Russia – Ukraine news LIVE: State of emergency declared with Vladimir Putin ‘hell bent’ on massive invasion; latest maps

A STATE of emergency has been declared in Ukraine amid fears Russia will invade within the next 24 hours. The country’s security council this morning approved plans for emergency measures to be enacted in all areas across the country, except the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. The state of emergency will last an initial 30 days, with the option to extend for an additional 30 if need be. The development comes as Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned that Russian president Vladimir Putin is likely to order the invasion of Ukraine within the next 24 hours. And Ukraine this morning urged all its citizens to leave Russia “immediately”. One Ukrainian MP, Lesia Vasylenko tweeted “Yes, Ukraine is ordering her nationals out of Russia.” “Yes, we are preparing for a state of emergency. At least in some regions of Ukraine. Martial law could be an option…whatever it takes to keep Ukraine standing.” Read our Russia – Ukraine live blog for the latest news…