Western leaders issued a volley of condemnations and threatened reprisals for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin on Thursday ordered troops into the nation and demanded Kyiv’s military lay down its weapons in what many concern might be Europe’s worst battle for the reason that second world conflict.
UN secretary-general António Guterres warned that if the navy motion result in a “generalised conflict” it might be troublesome to forecast the variety of deaths and displaced individuals.
US President Joe Biden accused Putin of launching a “premeditated conflict that can carry a catastrophic lack of life and human struggling”.
Nato known as an emergency assembly of its high decision-making physique, its chief Jens Stoltenberg denouncing “Russia’s reckless and unprovoked assault on Ukraine, which places in danger numerous civilian lives”.
“In these darkish hours, our ideas are with Ukraine and the harmless girls, males and youngsters as they face this unprovoked assault and concern for his or her lives,” European fee president Ursula von der Leyen mentioned.
Boris Johnson, UK prime minister, mentioned Putin had “chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked assault on Ukraine”, including: “The UK and our allies will reply decisively.”
“This can be a horrible day for Ukraine and a darkish day for Europe,” mentioned Olaf Scholz, German chancellor. “The Russian assault on Ukraine is a flagrant breach of worldwide legislation. Germany condemns this reckless act of President Putin within the strongest phrases.”
Zhang Jun, China’s envoy to the UN, mentioned the “door to a peaceable resolution” was not but shut and all events ought to train restraint.
Eire, which holds a seat on the UN Safety Council, condemned the Russian invasion and demanded sturdy motion from the West.
“Russia has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. God assist them,” tweeted Simon Coveney, international minister. “Make no mistake, this can be a stunning, murderous act of aggression towards a sovereign, peaceable state. EU and world wants to reply strongly.”
