The attack on Ukraine has been labelled 'an act of great evil' by the Archbishops of York and Canterbury.

Russian president Vladimir Putin this morning announced that Russia would be conducting a military operation in eastern Ukraine. The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has declared martial law.

The news of the 'unprovoked attack' has been condemned by both Archbishops.

In a joint statement, the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell and the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: “The horrific and unprovoked attack on Ukraine is an act of great evil.

“Placing our trust in Jesus Christ, the author of peace, we pray for an urgent ceasefire and a withdrawal of Russian forces.

“We call for a public decision to choose the way of peace and an international conference to secure long-term agreements for stability and lasting peace.”

They encouraged Christians to make Sunday February 27 'a day for prayer for Ukraine, Russia and for peace'.

They added: “We also give our support to the call from Pope Francis for a global day of prayer and fasting for peace on Ash Wednesday, March 2.”

Pope Francis urged his followers to pray “intensively”, adding: “May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the move made by Russia was a “catastrophe for our continent”.

So far, around 40 people have died in Ukraine, according to an adviser to Ukraine’s president.