Retired Major General Jim Molan is issuing Australians with a sobering message.

Russian forces have launched a military bombardment, firing missiles and rockets from the sea and air.

The United States and the UK have announced a raft of new sanctions in response.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Moscow’s response will be “instant” if other countries interfere.

Russia has seized control of the old nuclear power plant at Chernobyl, a hydro-electric power plant and an airfield near Kyiv.

Retired Major General Jim Molan told Ben Fordham “this is frightening”.

“My message to Australia is: Be ready and be strong because the world is a nasty and brutal place.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

Image: Getty/Chris McGrath