There have been shelling attacks, explosions and gunfire in Kyiv as Ukrainian forces battle Russian invaders on three sides. 

Moscow launched an assault by land, sea and air, making it the biggest attack on a European state since World War II.

The US has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions will “cost his country dearly”.

President Joe Biden has unveiled a fresh round of sanctions in response, targeting Russian banks and Oligarchs.

Meanwhile, Australia has imposed travel bans on more than 30 Russian individuals and is expected to extend to every member of parliament.

More Russian companies and banks will also be prevented from doing business in Australia.

At this stage, both the US and Australia have ruled out sending troops to support Ukraine in the conflict.

Anti-war protests have broken out across Russia with large crowds gathering near the Kremlin.

Press PLAY below to hear Neil Breen’s explainer in full 

Federal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham told Scott Emerson Australia has extended the sanctions against Russia.

“This is now targeting a sweeping range of individuals, financial institutions and businesses.”

He said it was a test to see how the world responds.

“Ukraine is not a member of NATO, and that’s why NATO has not sent troops into the Ukraine in relation to Russia’s invasion.”

Press PLAY below to hear his explanation of the new sanctions, and his message to China

Carrie-Anne Greenbank told Neil Breen Russia is targeting military infrastructure.

“It has just said it’s destroyed 11 airfields in Ukraine; that’s something the Ukrainian government has not confirmed,” she said.

“One thing the Ukrainian Prime Minister has just confirmed is that Russia has taken control of the Chernobyl Power Plant, of all things.”

Press PLAY below to hear Carrie-Anne Greenbank’s report from the ground 

Professor in Ukrainian Studies Marko Pavlyshyn told Neil Breen Russia claims to feel threatened by the possible expansion of NATO.

“The entire NATO threat has been confected throughout,” he said. “NATO has been a defensive alliance for the whole of its existence.

“NATO has been joined by central and eastern European countries that were former satellites of the Soviet Union, precisely because they feared the kind of destiny Ukraine is currently experiencing.”

He said Ukraine was looking to join the alliance to receive similar security.

“As a non-member of NATO, Ukraine now finds itself entirely alone when it comes to defending itself against Putin, Russia.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview 

Image:  Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images