Liverpool landmark lit up in support of Ukraine amid Russian invasion

St George's Hall has lit up blue and yellow in a symbol of solidarity with Ukraine.

In the early hours of Thursday, February 24, Russian forces launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine, with its military hitting the country from the north, east and south.

Explosions and air-raid sirens were heard in the capital, Kyiv, throughout Thursday as Russian planes and jets flew above.

READ MORE: Man launched 'nasty assault' on victim walking in broad daylight

At around 5.45pm Russian forces seized the Chernobyl power plant, the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster, after a "fierce battle".

Pictures also emerged of a number of people being arrested in anti-war protests in Moscow, Russia.

A damaged vehicle and debris following Russian shelling outside outside Mariupol, Ukraine. (AP)

Boris Johnson has announced the " largest and most severe package of economic sanctions that Russia has ever seen" in the House of Commons on Thursday evening.

The package is understood to include asset freeze's on all major Russian banks, prohibiting major Russian companies from raising finance off UK markets and banning Russian Aeroflot aircraft from landing in the UK.

Following the events in Ukraine Liverpool City Council announced they had placed the Ukraine flag over St George's Hall "in solidarity with its people - today, tomorrow and until peace is restored to that nation."

St George's Hall was also lit up blue and yellow, the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

St George's Hall lit up in yellow and blue (PA)

Liverpool City Council tweeted: "Liverpool’s ⁦St George's Hall⁩ is lit up blue and yellow - the colours of Ukraine - in a symbolic act of solidarity with its people. #PeaceNotWar"

Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson released a statement earlier today and said the west must now strain every sinew to convince President Putin that “there are no winners in war”.

She said: "This morning’s news that Russia has invaded Ukraine is deeply disturbing.

“This is a very dark day which could easily become a defining one of the 21st century.

The flag of Ukraine flying over Liverpool's St George's Hall,illuminated blue and yellow in solidarity with the people now under attack from Russia. (Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)

“I hope and pray all Western nations remain calm, clear and resolute in their support of Ukraine and its people.

“For all the Ukrainians who have made Liverpool their home, this is a deeply troubling time, we will do what we can to support you.

“There are no winners in war. We must now strain every sinew to convince President Putin of that fact.”

Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here