RUSSIA CONDEMNED AFTER PUTIN PUSHES TEN THOUSAND TROOPS INTO UKRAINE IN 'PEACE KEEPING' MISSION

The invasion of Ukraine has begun according to Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

The UK has promised a barrage of sanctions against Russia after President Putin broke international law by ordering tanks to roll in to break away regions of the Ukraine on what he calls a 'Peace Keeping' mission. The orders came just hours after the Kremlin formally recognised some Ukrainian held areas as independent regions.

It is estimated that at least ten thousand troops have crossed the border, sparking fears of a full scale invasion and land grab to follow.

As Russian troops marched in, fighting across the region escalated with a power station taking direct hits from shells and casualties mounting.

American President, Joe Biden's response has been muted with only limited sanctions banning Americans from doing business there, but it is expected more measures will follow.

Speaking before signing his order, Vladimir Putin argued that Ukraine has no right to statehood, that it was 'created by Lenin', is a corrupt US and NATO vassal, and has been directly threatening Russia's security. He also accused the West of trying to 'destroy' Russia.

The move by the Kremlin has been overwhelming condemned with even close ally China urging a diplomatic and peaceful solution to the crisis.

German has responded by pulling the plug on the NordStream 2 gas pipeline in retaliation for Russia's invasion of the Ukraine and the UK Government has vowed to target Putin-linked oligarchs with its own first wave of sanctions hammered out at a Cobra meeting this morning.