The invasion of Ukraine “has begun” and Britain will now impose sanctions on Russia, Cabinet minister Sajid Javid has told Sky News.

The health secretary said Europeans were “waking up to a very dark day”, as tanks and armoured vehicles were seen overnight near Donetsk, in a breakaway region of eastern Ukraine.

“It’s clear from what we have already seen and found out today that the Russians and President Putin have decided to attack the sovereignty of Ukraine and its territorial integrity,” Mr Javid told Kay Burley.

“We’ve always said that’s completely unacceptable. We’ve seen that he has recognised these breakaway eastern regions in Ukraine.

“And, from the reports or I think we can already tell, he has sent in tanks and troops.

“So I think, from that, you can conclude the invasion of Ukraine has begun.”