What 5 World Leaders Said On Russia Attacking Ukraine

Western powers today reacted strongly to Russian President Vladimir Putin launching military operations in Ukraine. In a special televised address, Putin announced a "special military operation in Ukraine". Shortly after, Ukraine officials reported missile attacks and gunfire in several cities.

Here is how the world leaders reacted to Russia declaring war on Ukraine:

Russia will be held accountable: US
US President Joe Biden said that they would continue to provide support to Ukraine and that the world will hold Russia accountable for the military onslaught. He called the attack "unprovoked and unjustified".

"My prayers are with the people of Ukraine as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces," Biden said in an address.

"Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable," he said.

Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed: UK

The UK and its allies will respond decisively to Russia's "unprovoked" attack on Ukraine, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said today.

Taking to his Twitter handle, Mr Johnson said that he is appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine and has spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the next steps.
"President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine. The UK and our allies will respond decisively," he said in a tweet.

France condemns Russia's decision to 'wage war'

France today condemned Russia's decision to 'wage war on Ukraine'. "Russia must immediately put an end to its military operations," France President Emmanuel Macron wrote on Twitter, saying Russia had made the decision to "wage war" on Ukraine.

"France stands in solidarity with Ukraine. It stands by Ukrainians and is working with its partners and allies to end the war," he added.

Attack 'unjustified and unjustifiable': Italy

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Thursday lashed Russia's attack on Ukraine as "unjustified and unjustifiable," saying Europe and NATO were working on an immediate response.

"The Italian Government condemns Russia's attack on Ukraine. It is unjustified and unjustifiable. Italy is close to the Ukrainian people and institutions in this dramatic moment. We are working with European and NATO allies to respond immediately, with unity and determination," Draghi said in a statement.

Russian attack 'shakes foundation of international order': Japan PM

Russia's attack on Ukraine "shakes the foundation of the international order", Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday, strongly condemning the military incursion.

"The latest Russian invasion shakes the foundation of the international order, which does not permit unilateral attempts to change the status quo," he told reporters after a meeting of the country's security council.

"We strongly condemn Russia. We will coordinate efforts with the international community, including the United States, and deal with this swiftly," he added.