Air raid sirens blared in Kyiv as Russian troops began an attack on Ukraine.
Images on social media show cruise missiles flying over Kharkiv and Lutsk and smoke rising from strikes. The sound of rolling thunder from the bombardments can be heard in the background.
Video from Ukrainian border guards shows troop carriers entering Ukraine from Russian-held Crimea.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement just before midnight.
"Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia's egregious attack on Ukraine. These unprovoked actions are a clear further violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They are also in violation of Russia's obligations under international law and the Charter of the United Nations," Trudeau stated in the release.
"Canada calls on Russia to immediately cease all hostile and provocative actions against Ukraine and withdraw all military and proxy forces from the country. Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected and the Ukrainian people must be free to determine their own future."
Canada announced sanctions against Russia earlier this week as troops built up at the border. The announced sanctions included economic sanctions against Russian parliamentarians, business leaders, and companies, including banks.
"Russia's actions will be met with severe consequences. Tomorrow morning, I will be meeting with G7 partners, and we will continue working closely and quickly with NATO and our allies to collectively respond to these reckless and dangerous acts, including by imposing significant sanctions in addition to those already announced," added Trudeau.
"In the face of these attacks on Ukraine, Canada will take additional action to stop Russia's unwarranted aggression. We continue to stand with Ukraine, its people, and the Ukrainian Canadian community here in Canada. Russia's brazen acts will not go unpunished."
--with files from Kate Stockmann
