In the wake of UK government warning of "unprecedented" new sanctions on Russia, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is preparing to make a televised statement on Ukraine Crisis, Downing Street said on Thursday.

Johnson summoned his security chiefs for an early morning meeting as Russia invaded Ukraine. The invasion was termed "unprovoked" and "horrific. Johnson will address the parliament in the afternoon.

"This is a catastrophe for our continent," the UK leader said on Twitter, confirming he would speak to fellow G7 leaders at an unspecified time as the West collectively readies tougher sanctions.

"I am calling for an urgent meeting of all NATO leaders as soon as possible," he added, hours after saying Russian President Vladimir Putin had "chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack".

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This is a catastrophe for our continent. 
 
I will make an address to the nation this morning on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 
 
I will also speak to fellow G7 leaders and I am calling for an urgent meeting of all NATO leaders as soon as possible.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1496784638584360961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Johnson spoke to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky overnight and vowed "the West would not stand by as President Putin waged his campaign against the Ukrainian people", Downing Street said.

He chaired the emergency meeting -- dubbed COBR -- to coordinate Britain's response at 7:30 am (0730 GMT). As well as addressing the nation late morning, he will speak in parliament at 5:00 pm (1700 GMT).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-russian-occupiers-killed-we-have-losses-says-ukraine-as-casualties-rise-455989">'50 Russian occupiers killed': We have losses, says Ukraine as casualties rise</a>

Putin early Thursday launched an air and ground assault on Ukraine after a surprise televised address.

'Stand with Ukraine'

UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who spoke to her US counterpart Antony Blinken Wednesday evening ahead of the Russian leader's announcement, joined Johnson in condemning the attack "on the people of Ukraine".

"We stand with Ukraine and we will work with our international partners to respond to this terrible act of aggression," she said following the start of Russia's offensive.

Her foreign ministry colleague, lawmaker James Cleverly, told the BBC that the government feared it is "the start of a quite extensive military operation".

(With inputs from agencies)

In the wake of UK government warning of "unprecedented" new sanctions on Russia, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is preparing to make a televised statement on Ukraine Crisis, Downing Street said on Thursday.

In the wake of UK government warning of "unprecedented" new sanctions on Russia, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is preparing to make a televised statement on Ukraine Crisis, Downing Street said on Thursday. Johnson summoned his security chiefs for an early morning meeting as Russia invaded Ukraine. The invasion was termed "unprovoked" and "horrific. Johnson will address the parliament in the afternoon. "This is a catastrophe for our continent," the UK leader said on Twitter, confirming he would speak to fellow G7 leaders at an unspecified time as the West collectively readies tougher sanctions. "I am calling for an urgent meeting of all NATO leaders as soon as possible," he added, hours after saying Russian President Vladimir Putin had "chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack". This is a catastrophe for our continent. I will make an address to the nation this morning on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. I will also speak to fellow G7 leaders and I am calling for an urgent meeting of all NATO leaders as soon as possible. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 24, 2022 × Johnson spoke to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky overnight and vowed "the West would not stand by as President Putin waged his campaign against the Ukrainian people", Downing Street said. He chaired the emergency meeting -- dubbed COBR -- to coordinate Britain's response at 7:30 am (0730 GMT). As well as addressing the nation late morning, he will speak in parliament at 5:00 pm (1700 GMT). Also Read | '50 Russian occupiers killed': We have losses, says Ukraine as casualties rise Putin early Thursday launched an air and ground assault on Ukraine after a surprise televised address. 'Stand with Ukraine' UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who spoke to her US counterpart Antony Blinken Wednesday evening ahead of the Russian leader's announcement, joined Johnson in condemning the attack "on the people of Ukraine". "We stand with Ukraine and we will work with our international partners to respond to this terrible act of aggression," she said following the start of Russia's offensive. Her foreign ministry colleague, lawmaker James Cleverly, told the BBC that the government feared it is "the start of a quite extensive military operation". (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis: UK PM Boris Johnson to make televised address, to brief parliament

Ukraine woke up to sounds of explosions after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered military operations in Ukraine. Ukraine now claims to have downed five Russian planes & killed 50 occupiers amid the Russian invasion.

Ukraine claims to have downed five Russian planes & killed 50 occupiers amid the Russian invasion

Ukraine slams Russia over military operations

As the world watches the Russian invasion of Ukraine, its envoy in India addressed the media about the situation back in his home country.

Ukraine's envoy to India addresses the media about ongoing Russian invasion

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is trying to negotiate for 30 years now as he slams the NATO alliance and announced military operations in Ukraine. Putin also called on the Ukraine military to 'lay down arms'. Ukraine now claims to have destroyed five Russian planes amid war.

Ukraine claims: Downed five Russian planes, Moscow denies

According to the sources, India is closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation in Ukraine, as the situation continues to escalate near the Ukrainian border after Russia launched its military operations in the Donbas region.

Russia Ukraine Conflict: India closely monitoring situation in Ukraine amid Russian invasion

Ukraine-Russia conflict: First pictures from ground zero

Ukraine urges UN 'to do everything possible to stop the war' at the second emergency Security Council session. WION's Trent Murray brings you more insights.

Russia Ukraine Conflict: Ukraine urges UN to do everything to stop war

The situation in Ukraine has intensified exponentially. Russian President Vladimir Putin has called military operations in Ukraine. Reportedly, loud sound of explosions was heard near Kyiv. Explosions were also reported in the cities of Kharkiv, Mariupol, Mykolaiv and Odessa.

Russia Ukraine Conflict: Series of explosions reported in Ukraine's capital Kyiv, other cities

As tension escalates between Russia and Ukraine, celebrities from around the world have started reacting to the escalating crisis in eastern Europe. This after Russia announced a “full-scale invasion” into Ukraine.&nbsp;

In the morning, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” in the east of the country. Explosions were shortly reported after his speech in the outskirts of Kharkiv, Kramatorsk and Mariupol, as well as the capital Kiev.

The crisis has led to celebrities reacting on the same including Stephen King, Piers Morgan and Cardi B.

Stephen King wrote, “What most of us learned as kids on the playground: You don’t stand by while a big kid beats up a little kid. You might take a punch or two making the big kid stop, but that’s the right thing to do.”

Earlier, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cardi-b-weighs-in-on-russia-ukraine-crisis-not-on-nato-or-russian-side-455756">Cardi B</a> said, "Wish these world leaders [would] stop tripping about power and really think about who's really getting affected (citizens) besides the whole world is in a crisis. War, sanctions, invasions should be the last thing these leaders should worry about.”

Former Good Morning Britain presenter Morgan wrote, “This is an act of war by a bully-boy thug who doesn’t think the rest of the world has the guts or will to stop him... Shameful.”

Annie Lennox wrote, “What kind of ‘price’ must ordinary people pay for the nightmarish madness and brutality of ‘invasion’ and ‘warfare’? Or is this just an elaborate hoax? A scare tactic? A threat? Apologies for this dark reflection, but I’ve had the privilege of living in a ‘peaceful’ context since I was born - a decade after the end of WW2 – 67 years in total. I don’t take this for granted in any way and therefore find the notion of ‘war’ to be unacceptable repugnant barbarism.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-simpsons-had-predicted-the-russia-ukraine-crisis-way-back-in-1998heres-proof-455716" hreflang="en">The Simpsons had predicted the Russia-Ukraine crisis way back in 1998.Here's proof</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2022-major-awards-to-not-go-live-like-before-find-out-details-inside-455580" hreflang="en">Oscars 2022: Major awards to not go live like before? Find out details inside</a>

As tension escalates between Russia and Ukraine, celebrities from around the world have started reacting to the escalating crisis in eastern Europe. This after Russia announced a “full-scale invasion” into Ukraine.

As tension escalates between Russia and Ukraine, celebrities from around the world have started reacting to the escalating crisis in eastern Europe. This after Russia announced a “full-scale invasion” into Ukraine. In the morning, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” in the east of the country. Explosions were shortly reported after his speech in the outskirts of Kharkiv, Kramatorsk and Mariupol, as well as the capital Kiev. The crisis has led to celebrities reacting on the same including Stephen King, Piers Morgan and Cardi B. Stephen King wrote, “What most of us learned as kids on the playground: You don’t stand by while a big kid beats up a little kid. You might take a punch or two making the big kid stop, but that’s the right thing to do.” Earlier, Cardi B said, "Wish these world leaders [would] stop tripping about power and really think about who's really getting affected (citizens) besides the whole world is in a crisis. War, sanctions, invasions should be the last thing these leaders should worry about.” Former Good Morning Britain presenter Morgan wrote, “This is an act of war by a bully-boy thug who doesn’t think the rest of the world has the guts or will to stop him... Shameful.” Annie Lennox wrote, “What kind of ‘price’ must ordinary people pay for the nightmarish madness and brutality of ‘invasion’ and ‘warfare’? Or is this just an elaborate hoax? A scare tactic? A threat? Apologies for this dark reflection, but I’ve had the privilege of living in a ‘peaceful’ context since I was born - a decade after the end of WW2 – 67 years in total. I don’t take this for granted in any way and therefore find the notion of ‘war’ to be unacceptable repugnant barbarism.” The Simpsons had predicted the Russia-Ukraine crisis way back in 1998.Here's proof Oscars 2022: Major awards to not go live like before? Find out details inside

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Stephen King, Piers Morgan & other celebs react

As Russia announces military action into Ukraine, the country today shut its airspace for all civilian flights. Russia has also closed some airspace to east of Ukraine border.

Russia Ukraine conflict: Ukraine closes its airspace to civilian planes

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is trying to negotiate for 30 years now as he slams the NATO alliance and announced military operations in Ukraine. Putin also called on the Ukraine military to 'lay down arms'. Now, European Union President spoke on the Ukraine-Russia war and said that it is the 'Darkest hour for Europe since WWII'.

European Commission speaks on the Ukraine crisis: 'Darkest hour for Europe since WWII'

According to sources, India is constantly monitoring the situation in Ukraine amid the Russian invasion. India will also hold several high-level meetings over the crisis.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: India holds high-level meetings and monitoring the situation

European Union leaders will impose new sanctions on Russia, freezing its assets, halting access of its banks to the European financial market in reaction to its "barbaric attack" on Ukraine.

Russia Ukraine conflict: EU to launch new sanctions against Russia over attack on Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is trying to negotiate for 30 years now as he slams the NATO alliance and announced military operations in Ukraine. US President Joe Biden condemned the 'unprovoked attack by Russia' on Ukraine. In the latest, the US to table a resolution in UNSC condemning Moscow.

US to table a resolution in UNSC condemning Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is trying to negotiate for 30 years now as he slams the NATO alliance and announced military operations in Ukraine. Putin also called on the Ukraine military to 'lay down arms'. As per reports 1 dead, 1 wounded near Kyiv.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: One dead, one wounded near Kyiv

WION speaks to an Indian student living in Ukraine amid the Russian invasion

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is trying to negotiate for 30 years now as he slams the NATO alliance and announced military operations in Ukraine. Putin also called on the Ukraine military to 'lay down arms'.

Kuleba: Russia 'launched a full-scale invasion' of Ukraine

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. There is a war-like situation in eastern Europe after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the launch of a military operation against Ukraine on Thursday (February 24). In the aftermath, Ukrainian authorities closed the airspace to civilian flights citing a high risk to safety. Europe's aviation regulator also warned against the dangers to aircraft flying in bordering areas of Russia and Belarus, because of the increased military activities. Ukraine State Air Traffic Services Enterprise said the country's airspace was closed to civilian flights starting from 0045 GMT on Thursday, with air traffic services suspended. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said airspace in Russia and Belarus within 100 nautical miles of their borders with Ukraine could also pose safety risks. The agency said in a conflict zone bulletin, "In particular, there is a risk of both intentional targeting and misidentification of civil aircraft." It added, "The presence and possible use of a wide range of ground and airborne warfare systems poses a high risk for civil flights operating at all altitudes and flight levels." Before the suspension was announced, Britain, Canada, France, Italy and the United States had told their airlines to avoid certain airspace above eastern Ukraine and Crimea. Air India's special flight returned mid-air A special Air India flight returning from mid-air as Ukraine airspace is closed due to notice to airmen (NOTAM) as war has been started between Russia and Ukraine. India-based news agency ANI reported citing sources that an empty flight of Air India AI-1947 is returning from over Iran air space as Ukraine imposed restrictions on civilian aircraft. "Air India flight AI1947 is coming back to Delhi due to NOTAM at, Kyiv, Ukraine," Air India informed. Notice to airmen (NOTAM), is a notice filed with an aviation authority to alert aircraft pilots of potential hazards along a flight route or at a location that could affect the flight. Air India is scheduled to operate a second special flight for Ukraine to bring back stranded Indian citizens. WATCH: Russia Ukraine conflict: Ukraine urges UN to do everything to stop war ×

Ukraine closes airspace to civilian flights, Air India's special flight returns mid-air

US President Joe Biden slammed Russia over its unprovoked attack on Ukraine late and said that the world will hold Russia accountable. WION speaks to International Affairs Expert Kadira Pethiyagoda for more perspective.

Russia Ukraine conflict: World will hold Russia accountable for attack on Ukraine, says US Prez Joe Biden

Australian PM Scott Morrison briefed the media on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. He said that Australia reiterates its support for Ukraine.

WATCH: Australian PM Morrison says, 'Russia has chosen war, we reiterate our support for Ukraine'

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is trying to negotiate for 30 years now as he slams the NATO alliance and announces military operations in Ukraine. The latest reports suggest that explosions were heard across Ukraine after Putin's announcement. Russia said that the action is to disable Ukrainian military infrastructure.

Russia: Military infrastructure being disabled in Ukraine,  no threat to Ukrainian civilians

As tensions mount over the Ukraine crisis and Russia's latest provocations, new Russian troop activity was reported on the border. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Minsk agreement does not exist.

Russian President Vladimir Putin: Best if Ukraine adopts neutrality and drops NATO bid

Russia sets diplomatic ties with rebel regions in Ukraine & approves use of forces abroad

Here is a quick summary of the responses of world leaders so far on Russia's move in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sends troops in eastern Ukraine, this is how the world reacted

The United States has called off high-level meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin following Moscow’s recognition of Ukraine’s two rebel regions. WION's correspondent Susan Tehrani brings in more on this.

US cancels scheduled diplomatic meets with Russia

Preparing for a potential all-out Russian offensive amid rising threats, Ukraine's security council today approved plans to declare a state of national emergency throughout the country.

Ukraine's security council approves plans for emergency

As tensions mount over the Ukraine crisis and Russia's latest provocations, new Russian troop activity was reported on the border. A Power plant unit also caught fire due to continous shelling in Ukraine's frontline towns.

Ukraine: Zelensky rules out general mobilisation

The western nations have started imposing sanctions. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cancelled his meeting with Russia's Lavrov. In the latest, US President Joe Biden imposed new sanctions on Russia.

US: Sanctioned banks key to Russia's defence sector amid Ukraine crisis

NATO Chief said that troops are on higher readiness as tensions mount over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. NATO also called the present situation a 'dangerous moment'.

NATO says troops on higher readiness as tensions mount over the Russian invasion of Ukraine

The US says Russia has begun invasion as it imposes new sanctions on Moscow amid Ukraine crisis

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