A war has broken out in eastern Europe under new orders by the Russian President. 

Vladimir Putin has ordered a military operation in Donbas, which he argues is to “demilitarise” the state.

He has reportedly told Ukrainian troops they should give up their weapons and “go home”.

It comes after the Ukraine President vowed his country would “fight back” against a Russian invasion.

#Kharkiv.. pic.twitter.com/GvrCz79Alx

— Yaser Emre (@yasiremres) February 24, 2022

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia calls the Russian government to withdraw troops from Ukraine and pursue a peaceful solution.

The second round of sanctions is now underway as of midnight this evening.

Ukraine has declared martial law following reports of explosions across several cities and Russian troops crossing the border into Ukrainian territory.

A number of airports in Russia’s south have restricted their operations in light of the latest developments in Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden has said in a statement “The world will hold Russia accountable.”

He has foreshadowed “further consequences” for Russia to come tomorrow.

Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations Chair Stefan Romaniw told Deborah Knight “it’s a real sad day”.

“It’s up to the international community now to stand up.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview 

Nine News Correspondent Carrie-Anne Greenbank who in Kyiv now told Deborah Knight, “There have been distant explosions here.”

“Air space in Ukraine has been closed.”

She told Deborah that there are unconfirmed reports that Russian airborne forces are trying to take control of Kyiv airport.

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

Carrie-Anne Greenback has told Jim Wilson she is hearing sirens in Kyiv.

The sirens were going on in the background as Carrie Anne was talking.

“We’ve also heard the bells be told.”

Carrie said there are unconfirmed reports that troops are heading across the border.

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Image: Getty/ WPA Pool