Footage Shows Russian Tanks At The Chernobyl Nuclear Plant

During a televised statement, he said the aim was the 'demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine'.

Since the invasion was launched, footage has emerged of Ukrainian citizens huddling together in subway stations to the missiles raining down on the country.

It was also reported earlier this afternoon that Russian troops had seized control of the former power plant in the north of the country.

Chernobyl was the site of one of the worst nuclear disasters in human history.

In 1986, one of its reactors malfunctioned, resulting in an explosion and fire which released huge amounts of radioactive material into the atmosphere. Thirty-one people died as an immediate result of the disaster.

It is now entombed in a huge structure referred to as a sarcophagus while work goes on to dismantle it.

Those inside, presumably working at the plant, have shared videos to Twitter, which show Russian tanks and vehicles parked outside.

Following news of the takeover, Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the presidential office, said: "It is impossible to say the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe after a totally pointless attack by the Russians."

He said: "Russian occupation forces are trying to seize the [Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant].

"Our defenders are giving their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 will not be repeated. Reported this to [Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson].

"This is a declaration of war against the whole of Europe."

Putin announced the military invasion in the early hours of the morning, UK time.

In the statement, he warned foreign countries to not get involved.

He said: "To anyone who would consider interfering from outside: If you do, you will face consequences greater than any you have faced in history. All the relevant decisions have been taken. I hope you hear me.

"Russia cannot feel safe, develop, and exist with a constant threat emanating from the territory of modern Ukraine.

"All responsibility for bloodshed will be on the conscience of the ruling regime in Ukraine."