Ukraine attack: EU preparing ‘massive package of sanctions’

European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen has warned that the European leaders would be presented with "a package of massive and targeted sanctions" for approval as Russian forces have entered Ukraine from north, south and east and there are reports of deaths at military bases.

“With this package, we will target strategic sectors of the Russian economy by blocking their access to key technologies and markets. We will weaken Russia's economic base and its capacity to modernize,” she says, reports BBC.

“In addition, we will freeze Russian assets in the EU and stop the access of Russian banks to the European financial market. Like with the first package of sanctions, we are closely aligned with partners and allies. These sanctions are designed to take a heavy toll on the Kremlin's interests and on their ability to finance the war.”

Besides, Russian forces have launched a major military assault on Ukraine, with reports of missile strikes and explosions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow's response will be “instant” if anyone tries to take on Russia.

Putin has urged the Ukrainian soldiers in eastern Ukraine to lay down weapons and return to their homes.

Meanwhile, the Ukraine’s foreign minister accuses Russia of starting a full-scale war, and urges the UN "to do everything possible" to stop it.