INTERNATIONAL: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a new series of 'severe' sanctions on Russia on Thursday in response to the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine.

"These sanctions will target 58 individuals and entities, including members of the Russian elite and their family members, as well as the Wagner Group and major Russian banks, among others," Trudeau has said.

Ukrainian forces have battled Russian invaders on three sides on Thursday after Moscow mounted an assault by land, sea and air in the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two.

After Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared war in a pre-dawn televised address, explosions and gunfire were heard throughout the morning in Kyiv, a city of 3 million people.

Trudeau has said Canadians stood in solidarity with victims of conflict in Ukraine during these 'disturbing' times.

"In these dark hours Canada's message to the people of Ukraine is this: You are not alone. We are standing with you."

^{PHOTO: VARIOUS SOUNDBITES FROM CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN TRUDEAU ON RUSSIA'S INVASION OF UKRAINE}