Live: Russia Attacks Ukraine’s Cities; see repercussion around the world

Russia attacked Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday (24). A military operation in the breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine, explosions and sirens were heard in several cities across the country, according to reports from CNN.

Ukrainian officials said at least eight people died and nine were injured. On Thursday morning, long lines formed on Kiev’s main avenues as residents tried to leave the area.

In his speech, Putin justified the action by saying that Russia could not “tolerate threats from Ukraine”. Putin urged Ukrainian soldiers to “put down your weapons and go home”. The Russian leader further stated that he will not accept any kind of foreign interference.

(In update)

Repercussion of world leaders

I continue negotiations with the leaders. I received support from the Emir of Qatar @TamimBin Hamad. The world is with us.

Zelensky, President of Ukraine

I continue negotiations with the leaders. Received support from the Emir of Qatar @TamimBinHamad. The world is with us.

— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 24, 2022

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 manner. The world will hold Russia accountable.

US President Joe Biden

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.

— President Biden (@POTUS) February 24, 2022

Russian forces invaded Ukraine, a free and sovereign country. We condemn this barbaric attack and the cynical arguments used to justify it. Later, we will present a package of massive and targeted sanctions.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Russian forces invaded Ukraine, a free and sovereign country.

We condemn this barbaric attack, and the cynical arguments used to justify it.

Later today we will present a package of massive, targeted sanctions.
https://t.co/AHtTVEvHgV

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 24, 2022

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France strongly condemns Russia’s decision to declare war on Ukraine. Russia must end its military operations immediately.

French President Emmanuel Macron

La France est solidaire de l’Ukraine. Elle se tient aux côtés des Ukrainiens et agit avec ses partenaires et alliés pour que cesse la guerre.

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 24, 2022

I strongly condemn Russia’s military action against Ukraine. I will meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of National Defense and the Supreme Chief of the National Armed Forces (CEMGFA). I also asked the Portuguese President for an urgent meeting of the Superior Council for National Defence. My thoughts are with the Ukrainian people under this unwarranted and regrettable attack.

Prime Minister of Portugal, António Costa

I also asked the Portuguese President for an urgent meeting of the Superior Council for National Defence.
My thoughts are with the Ukrainian people under this unjustified and regrettable attack.

— António Costa (@antoniocostapm) February 24, 2022

The Government of Spain condemns Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and expresses its solidarity with the Ukrainian Government and its people. I remain in close contact with our partners and allies in the European Union and @NATO to coordinate our response.

Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain

The Spanish Government condemns the Russian aggression against Ukraine and sympathizes with the Government and the Ukrainian people.
Stay in close contact with our partners and allies of the European Union and @BORN to coordinate our response.

— Pedro Sanchez (@sanchezcastejon) February 24, 2022

I am dismayed by the terrible events in Ukraine and I spoke with President Zelenskyy to discuss next steps. President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction in launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine. The UK and our allies will respond decisively.

Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister

I am appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine and I have spoken to President Zelenskyy to discuss 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.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 24, 2022

Canada condemns – in the strongest possible terms – Russia’s blatant attack on Ukraine. These unprovoked actions are a clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and Russia’s obligations under international law and the UN Charter. Canada calls on Russia to immediately cease all hostile and provocative actions against Ukraine and to withdraw all military and wanted forces from the country. Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

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.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 24, 2022

I strongly condemn Russia’s military attack on #Ukraine. It endangers millions of innocent people and undermines the foundations of the international order. It is up to the West now to respond properly!

Gitanas Nausėda, President of Lithuania

I strongly condemn Russia’s military attack against #Ukraine. It endangers millions of innocent people & undermines the foundations of international order.

It is up for the West now to respond appropriately!#StandWithUkraine🇺🇦🇱🇹

— Gitanas Nausėda (@GitanasNauseda) February 24, 2022

(With information from Giulia Alecrim, from CNN)