February 24, 2022 Russia-Ukraine news

US President Joe Biden gave an address on the situation in Ukraine, condemned Russia for launching the military strike on Thursday, and announced new strong sanctions and limitations on what can be exported to Russia.

"This is going to impose severe cost on the Russian economy, both immediately and over time. We have purposefully designed these sanctions to maximize a long-term impact on Russia and to minimize the impact on the United States and our allies," he said.

The United States is not doing this alone, he said, adding that the 27 EU members and G7 members will participate in these sanctions.

Here are the sanctions he announced:

He added, "we're also blocking four more major banks. That means every asset they have in America will be frozen."

"It's going to take time and we have to show resolve, so he knows what is coming. So the people of Russia know what he's brought on them. That's what this is all about. This is going to take time," Biden later said.

US President Biden said Russian President Vladimir Putin bears full responsibility for attacking Ukraine and said Russia will face the consequences because of it.

Biden is now announcing additional sanctions on Russia.

US President Joe Biden is addressing the nation from the White House as his administration assesses Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Biden “will deliver remarks on Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine,” the White House said in its daily guidance.

In a Twitter message published earlier today, Biden said he agreed with fellow G7 leaders "to move forward on devastating packages of sanctions and other economic measures to hold Russia to account."

The US and the world have not seen a “conventional move like this, nation state to nation state, since World War II” a senior defense official had told reporters earlier on Thursday. “Certainly nothing on this size and scope and scale."

In a pre-recorded televised address to the nation on Thursday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, stating that Europe “will not accept this violation of Ukraine's sovereignty by Russia.” 

“With the attack on Ukraine, President Putin wants to turn back time – but there is no going back to the time of the 19th century when great powers decided over the heads of smaller states,” Scholz said.

In his address, Scholz said that the European Union “had hope” that diplomatic efforts would prove fruitful, but “were not naïve.”

He also noted that the EU is ready to launch further sanctions against Russia, adding that Russia “will pay a high price” for its actions in Ukraine. 

Russian troops have crossed into Ukraine and bombardments are taking place in several cities. These attacks have sent people fleeing for safety. 

Concerns grow for civilians and families as a larger humanitarian crisis could unfold.

Organizations around the world are on the ground in Ukraine and neighboring countries to help those in need with shelter, food, water, and additional aid. 

You can find out how to help here.

The United Kingdom is banning civilian Russian aircraft from its airspace.

Russian airline Aeroflot currently operates direct flights between Moscow and London-Heathrow and Gatwick, according to its website. 

The bulletin also bans Russian aircraft from the airspace above the United Kingdom's territorial sea. The restriction goes into effect at 7 p.m. EST and is set to expire on May 23.

British Home Secretary Priti Patel announced visa concessions for Ukrainian citizens in the UK on Thursday. 

“I have immediately ordered changes to our visa policy to provide certainty to our Ukrainian friends and colleagues living, working and studying in the UK,” she added.

According to the statement, changes announced for Ukrainian nationals in the UK include: 

These concessions are available for people with valid visas in the UK.

All visa routes remain under constant review and any changes to the visa policy will not compromise border security.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said it would “temporarily evacuate” all its international mission members from Ukraine as soon as possible, according to statement from Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid published Thursday.

Schmid said the decision to withdraw OSCE staff from Ukraine was “due to the ongoing fighting and deteriorated security situation” in the country and “will be conducted as early as possible and feasible dependent on the relevant factors on the ground.”

A spokesperson for the secretariat confirmed to CNN that members of the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) would be among the evacuees.

“We have a legacy to be proud of in the country. We look forward to resuming our missions when circumstances permit,” it added.

The secretary general said the decision “was not taken lightly and the relocation is meant to be temporary.” 

“The safety of the dedicated women and men who serve as impartial eyes and ears of the international community on the ground throughout the country is imperative,” her statement concluded.

As of Thursday evening Moscow time, at least 850 people have already been detained in at least 44 cities across Russia, independent monitoring group OVD-Info reported. 

Russia bars demonstrations without a permit, but Russians may stage individual, single-person protests.

Authorities on Thursday warned citizens that participating in anti-war protests could lead to prosecution and criminal charges.

Watch Nic Robertson's report from the scene of some arrests: