Status: 02/24/2022 08:25 a.m
US President Biden, the EU and other countries have strongly condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Among other things, there is talk of “Europe’s darkest hour since the Second World War”.
US President Joe Biden has condemned the “unprovoked and unjustified” Russian attack on Ukraine in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He had just informed him about the further planned measures against Russia by the USA and the western allies, including “tough sanctions”, explained Biden.
He will also discuss this today with his counterparts from the group of the seven most important economic nations, said the US President. Zelenskyy asked him to call on the state leaders to speak out clearly against President Vladimir Putin’s “shameless aggression and to stand by the Ukrainian people,” Biden said. “We will continue to provide assistance and support to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people,” Biden said.
EU leaders strongly condemn attack on Ukraine
EU leaders Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen also sharply condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine, both threatening further sanctions. “We strongly condemn Russia’s unjustified attack on Ukraine,” wrote the head of the Council and the President of the Commission on Twitter in the morning.
At the same time, they announced: “We will hold the Kremlin accountable for this.” According to the Commission President and Council President, the EU will immediately decide on a new package of sanctions against Russia. This will have “massive and serious consequences” for the country, said Michel and von der Leyen.
Her thoughts are with Ukraine and the innocent women, men and children who fear for their lives in these dark hours.
NATO wants to protect all allies
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced a Defense Alliance meeting. “NATO allies will meet to discuss the consequences of Russia’s aggressive actions,” he said in a statement. “NATO will do whatever it takes to protect and defend all allies.” He urged Russia to stop military action immediately.
“Russia’s actions will have serious consequences,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. He will meet with G7 partners, “and we will continue to work closely and swiftly with NATO and our allies to jointly respond to these reckless and dangerous acts.” Canada will also take additional measures against Moscow.
Latvia calls for NATO Article 4 consultations
Latvia’s Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins sharply criticized the Russian attack. “Russian military aggression against the sovereignty, people and democracy of Ukraine is totally unacceptable,” he wrote on Twitter. It is the responsibility of Russian President Vladimir Putin to end it immediately.
Latvia is in close contact with its EU and NATO partners. “We call for the start of NATO Article 4 consultations,” Karins tweeted. Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty provides for consultations when a member believes that its territorial integrity, political independence or security is threatened. Latvia borders Russia and its ally Belarus.
Estonian President “shocked and disappointed”
Estonian President Alar Karis expressed dismay at the Russian attack. “Once again, President Putin has chosen the path of war. I am deeply shocked and disappointed,” he said. Russia’s renewed offensive is a “declaration of war on all democratic nations and on the existing security order.”
Moscow has shown itself to be completely unconcerned about the lives of the Ukrainian people and its own Russian citizens. “The Russian leadership’s absurd pretexts for attacking Ukraine are false, unfounded and criminal. They were invented so that President Putin could justify aggression against a nation that has never threatened Russia,” Karis stressed.
The head of state of the Baltic EU and NATO country assured Kiev full support. At the same time, he called on the EU and NATO for a unified and resolute reaction: “Now that the masks have fallen, the answer of the democratic nations can only be: to stop Russia. This means even tougher sanctions – both politically and economically,” demanded Karis in his statement.
Johnson appalled by events
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was appalled by the terrible events in Ukraine and had spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss next steps. “President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction in launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine,” Johnson wrote on Twitter.
Belgium’s Prime Minister: Darkest hour since World War II
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has spoken of “Europe’s darkest hour since the Second World War”. Belgium strongly condemns the attack, the politician wrote on Twitter in the morning. Russian aggression is unnecessary and unprovoked. One is in close contact with NATO and the EU. “Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Ukraine.”
New Zealand condemns Russian attack
New Zealand also strongly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, calling the attack a blatant violation of fundamental international rules. According to the State Department in Wellington, the use of force to change borders is strictly prohibited under international law. “We stand with the people of Ukraine affected by this conflict. Our thoughts are with them,” said Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. Russia must “withdraw immediately and permanently” and resume diplomatic negotiations, she demanded.