Russia ‘chooses war’ with Ukraine, launches military invasion

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has condemned the “outrageous, brutal and unprovoked” invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Vladimir Putin ordered a “special military operation” in Ukraine’s Donbas region on Thursday, Australian time.

“Russia has chosen war,” Scott Morrison said.

Putin 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.

“Our thoughts are very much with those in Ukraine,” Scott Morrison said.

“This is a chilling reminder of the world we live in.”

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US President Joe Biden says Putin has “chosen a premeditated war that will bring catastrophic loss of life and human suffering”.

“The world will hold Russia accountable,” he said in a statement.

The ‘bizarre’ on the ground reaction to escalating conflict in Ukraine

Image: Getty/ WPA Pool