Demonstrations take place in central Moscow, after Putin called the attack a "special military operation" to protect civilians in eastern Ukraine from "genocide”

Around 2,000 people gathered near Pushkin Square in central Moscow, while up to 1,000 people gathered in the former imperial capital Saint Petersburg

In Moscow, protesters were seen massing around Pushkin Square chanting "No to war!"

By night, as Ukrainians fled to escape their country, thousands in Russia, where protests are tightly restricted, rallied in solidarity.

Shortly after news broke of the Russian attack against Ukraine, demonstrators gathered outside Russian Embassies and other landmark spots in many parts of the world.

Many of the demonstrators, held up banners saying “Ukraine will resist” and “Say No to Putin”.