A German government spokesman said Chancellor Olaf Scholz had spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and assured him of solidarity.

"We have a land war in Europe that we thought was only to find in history books. It is a flagrant breach of international law," economy minister Robert Habeck added in a statement.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was "appalled" by the "unprovoked attack" and Britain would "respond decisively".

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said the action was "unjustified and unjustifiable".

"We are working with European and Nato allies to respond immediately, with unity and determination."

Meanwhile, Polish government spokesman Piotr Muller said it was "time to reinforce Nato's eastern flank", adding: "We expect such decisions to be taken".

Boris Johnson is about to chair an emergency government Cobra meeting, Downing Street says, before making a statement to the House of Commons later today.

The committee will meet at 07:30 GMT to discuss the UK's response to the "horrific attacks". The PM is also expected to join a call with G7 leaders.

Johnson has already said Vladimir Putin has "chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction" with his attack on Ukraine and that the UK and its allies would respond "decisively".

BBC