Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has drawn the swift condemnation of world leaders. Here’s a round-up of what they’re saying.
U.S. President Joe Biden
“President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. 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.”
Read Biden’s full statement here.
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson
“We are joined in our outrage by friends and allies around the world. We will work with them – for however long it takes – to ensure that the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine is restored, because this act of wanton and reckless aggression is an attack not just on Ukraine. It is an attack on democracy and freedom in East Europe and around the world. This crisis is about the right of a free, sovereign independent European people to choose their own future and that is a right that the UK will always defend.”
Read Johnson’s full statement here.
German Chancellor Olaf Sholz
“Our solidarity is with Ukraine and its people. Russia must stop this military action right now. We will consult within the G7, NATO and the EU in the course of today. It is a terrible day for Ukraine and a dark day for Europe.”
French President Emmanuel Macron
“The events of last night mark a turning point in the history of Europe.”
“We will respond to this act of war without weakness, with cold blood, determination and unity.”
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg
“Russia has attacked Ukraine. This is a brutal act of war. Our thoughts are with the brave people of Ukraine. Peace in our continent has been shattered. We now have war in Europe, on a scale and of a type we thought belong to history.”
“NATO is the strongest alliance in history, and make no mistake we will defend every ally against any attack on every inch of NATO territory. An attack on one ally will trigger a response from the whole alliance.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
“Canada calls on Russia to immediately cease all hostile and provocative actions against Ukraine and withdraw all military and proxy forces from the country. Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected and the Ukrainian people must be free to determine their own future.”
“Russia’s brazen acts will not go unpunished.”
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
“Japan’s cooperation with the U.S., E.U. and other European countries is very important to demonstrate the strong will of the international community uniting against Russia.”
South Korean President Moon Jae-in
“As a responsible actor in the international community, South Korea supports and will join economic sanctions and other international efforts to deter the armed aggression and resolve the situation peacefully.”
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki
“Europe and the free world have to stop Putin. Today’s European Council should approve fiercest possible sanctions. Our support for Ukraine must be real.”
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi
“Italy stands by the Ukrainian people and institutions in this dramatic moment. We are working with our European and NATO allies to respond immediately, with unity and determination.”
Former U.S. President George Bush
“Russia’s attack on Ukraine constitutes the gravest security crisis on the European continent since World War II. I join the international community in condemning Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. The American government and people must stand in solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people as they seek freedom and the right to choose their own future. We cannot tolerate the authoritarian bullying and danger that Putin poses. Ukraine is our friend and democratic ally and deserves our full support during this most difficult time.”
