Angry scenes are unfolding outside the Russian Embassy in Wellington, where protesters are chanting "shame on Russia" and "Putin terrorist".

Raw emotion was present in the roughly 100 people gathered in solidarity to support Ukraine and protest against Russian aggression.

Some have thrown eggs and red paint, symbolising "blood on Putin's hands, at the embassy building in the suburb of Karori.

Another protester began spraypainting an obscenity directed at the Russian President on the driveway but was stopped midway by police.

Protester Tanya Harper yelled "murderer!" as she banged on the bonnet of a car that attempted to enter the embassy.

Harper said she is originally from Ukraine and moved to New Zealand 20 years ago.

She is at the protest with her husband and two young children.

"I am the only one of my family here, they are all in Ukraine," she said.

She had not spoken to her family since talking with her brother this morning, who is in Nikolaev in the south of Ukraine, which has been repeatedly bombed, and feared for their lives.

At least 137 people - including soldiers and civilians - have been killed in Ukraine since Russian forces invaded, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Health Minister Oleh Lyashko also said 169 people had been wounded.

Harper said the airport in her home city had been bombed, preventing people from leaving, along with many other airports and transport routes across the country.

"He and his family couldn't get out when I spoke to him this morning. I don't even know if they are still alive", she said through tears.

Protestors outside the Russian Embassy in Wellington. Photo / Michael Neilson

"I'm scared I might not be able to speak to them again."

New Zealand had joined international partners in condemning the attack, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said today, warning Russia would "face consequences".

Actions included imposing a "blanket ban" on travel and any exports that could end up in military use in Russia.

Protesters, however, were calling for stronger actions.

"They have done nothing," Harper said of the New Zealand Government.

They wanted the Russian ambassador expelled and the Government to apply sanctions immediately.

"They need to be kicked out. Why are they here? They are murdering our people."

Ardern today said expelling the ambassador and other diplomats remained an option, but was not one "to be taken lightly".

On developing an autonomous sanctions regime, Ardern today downplayed the effect that could have given the relative size of New Zealand's trade with Russia.

Tetiana Zhurba has lived in New Zealand for three years, and is also the only person in her Ukranian family in New Zealand.

Her immediate family are in Sumy, in the northeast of the country, where there has been some of the heaviest fighting so far.

She is overcome with emotion as she speaks, with red puffy eyes and her face mask soaked in tears.

"My city is just 40 kilometres from the border with Russia. Now is night-time and all our family is now underground in shelters as it is not safe in their apartment."

She says they can hear bombing and firefighting all around the city.

"Sometimes we have telephone connection and my mother has been able to send me messages to tell me they are okay.

"My mother is there with my brother and his family. I have two small nephews, 12 and 6. The most popular question from children to their mothers now in Ukraine is, 'mum, are our walls going to keep us safe?' We are just praying now."

Sumy said she believed Ukraine would be able to repel Russia, but they needed the world's support.

"Putin is a terrorist. People just hate him and want him to stop."

Maria, who declined to give her full name, is originally from Russia and said she was "ashamed" at the actions of her country.

"All Russian people I know personally do not support the situation, the crime against Ukranian people. My grandmother was Ukranian; there are many different nationalities in Russia.

"Normal, ordinary Russian people are peaceful. I am totally not supporting it. I am very emotional and I just feel ashamed."

Another protester called Lana said the invasion of Ukraine was only the beginning.

"He is not going to stop. He is trying to build. Russia is big, yes we are fighting with everything we have but we need help."

Ardern condemns "flagrant disregard of international law"

Ardern said today Russia choosing this "avoidable" path an "unthinkable" number of lives could be lost.

The invasion posed a significant threat to the region and could trigger a humanitarian and refugee crisis.

There were about 40 New Zealanders in the Ukraine area. Some had already received consular help to leave and there was a team in Poland set up to assist further.

Asked if this was war, Ardern said it would be the "closest thing to war my generation will have seen".

The alternative to what New Zealand has done is to do nothing, and that was "not acceptable", Ardern said.

Maintaining international order had "always had challenges" and New Zealand had always been a strong voice.

An explosion in Kyiv on February 24. Photo / Supplied

But this "blatant use of military might" that would take innocent lives was something "we cannot stand", she said.

Russia had ignored diplomatic efforts and would now suffer the consequences of its decision. It was a flagrant disregard of international law.

"Russia must now face the consequences," Ardern said.

New Zealand had put in place a range of travel bans, and bans on any exports that could end up in military use in Russia.

While these exports were limited, Ardern said it still showed a message of support to Ukraine.

New Zealand had also ceased diplomatic communications and were exploring humanitarian options.

The country stood "resolute" with those bearing the brunt of Russia's actions, she said.

On further action, Ardern said there were more measures including extending travel bans.
There was also the ability to further restrict diplomatic engagements.

An autonomous sanctions regime was just one lever, but Ardern said that would not assist in humanitarian situations.

What New Zealand was doing was very much in line with other countries, she noted.

"The world is speaking very clear to Russia. What they have done is wrong and they will face consequences," she said.

Ardern said she could not say if any equipment had been supplied to Russian military recently.

Recalling the New Zealand's ambassador to Russia and expelling other diplomats remained an option but was not a "decision taken lightly", she said.

What stood out in this conflict was the unity of voices against Russia's blatant breach of international law, which stood in face of everything countries had fought for since World War II, she said.

On the invasion's impact on world oil prices, Ardern said what was happening in Ukraine would not affect supply, but would have an impact on international markets.

Ardern said most of the oil imported by New Zealand was from the Middle East.

NZ could consider sending humanitarian team

No country was sending troops, but New Zealand was looking into options of sending in a humanitarian team.

On autonomous sanctions legislation, Ardern said work continued on that but given New Zealand's size such measures would have comparatively less impact.

This conflict had not influenced the Government's thinking on such a regime, she said. It would be a limited view to say that was the only action they could take against Russia.

Asked about reaching out to Russia through Chinese officials, Ardern said she had no such advice.

On Russian business interests in New Zealand, Ardern said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade had been asked for advice on what options would be available.

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has seen airstrikes on cities and military bases and troops and tanks enter the country from three sides in an attack that could rewrite the post-Cold War security order.

At least 137 people - including soldiers and civilians - have been killed in Ukraine since Russian forces invaded, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Health Minister Oleh Lyashko also said 169 people had been wounded.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ignoring global condemnation and cascading new sanctions as he unleashes the largest ground war in Europe in decades, and chillingly referred to his country's nuclear arsenal.

New Zealand's response so far has included:

• Introducing targeted travel bans against Russian Government officials and other individuals associated with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in line with a number of our partners.
• Prohibiting the export of goods to Russian military and security forces.
• Suspending bilateral foreign ministry engagement until further notice.

Other countries have started to recall high-level diplomats, including the United States, and imposed strong sanctions.

There have also been calls for New Zealand to adopt an autonomous sanctions regime.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Currently, it relies solely on UN sanctions. However, such sanctions are not possible in this case because they would likely be vetoed by Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Acting Foreign Minister David Parker told RNZ this morning New Zealand would also withdraw from foreign affairs bilateral consultations with Russia and travel bans on government officials would be put in place.

"This is unequivocally an act of war," Parker said.

New Zealand exports to Russia amounted to $293 million in a recent year, the majority butter and other dairy products.

Parker said this relatively small market highlighted the limit of what New Zealand could do.

Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said last night New Zealand condemned the advance of Russian armed forces into Ukraine.

"We stand with the people of Ukraine impacted by this conflict. Our thoughts are with them," Mahuta said.

"Russia's actions are a flagrant breach of fundamental international rules," she added.

"The use of force to change borders is strictly prohibited under international law."

Mahuta said New Zealand joined the international community in calling on Russia to cease military operations in Ukraine, and immediately and permanently withdraw.

She said it was important to return to diplomatic negotiations to de-escalate the conflict.

National's foreign affairs spokesman Gerry Brownlee spoke out on Russia's military action.

He also called on the Government to speedily pass legislation allowing New Zealand to stand with our traditional partners in defence of our values.

"We totally condemn President Putin's decision to conduct military operations in Ukraine. There is no possible justification for the catastrophic damage to human life this will bring," he said.

"This a threat to global peace and stability many have never seen their lifetime, and the time for twiddling thumbs and putting out statements is over.

"It is not too late for the New Zealand Government to pass legislation allowing our country to join in co-ordination with sanctions being used by our traditional partners to send a clear message to Russia and deter this violation of Ukraine's sovereignty.

"If they don't, this Government must explain why."

Meanwhile, Green Party foreign affairs spokeswoman Golriz Ghahraman called on the Government to "urgently act as mediator of peace".

"It can do this by speaking immediately to our allies and trading partners, particularly the United States and China, and begin working with them for a swift resolution that promotes non-violence and de-escalation of force in Ukraine," she said.

"Aotearoa New Zealand has a proud history of being a voice for peace on the global stage and now more than ever we need that voice to be loud and strong."

She added: "Our first thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and their families, as well as the political activists, journalists, and human rights defenders who dedicate their lives working to build a peaceful future for their country.

"Our thoughts are also with all those who may be the targets of Russian violence, particularly Ukraine's Rainbow community."