New Zealand's Foreign Minister has strongly condemned Russia as the former Soviet Union announced a "special military operation" into Ukraine.
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised the military operation in eastern Ukraine in what appears to be the start of war in Europe over Russia's demands for an end to NATO's eastward expansion.
Shortly after Putin spoke in a special televised address on Russian state TV, explosions could be heard in the pre-dawn quiet of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. Gunfire rattled near the capital's main airport, the Interfax news agency said.
Explosions also rocked the breakaway eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk and civilian aircraft were warned away as the United States said a major attack by Russia on its neighbour was imminent.
Putin said he had authorised a special military operation in breakaway areas of eastern Ukraine and clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces were only a matter of time.
Hours prior, pro-Russian separatists issued a plea to Moscow for help to stop alleged Ukrainian aggression - claims the United States dismissed as Russian propaganda.
Putin said he had ordered Russian forces to protect the people and demanded Ukrainian forces lay down their arms.
"All responsibility for bloodshed will be on the conscience of the ruling regime in Ukraine," Putin says.
He repeated his position that NATO expansion to include Ukraine was unacceptable and says Russia has been left with no choice but to defend itself against what he says are threats emanating from Ukraine.
Initial reports of casualties were sporadic and unconfirmed. Ukraine reported at least eight people killed by Russian shelling and three border guards killed in the southern Kherson region.
Ukraine's UN ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya says Russia's UN envoy has confirmed that his president declared "a war on my country", reports Reuters news agency. The Ukrainian interior ministry told CNN: "The invasion has begun."
In a statement, New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said Aotearoa "unequivocally condemns this unprovoked and unjustified attack" and stands with the people of Ukraine.
"Russia's actions are a flagrant breach of fundamental international rules; the use of force to change borders is strictly prohibited under international law.
"We join the international community in calling on Russia to cease military operations in Ukraine, and immediately and permanently withdraw, to ensure all possible steps are taken to protect civilians in line with international humanitarian law, and return to diplomatic negotiations to de-escalate this conflict."
A statement later from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Mahuta announced a number of measures, including a travel ban on Russian Government officials associated with invasion.
Here's how today's events unfolded. We will be back in the morning to bring you the latest live news.
- Reuters