Ukraine conflict world reaction: Sanctions, refugees and fears of war

Major Western nations have reacted with outrage at Russia's invasion of Ukraine, accusing it of bringing war back to Europe.

US President Joe Biden feared a "catastrophic loss of life" and said allies would impose severe sanctions.

In eastern Europe, the fears extended to coping with a wave of refugees.

Other nations, including China, which bridled at the word invasion, were more muted. Some focused more on the safety of their citizens in Ukraine.

Ukraine says Russia is carrying out a full-scale attack from many directions, but the details of the assault and the number of casualties are not yet clear.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken of a "special military operation" aimed at the demilitarisation and "denazification" of Ukraine, but his overall goals also remain unclear.