Wladimir And Vitali Klitschko Issue Appeal After Ukraine Invaded By Russia

Boxing legends Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko have released a video calling for all international partners to be united after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Take a look here:

With his brother, the Mayor of Kyiv, beside him, Wladimir said: "I’m calling to all international partners to observe this tragedy that is happening nowadays in Ukraine and this senseless war which is not going to have any winners or losers.

"I just want to tell you we must stay united against this aggression, this Russian aggression. 

"Don’t let it continue happening in Ukraine, don’t let it happen in Europe and eventually in the world."

"United we’re strong. Support Ukraine, thank you," he concluded.

Boris Johnson has said that the UK 'cannot and will not' look away as Russia invades Ukraine.

The Prime Minister addressed the nation earlier today following Russia's invasion in the early hours of this morning (24 February).

He said: "Today in concert with our allies we will agree a massive package of economic sanctions designed in time to hobble the Russian economy."

The PM described the invasion of Ukraine as the 'hideous and barbaric venture of Putin', who - he said - has brought a 'tidal wave of violence' to the country.

Addressing the Ukrainian people, Johnson added: "We’re with you, we’re praying for you and your families.

"I don’t believe the Russian dictator will subdue the national feeling of Ukrainians".

He also said: "It’s an attack on democracy throughout the world.

"This is about the right of a country to choose their own future and that is a right the UK will always defend."

Johnson also said he had spoken with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to offer the 'continued support of the UK'.

On the UK, he said: "We will of course do everything to keep our country safe."

Johnson chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Office Briefing Room first thing this morning at which the course of action was decided.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in the early hours of this morning that Russia would commence a ‘military operation’ in Ukraine to ‘protect people who for eight years have been suffering persecution and genocide by the Kyiv regime’.

"Our plans do not include occupying Ukrainian territory."

His US counterpart, President Joe Biden, has also strongly condemned Russia’s actions, making a statement that promised ‘the world will hold Russia accountable’ for their actions.

The President of the United States tweeted: “I am appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine and I have spoken to President Zelenskyy to discuss next steps.

“President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine.

“The UK and our allies will respond decisively.”