The invasion began after a televised speech in which the Russian president, among other things, warned outside parties to get involved in the conflict, as it would have "consequences that have never been seen before in history".

In practice, a nuclear threat.

The attack was carried out with ground troops, aircraft and helicopter attacks as well as cruise robots.

Heavy explosions have taken place in the capital Kiev as well as in several other Ukrainian cities.

The attacks have come from Belarus in the north, from Russia in the northwest, from Russian-backed Donetsk and Luhansk in the east and from the annexed Crimea in the south.

Civilians are urged to arm themselves

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, for his part, has introduced martial law and called on the country's military to "cause maximum damage" to Russian invading forces.

Ukrainian civilians are also being called upon to arm themselves.

In addition, all diplomatic ties with Russia have been broken.

In the capital Kiev, Mayor Vitali Klitschko has imposed a curfew starting from 22.00 on Thursday evening to 07:00 in the morning.

The figures are uncertain, but it is reported that hundreds of civilians were injured and around 10 civilians were killed in the Russian attacks.

Both sides have suffered military losses.

An adviser to Ukraine's president said during the day that 40 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed and many more injured.

At the same time, around 50 Russian soldiers are to be killed.

Ukraine also claims to have shot down both Russian attack helicopters and fighter jets.

According to Ukrainian police, more than 200 Russian attacks were recorded during the day.

These include attacks on airfields, naval bases and radar stations.

"Peace on our continent has been shattered"

Russia's actions have been condemned by leaders around the world.

At lunchtime on Thursday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg held a press conference on the occasion of the Russian invasion, which he called "intentional, cold-blooded and long-planned."

"Peace on our continent has been shattered," said Stoltenberg.

Shortly after 5 pm, Sweden's Foreign Minister Ann Linde (S) announced that all Swedish embassy staff were leaving the country.

Voices against the invasion have also been raised in Russia.

According to Reuters, hundreds of people have been arrested during anti-war demonstrations in 24 cities around the country.

Among other things, people were arrested in Pushkin Square in central Moscow, the Russian state-controlled international news agency RIA reported.