Russia has launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine by land, air and sea, with casualties reported in many areas in the east of the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has launched a military operation in Ukraine, with explosions heard across the country and its foreign minister warning a "full-scale invasion" was under way.

All Irish citizens in Ukraine are being advised to shelter in a secure place amid Russia's military operation in the country.

There is a kind of nervous calm in Kyiv at the moment.

US President Joe Biden has said the "world will hold Russia accountable" over its attack against Ukraine that he warned will cause "catastrophic loss of life".

World leaders swiftly condemned Russia's military attack on Ukraine, with Western capitals vowing to escalate sanctions against Moscow while the head of the United Nations demanded the conflict end immediately.

European stocks plunged this morning as investors dumped riskier assets after Russia attacked Ukraine, raising fears that a war in Europe will fuel higher inflation and derail economic growth.

Ukraine's armed forces are heavily outnumbered and outgunned by Russia's, but as Russia begins what may be a large-scale invasion, military experts say they would be capable of mounting significant resistance and inflicting heavy casualties.

More than 86,000 people over the age of 75 are on acute hospital waiting lists.

Women, younger people and the lower paid are strongly in favour of more flexible working arrangements according to a poll carried out on behalf of the Labour Party.

An independent councillor who works to tackle food poverty in the midlands says he is making daily grocery deliveries to homes under the cover of darkness because many families are "embarrassed" of being seen to be needing help.

The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has told the Select Committee on Health that 2021 was a difficult year with significant impacts from Covid-19 and the need to deliver the vaccination programme.

The Data Protection Commissioner has said a set of metrics against which the performance of all European data regulators can be assessed objectively must be agreed.

Schools have been told that they may resume normal school routines, teaching and learning activities from Monday.

A nationwide Status Yellow weather warning for snow and ice has come into effect, with Met Éireann warning of potentially hazardous driving conditions in some areas.

An Irish man living in Kyiv has called on the Irish Government to remove the requirement for visas in order to enter the country.

The Taoiseach has asked all Government departments and agencies to develop contingency plans in response to what he said is an escalating crisis which will have an impact on global stability, economies and inflation.

Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen has called for an independent review of the Irish Data Protection Commission.

Farmers who supply the makers of Guinness with barley are being encouraged to use more sustainable production methods under a new scheme being piloted in Ireland.

An inquest into the death of a 41-year-old Donegal man who was electrocuted while working on a construction site has recommended that the dangers of electricity are highlighted, particularly when a crane comes on site.