Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to stay in Kyiv as the day began and his troops battled Russian invaders advancing toward the capital in the biggest attack on a European state since World War II.
"(The) enemy has marked me down as the number one target," Zelensky warned in a video message as heavy fighting was reported on multiple fronts.
"My family is the number two target. They want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of state."
"I will stay in the capital. My family is also in Ukraine."
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand joined its international partners in condemnation of the attack and has immediately taken a range of measures against the Russian government.
"By choosing to pursue this entirely avoidable path, an unthinkable number of innocent lives could be lost because of Russia's decision," she said.
Protesters have also gathered worldwide to shun Russia, including at Wellington's Russian embassy.
New Zealand has immediately imposed measures in response which include targeted travel bans against Russian officials and other individuals associated with the invasion. They will be banned from obtaining visas to enter or transit New Zealand.
New Zealand is also prohibiting the export of goods to Russian military and security forces, and has suspended bilateral ministry consultations until further notice.
After Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war in a pre-dawn televised address, explosions and gunfire were heard throughout the day in the Ukraine capital, Kyiv, a city of 3 million people.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says 137 Ukrainian citizens - both soldiers and civilians - died on the first day of Russia's massive military assault.
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- Reuters
