By BBC
Russian forces invaded Ukraine by land, air and sea confirming the worst fears of the West with the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War Two. Russian missiles rained down on Ukrainian cities. Ukraine reported columns of troops pouring across its borders and landing by sea at the port. Explosions could be heard before dawn in the capital city.
 
Ukraine's President said Russian leader Vladimir Putin's aim was to destroy his state. Russia has long resisted Ukraine's move towards both NATO and the European Union. Putin has claimed Ukraine is a puppet of the West. European Union foreign affairs chief said the incident was among the darkest hours of Europe since the Second World War. U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the attack on Ukraine saying his prayers were with the people of Ukraine as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack. The details of the assault and the number of casualties are not yet clear.