Australia has joined allies in condemning the start of Russia’s incursion into Ukraine.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed Australia will impose “immediate” sanctions on Russia.

He also warned of a full-scale invasion is likely to occur within the next 24 hours.

Executive Director at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Peter Jennings, said it was clear the government had received intelligence suggesting an imminent invasion.

“[Vladimir] Putin has the chance to stop at any moment if he feels that he’s done enough or things are looking a little too dangerous, but judging by the behaviour of the Western leaders, the expectation is there is going to be a full on invasion.

“I assume that means an attack on the capital Kiev, and an attempt to decapitate the current Ukrainian political leadership to install a puppet regime, I think those are the sorts of things we could see unfolding in the next 24-48 hours.”

He said it was his sense that it was a “threshold moment for democracies”.

Press PLAY below to hear his insights and the potential impact on Australia if China follows ‘Russia’s playbook’

Australia to impose ‘immediate’ sanctions on Russia as Ukraine situation intensifies