People across Lincolnshire and Newark have been reacting to the crisis in the Ukraine
It follows Russia's decision to recognise two regions as independent states.
Last updated 23rd Feb 2022
The foreign secretary insists sanctions imposed by the UK on Russia reflect a 'strong response' and will 'inflict pain' on Vladimir Putin and the nation's economy.
There's been criticism of the restrictions imposed by the Government - but Liz Truss insists ministers will go further, if the situation escalates.
Meanwhile we've been getting reaction across Lincolnshire and Newark.
We spoke to Associate professor of politics at the University of Lincoln Dr Rico Isaacs.
He told us "it's clear Putin has been planning this for some months, if not since 2014 since the annexation of Crimea."
"The fact is that there may be this broader geopolitical front of China and Russia on one side, it could really change the geopolitical dynamics of the world".
"Putin's been planning this for quite some time, he's been gearing up the Russian economy over the last 7 or 8 years since Crimea to prepare for worsening sanctions".
"He's set up the economy to try and militate against them."
We also talked to MP for Boston and Skegness Matt Warman.
He said: "What we do want to see is the President of Russia stepping back from any further aggression."
"That's why the Prime Minister has introduced this huge package of sanctions on Russian individuals and companies and banks so we apply maximum pressure and there is minimum bloodshed".
He says that targeting the banks will " limit the access of the Russian Government to money that is currently held abroad and also the activities of individuals so it's a really important step."
"What we hope to see is Putin step back from where he is and try to, in a way he will want to save face, but sees less of the violence that it's feared will take place in these two provinces of the Uk and beyond."