U.S. President Joe Biden speaks on Russia and Ukraine in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 22, 2022.
Samuel Corum | Bloomberg | beautiful pictures
World leaders condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin announced the start of a military operation in the early hours of local time on Thursday.
Within hours, leaders from the Federation, Germany and the United Kingdom, among others, criticized the Kremlin for the attack.
The following are their comments and statements.
US President Joe Biden: “The world will hold Russia accountable.”
The prayers of the whole world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by the Russian military.
President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring catastrophic loss of life and property. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a unified and decisive manner.
The world will hold Russia accountable.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson: “Horrible by the horrific events in Ukraine”
I am appalled by the terrible events in Ukraine and I have spoken with President Zelenskyy to discuss next steps. President Putin has chosen the path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine. The UK and our allies will respond decisively.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz: “Dark day for Europe”
Russia’s attack on Ukraine is a flagrant violation of international law. There is no justification for that. Germany condemns this reckless act of President Putin with the strongest possible conditions. Our solidarity is with Ukraine and its people.
Russia must immediately stop this military action. Within the framework of G7, Nato and EU, we will work closely today. This is a terrible day for Ukraine and a dark day for Europe.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: “A serious violation of international law”
I strongly condemn Russia’s reckless and unprovoked attack on Ukraine, which threatens to cost countless civilian lives. Once again, despite our repeated warnings and tireless efforts in diplomacy, Russia has chosen the path of aggression against a sovereign and independent nation.
This is a serious violation of international law and a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security. I call on Russia to cease its military action immediately and to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. NATO Allies will meet to deal with the consequences of Russia’s aggressive actions. We stand with the people of Ukraine at this terrible time. NATO will do all that is necessary to protect and defend all the Allies.
Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau: “Russia’s brazen acts will not go unpunished.”
Canada calls on Russia to immediately cease all hostile and provocative actions against Ukraine and withdraw all military and proxy forces from the country. Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected and the Ukrainian people must be free to decide their own future.
Russia’s actions will face severe consequences. …
… In the face of these attacks on Ukraine, Canada will take additional action to prevent Russia’s unwarranted aggression. We continue to stand with Ukraine, the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian Canadian community in Canada. Russia’s brazen acts will not go unpunished.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba: “An Attack on World Order.”
There is fierce fighting right now and as I told you before, we will fight for our country.
We are calling on the US – the Western side – to immediately implement heavy sanctions, including the immediate disconnection of Russia from SWIFT. [ Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications] system.
We need access to more heavy weapons, financial support. We are calling for drastic isolation of Russia – this is an attack on the world order.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: “An Attack on Democracy”
An attack on Ukraine is an attack on democracy. I applaud @POTUS for his strong leadership in imposing the first round of severe and swift sanctions against Russian aggression. The United States and our allies stand together in our unwavering support for the Ukrainian people.
Joint Statement of the Council of Europe and the European Commission: “We call on Russia to immediately cease its hostile actions.”
We condemn with the strongest possible terms Russia’s unprecedented military aggression against Ukraine. With its gratuitous and irrational military actions, Russia is seriously violating international law and undermining the stability and security of Europe and the world. We plead for the loss of life and human suffering.
We call on Russia to immediately cease hostilities, withdraw its troops from Ukraine, and fully respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. Such use of force and coercion has no place in the 21st century. The EU stands by Ukraine and its people as they face this unparalleled crisis.
EU leaders will meet later today. European Council President Michel has urgently convened an extraordinary meeting of the European Council to discuss the crisis and further restrictive measures. These will have huge and serious consequences for Russia because of its actions…
The EU will continue to provide strong political, financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine and its people.
