Russia has launched military operations in Ukraine targeting major cities.
In an attack that began at about 4am local time, there were bombings at government establishment including airport in the capital of Kyiv.
US President Joe Biden condemned the attacks, describing them as unprovoked.
He said Putin has chosen a “premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering”.
He said the US and its allies — members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) — will deliver a decisive response.
“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,” Biden said.
Putin had ordered troops into separatist-held parts of eastern Ukraine in what he called a “peacekeeping” mission.
The order came just hours after he signed decrees recognising the independence of the Moscow-backed regions.
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