Russin President Vladimir Putin has told world leaders they "will face the great consequences greater than any in history" if they try to interfere with his invasion of Ukraine.

As of the early hours of 24 February, Ukraine is under attack. While the Russian president claims that his forces are protecting Ukraine from the Western forces, Ukraine's foreign minister, Dmytro Kubela, called it a "war of aggression."

Putin insists that his "peacekeeping" are present in the east of Ukraine in separatist areas. The Russian president also said, in the early morning hours, that he is open to a diplomatic solution.

He called for the Ukrainian military to lay down their weapons, adding:

"A hostile anti-Russia is being created on our historic lands."

"We have taken the decision to conduct a special military operation... we do not intend to occupy Ukraine."

Putin further cited the need for the "demilitarisation and denazification" of Ukraine and warned all outside forces:

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

According to BBC, the attacks are coming from all across Ukraine. Explosions have been heard in Kharkiv, Kramatorsk, and Mariupol, and the Ukrainian side already reported hundreds of casualties.

From the United States, President Joe Biden called the military operation "unprovoked and unjustified attack."

In a written statement, Biden wrote:

"President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering."

"The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called Russia's attack "unprovoked," adding that Putin chose "a path of bloodshed and destruction."

Johnson added that the UK would "respond decisively" and called for an emergency Cobra meeting.