Putin warns imposing no-fly zone in Ukraine would lead to catastrophic consequences for the world

Breaking news Russian President Vladimir Putin says Western sanctions on Russia are akin to a declaration of war and warned that any attempt to impose a no-fly zone in Ukraine would lead to catastrophic consequences for the world

His rambling comments while talking to air stewardesses was broadcast on state media, which is banned from reporting how his invasion has stalled against a brave Ukrainian resistance.

He used the appearance to lash out at the crippling sanctions and asset freezes targeting Russian banks and Putin's oligarch cronies.

"These sanctions that are being imposed are akin to a declaration of war but thank God it has not come to that," the president said.

Later his foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova issued a sinister threat to the UK.

She said: "Russia will not forget Britain's desire to co-operate with ultra-nationalist forces in Ukraine and the supply of British weapons to the Kyiv regime.