Russia invasion: Boris Johnson and Joe Biden lead world leaders' fury at Vladimir Putin

Boris Johnson said Vladimir Putin has "chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction" as world leaders reacted with widespread condemnation to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Prime Minister said: "I am appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine and I have spoken to President Zelensky to discuss next steps.

"President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine.

"The UK and our allies will respond decisively."

Mr Johnson will chair a Cobra committee meeting at 7.30am to discuss the response to the "horrific attacks" in Ukraine, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

Joe Biden, the US President, denounced Russia's actions as an "unprovoked and unjustified attack", declaring "the world will hold Russia accountable".

Mr Biden said in a statement: "The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces.

"President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable."

Mr Biden said he would use a G7 meeting on Thursday morning to draw up "further consequences" for Russia's actions.

He said: "I will meet with my G7 counterparts in the morning and then speak to the American people to announce the further consequences the United States and our allies and partners will impose on Russia for this needless act of aggression against Ukraine and global peace and security.

"We will also coordinate with our Nato allies to ensure a strong, united response that deters any aggression against the alliance. Tonight, Jill and I are praying for the brave and proud people of Ukraine."

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said her thoughts were with the people of Ukraine "in these dark hours" and that Russia would be held accountable for its actions.

"We strongly condemn Russia's unjustified attack on Ukraine," she wrote.

"In these dark hours, our thoughts are with Ukraine and the innocent women, men and children as they face this unprovoked attack and fear for their lives."

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau said his country condemned the Russian attack "in the strongest possible terms" and called for the immediate cease of "all hostile and provocative actions against Ukraine".

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a direct, impassioned plea Wednesday to Vladimir Putin to stop - "in the name of humanity" - the Russian military assault on Ukraine.

Speaking after an emergency Security Council session, which coincided with the Russian president's announcement of military operations against Ukraine, a clearly emotional Guterres said it was "the saddest day" of his tenure as UN chief.

"President Putin, in the name of humanity, bring your troops back to Russia.

"In the name of humanity, do not allow to start in Europe what could be the worst war since the beginning of the century," he said.

"The conflict must stop now," he added.

South Korea said on Thursday that it will join an international move to sanction Russia if it goes ahead with a full-blown invasion of Ukraine.

"The (South Korean) government has no other option but to join sanctions against Russia, including export controls" if Russia goes ahead with a full-fledged war in any form despite repeated warnings from the international community, Yonhap news agency reported citing a senior foreign ministry official's statement.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace described Russia's actions as "naked aggression against a democratic country" and said no one had been fooled by the Kremlin's "false flags and fake narratives".