Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that he ordered his country’s military to conduct a special operation in the Donbas region after the leaders of the breakaway republics asked Moscow for military assistance in response to what they claim is an increase in “Ukrainian aggression.” At the same time while addressing the Russian public Putin said that his intention is to “demilitarize“ and “de-Nazify“ Ukraine and there is no plan to “Occupy Ukraine”. The decision comes days after Moscow recognized the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk breakaway republics in the Donbas, alleging Kyiv had not lived up to its obligations under the Minsk agreements struck in 2014 and 2015 to resolve the conflict between separatists and the Ukrainian government.
Ukraine President’s Response to Russian Aggression – Declared Martial Law
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in a public address “Today, President Putin announced a special military operation in Donbas. Russia has carried out strikes on our military infrastructure and on our border guards, border detachments. Explosions were heard in many cities of Ukraine. We are imposing martial law on all territories of our state. A minute ago, I had a conversation with President Biden. The United States has already begun to mobilize international support. Today, what is needed from you is calm. Stay at home if possible. We work, the army works, the whole security sector of Ukraine works. I, the National Security and Defense Council and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine will be in constant contact with you,”.
World Leaders Responds to Russian Invasion on Ukraine
US President Joe Biden said “President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering… I will be meeting with the leaders of the G7, and the United States and our allies and partners will be imposing severe sanctions on Russia”.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson “President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine… This is a catastrophe for our continent”.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said”Germany condemns in the strongest possible terms this unscrupulous act by President Putin. Our solidarity goes out to Ukraine and its people”.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said “President Putin, stop your troops from attacking Ukraine, give peace a chance, too many people have already died. What is clear for me is that this war doesn’t make any sense”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said “These unprovoked actions are a clear further violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and of Russia’s obligations under international law and the Charter of the UN”
French President Emmanuel Macron said “France firmly condemns Russia’s decision to wage war (and promises support for Ukraine). Russia must end its military operations immediately”.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said “A major nuclear power has attacked a neighbor country and is threatening reprisals of any other states that may come to the rescue. This is not only the greatest violation of international law, but also a violation of the basic principles of human coexistence. It is costing many lives with unknown consequences ahead of us. The European Union will respond in the strongest possible terms”.
Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said “Russia’s attack on Ukraine is a grave breach of international order. Israel condemns the attack”
Turkish President Recep Erdogan said both Moscow and Kiev are friends and “feels true regret” over their military conflict. Ankara called on Moscow to seek reconciliation with Kiev based on the 2015 Minsk agreement.
Indian spokesperson in UN said “The situation is in danger of spiraling into a major crisis…. emphasis the vital need for all sides to maintain international peace and security by exercising the utmost restraint”.
Russian Rubile Falling due to War
As a consequence of Putin’s order to invade Ukraine, the Russian currency dropped 6% to 86 Rubles per US dollar early Thursday – the lowest level on record.
