The announcement by Russian President Vladimir Putin of a “military operation” in Ukraine this morning, followed by explosions in several Ukrainian cities, has sparked many reactions around the world.
“Peaceful Ukrainian towns are being attacked. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and win. The world can and must stop Putin. Time to act now,” tweeted the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
US President Joe Biden has denounced Russia’s “unwarranted attack” on Ukraine. “President Putin has chosen (to launch) a premeditated war that will cause catastrophic human suffering and loss,” Joe Biden said in a statement. “Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will cause,” he insisted, assuring that “the world would demand accountability from Russia.”
The conflict triggered by Russia in Ukraine “must stop now”, implored the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, after an emergency meeting of the Security Council. “President Putin, in the name of humanity, bring your troops back to Russia!”, launched the UN chief, visibly distressed by the announcement of a Russian military operation in Ukraine in the middle of the Council session of security. “This is the saddest moment of my tenure as Secretary General of the United Nations,” he added.
“We strongly condemn Russia’s unwarranted attack on Ukraine. In these dark hours, our hearts go out to Ukraine and its innocent women, men and children who face this unprovoked attack and fear for their lives,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“Russia has chosen war. France condemns in the strongest terms the launching of these operations”, denounced the French ambassador to the UN, Nicolas de Rivière. This decision, “at the very moment when this Council is meeting, illustrates the contempt in which Russia holds international law and the United Nations”, he added.
“We call on Russia to respect international humanitarian law in all circumstances, we call for the protection and respect of all civilians, including vulnerable people, women and children, and humanitarian personnel,” he said. also launched.
The Russian military operation is “a flagrant violation” of international law, denounced German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned Russia’s “reckless and unprovoked attack” on Ukraine, warning it was putting “countless” lives at risk.
“I strongly condemn Russia’s reckless and unprovoked attack on Ukraine, which puts countless civilian lives at risk. Once again, despite our repeated warnings and tireless diplomatic efforts, Russia has chose the path of aggression against a sovereign and independent country,” Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement.
“NATO Allies will come together to deal with the consequences of Russia’s aggressive actions. We stand with the people of Ukraine at this terrible time. NATO will do whatever it takes to protect and defend all allies,” he added.