Bitcoin slumped as much as 7.9% to $34,324, its lowest since Jan. 24, and was last trading down 5.3%. Smaller coins that typically move in tandem with bitcoin also fell, with ether losing as much as 10.8%.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin authorised what he called a special military operation in the east.

The United States and its allies will impose "severe sanctions" on Russia after the attacks, US President Joe Biden meanwhile said.

Bitcoin could be laid low by miners' malady

Global stocks and US bond yields dived, while the dollar, gold and oil prices rocketed higher as investors scrambled for perceived safe-haven assets. European stocks alone plunged 3%.

While cryptocurrency proponents say bitcoin acts as a safe haven from geopolitical tensions, it often moves in tandem with other risk-on assets. Its fall on Thursday took losses since hitting a record of $69,000 in November past 50%.