Thousands of Russian scientists and science journalists have put their names to a statement of protest against the “unfair and senseless” invasion of Ukraine.

The online statement was initially published in Russian by the news organisation TRV Science. The statement was signed by leading scientists, including about 25 members of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

They say the blame for "unleashing a new war in Europe" lies "entirely with Russia”.

“We demand an immediate halt to all military operations directed against Ukraine," they add.

They say Russia's actions - and consequent sanctions it faces from other countries mean it has "doomed itself to international isolation".

“This means that we, scientists, will no longer be able to do our job normally. Conducting scientific research is unthinkable without full co-operation with colleagues from other countries," the statement adds.

The Swift banking system has said it will disconnect seven Russian banks from its global network on Saturday 12 March to "comply with applicable sanctions laws".

Earlier this week, Western nations agreed to exclude some key banks from the international payment system.

Swift is used by thousands of financial institutions in more than 200 countries to facilitate cross-border flows of money.

Russian state-owned media outlets RT and Sputnik have been stopped from broadcasting across Europe, after being banned by the EU - which accused them of spreading disinformation and propaganda.

RT has also dropped off air in the UK, because its feed comes via Europe.

It comes as the UK's communications regulator Ofcom launches another 12 investigations into RT, taking the total to 27.

Ofcom will consider "whether RT should retain a UK licence" and if it has met due impartiality rules.

The EU said the two channels promoted “systematic information manipulation by the Kremlin”.

Although the UK is no longer in the EU, it's still affected by the decision, because the sanctions were applied to the satellite companies in Luxembourg and France, which provided the feed to Sky, Freesat and Freeview.