British nationals in Ukraine have been warned of the ‘real risk to life’ as the Foreign Office urged them to flee the country following the Russian invasion earlier this morning.
Russian tanks have been filmed entering the border of the neighbouring country, while shelling has been heard in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Thursday.
The move came after President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia will conduct a 'military operation' in eastern Ukraine during the early hours.
All British nationals have been advised to leave the country when it is safe to do so.
Those unable to flee should stay at home and continue following developments as they happen.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: “We advise British national to leave Ukraine immediately if you judge it is safe to do so.
“If you cannot leave safely, you should stay indoors away from windows, and remain alert to developments that would allow you to leave safely.”
The UK Government body adds that it is likely that commercial routes out of Ukraine are expected to be severely disrupted.
Pictures from Kyiv this morning have shown hundreds of cars pile onto major routes in an attempt to flee the capital.
Ukraine’s airspace has also been closed to civilian flights following the Russian invasion.
Scots that decide to remain in Ukraine should register their presence in the country on the Foreign Office website here.
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine spilled over during the early hours of this morning as Russian President Putin said that his troops would ‘demilitarise and de-Nazify’ its neighbouring country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy declared martial law in Ukraine shortly after Putin’s announcement.
The first missiles were reported to have fallen on military bases across Ukraine at around 5am local time.
Huge explosions have since been heard ringing out in the capital of Kyiv and the eastern city of Kharkiv.
A number of people have reportedly died following President Putin’s declaration of war on Ukraine.
Nicola Sturgeon has branded the actions of Russia as “appalling” and “horrific”.
The First Minister tweeted this morning: “Overnight developments in Ukraine - however anticipated - are appalling and horrific.
“The Kremlin must face the severest consequences for this unprovoked aggression. And the world must stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”
Boris Johnson has also condemned Russia for unleashing a “tidal wave of violence” against Ukraine.
In an address to the nation, the Prime Minister added: “Innumerable missiles and bombs have been raining down on an entirely innocent population. A vast invasion is under way, by land, by sea and by air.”
“Our mission is clear. Diplomatically, politically, economically and eventually militarily this hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure."
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