Why Has Russia Invaded Ukraine?

By air, land, and sea, Russia has launched a devastating attack on Ukraine, a European democracy of 44 million people. For months President Vladimir Putin had denied he would invade his neighbour, but then he tore up a peace deal, sending forces across borders in Ukraine's north, east and south.

As the number of dead climbs, he is now accused of shattering peace in Europe and what happens next could jeopardize the continent's entire security structure.