. His actions will have horrendous and tragic consequences that will echo throughout the world and throughout history.’

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The UK Foreign Office has said people should not attempt to cross from Russia into Ukraine.

The official advice was updated on Thursday to say: ‘There are multiple reports of widespread military activity in Ukraine. You should not attempt to cross into Ukraine from Russia.’

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Ukraine Live: Latest updates as Russia begins invasion

Key Events

  • Russia has begun a ‘full-scale’ invasion of Ukraine
  • Explosions reported across the country
  • Brits told to ‘leave immediately’

F1 cancels Russian grand prix

British aircrafts banned from Russian airspace

Russia has retaliated against Britain over its sanctions, which were announced yesterday by the Prime Minister.

British aircrafts will be banned from flying in Russian airspace.

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UK ‘would provide sanctuary’ for Ukrainian government in exile'

These are the sanctions unveiled by PM

The Prime Minister extended punitive measures on Thursday to hit five further oligarchs, including the Russian President’s former son-in-law, and to tackle more than 100 businesses and individuals.

Aeroflot will imminently be banned from touching down planes in the UK, while there will be an asset freeze on all major Russian banks, including immediately against VTB.

Mr Johnson announced his second barrage of sanctions to tackle Moscow and its ally Belarus as the Kremlin hit Ukraine with a wide-ranging attack, targeting cities and bases with air strikes.

“Putin will stand condemned in the eyes of the world and of history. He will never be able to cleanse the blood of Ukraine from his hands,” the Prime Minister told the Commons.

“Although the UK and our allies tried every avenue for diplomacy until the final hour, I am driven to conclude that Putin was always determined to attack his neighbour, no matter what we did.

“Now we see him for what he is – a bloodstained aggressor who believes in imperial conquest.”

Mr Johnson added: “For our part, today the UK is announcing the largest and most severe package of economic sanctions that Russia has ever seen.”

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