Biden condemns Putin’s ‘unprovoked and unjustified attack’ on Ukraine
United States President Joe Biden has condemned Russia’s ‘unprovoked and unjustified attack,’ after Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine and told Ukrainian service members to ‘lay down their arms and go home.’
The US and allies are today planning to trigger the “full scale” of the sanctions that have been discussed over the last several weeks in response to the attack, according to a senior Biden administration official.
“President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering,” Biden said in a statement.
“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.”
Press Secretary Jen Psaki tweeted late yesterday night that Biden was briefed on a secure call by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Chairman Mark Milley and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
Biden said he will be monitoring the situation from Washington, DC, and will continue to get regular updates from his national security team.
He announced he will join G7 counterparts’ tomorrow morning, and plans to address the country later today to ‘announce the further consequences the United States and its allies and partners will impose on Russia.’
“We will also coordinate with our NATO Allies to ensure a strong, united response that deters any aggression against the Alliance. Tonight, Jill and I are praying for the brave and proud people of Ukraine,” the statement added.
Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Russia’s actions were a ‘grave breach of international law’ and that allies would meet to address the ‘renewed aggression’.
He said on Twitter: “I strongly condemn #Russia’s reckless attack on #Ukraine, which puts at risk countless civilian lives. This is a grave breach of international law and a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security. #NATO Allies will meet to address Russia’s renewed aggression.”
“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,” Stoltenberg added in a separate statement.
