The reaction of the world: Russia finally moved in, now what?
As many know, Russia moved in and invaded Ukraine on Feb. 23. The 12 hours after the invasion was filled with many responses from global leaders. So now that Russia has invaded, what comes next? What are people saying about this?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that “Russia has vilely attacked us” and the country is “defending itself and will not give up its freedom, as they think in Moscow. For Ukrainians, their independence and right to live on their own land freely is at the highest value.”
President Biden said that, “the world will hold Russia accountable” for what he said was an “unprovoked and unjustified attack” on Ukraine. The European Union criticized Russia for bringing war back to Europe and promised to hit Moscow with tougher sanctions for its “barbaric attack” on Ukraine. European Commision President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted, “We will not let President Putin tear down Europe’s security architecture.” The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said, “These are among the darkest hours of Europe since the Second World War” and called on Putin to stop “this senseless aggression.” More sanctions are expected to come from the European Union to hit Russia. Some of these sanctions may come in the form of blocking access to key technologies, and access to global markets, freezing Russian assets in the European Union and stopping the access of Russian banks to the EU’s financial markets.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned Russia’s “reckless” attacks on Ukraine, saying it puts “countless civilian lives” at great risk. According to him, “This is a grave breach of international law, and a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security. Once again, despite our repeated warnings and tireless efforts to engage in diplomacy, Russia has chosen the path of aggression against a sovereign and independent country.” NATO has agreed to bolster defensive land and air forces to Eastern Europe, with additional maritime assets.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said there was “no justification” for the military actions of Russia and that “this is a terrible day for Ukraine and a dark day for Europe.” The German Foreign Ministry said that it has been preparing for this and would work with the Group of Seven powers (G7), NATO and the EU on Thursday, Feb. 24, to coordinate sanctions and strengthen security measures. France’s President Emmanuel Macron said, “These events of last night mark a turning point in the history of Europe.” He added, “We will respond to this act of war without weakness, with cold blood, determination and unity.”
With a new war breaking out, the world will continue to watch their leaders’ responses closely. President Biden and other world leaders have reaffirmed sanctions coming.
By Andrew Schwartz