• Moments before the invasion began, President Putin went on TV declaring that Russia could not feel "safe, develop and exist" because of what he called a constant threat from modern Ukraine.

• Many of his arguments were false or irrational, as he claimed his goal was to protect people subjected to bullying and genocide and aim for the "demilitarisation and denazification" of Ukraine. There has been no genocide in Ukraine and it is a vibrant democracy led by a president who is Jewish.

• Dozens have died already in what Germany has dubbed "Putin's war", both civilians and soldiers. And for Europe's leaders this invasion has brought some of the darkest hours since World War Two.

• the invasion has knock-on effects for many other countries bordering both Russia and Ukraine. Latvia, Poland and Moldova say they are preparing for an influx of refugees. Moldova and Lithuania have declared a state of emergency.

• the West has focused on measures against Russia's finance and some individuals. Immediately after Mr. Putin tore up the 2015 Minsk peace deal with Ukraine, a raft of sanctions were imposed with further measures held back in the hope that Russia would not attack:

• Germany halted approval on Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, a major investment by both Russia and European companies

• The EU agreed broad sanctions that include all 351 MPs who voted for Russia's "illegal decision" to recognize the rebel-held regions as independent states

• The US said it was cutting off Russia's government from Western financial institutions and targeting high-ranking "elites"

• The UK targeted five major Russian banks and three billionaires

(Source: BBC)

Maps: Tracking the Attacks on Ukraine