British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, saying in a televised speech that Vladimir Putin “attacked a friendly country without any provocation and without any credible excuse”.
“Our worst fears have now come true and all of our warnings have proved tragically accurate,” Johnson said.
Addressing the Russian people, he added: “I cannot believe this was done in your name, or that you really want the pariah status this will bring to the Putin regime.”
He also called on Europe to end its dependence on Russian oil and gas.
But Johnson did not elaborate on the UK’s response, saying only that it was working with allies on a “huge economic sanctions package” aimed at “harming the Russian economy”.
On Tuesday, after Putin first ordered troops into two breakaway territories in eastern Ukraine, Johnson announced sanctions on five Russian banks and three individuals — measures that were criticized by some for not being forceful enough.
the russian attack
After weeks of tension, Russia attacked Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday (24), prompting reactions from world leaders and NATO. A military operation in the breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine, explosions and sirens were heard in several cities across the country.
On Thursday morning, long lines formed on Kiev’s main avenues as residents tried to leave the area. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the population to defend the country and said that “citizens can use weapons to defend territory”.
In his speech before the attack, 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.
What you need to know about the attack
- In the early hours of Thursday morning, Putin ordered an attack in eastern Ukraine, in regions he recognized as independent; Russian forces invaded Ukraine by land, air and sea;
- The attack takes place in at least 16 regions, including the capital Kiev.
- Ukrainian officials say at least 50 Russians were killed and six planes shot down in the east of the country; later, it was reported that 40 Ukrainian soldiers had also died. There is no official death toll released so far.
- Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky authorized citizens to take up arms to defend the country and asked for blood donations;
- Long lines were recorded this morning in Kiev on major highways, with residents trying to leave the country;
- Central European countries have started preparations to receive people fleeing Ukraine
- US President Joe Biden said Washington and its allies would impose “severe sanctions” on what he called Putin’s “premeditated war”
- China has rejected calling Russia’s moves on Ukraine an “invasion” and has urged all sides to exercise restraint.
- Belgium has asked the European Union to stop issuing visas to Russians
- European countries trigger Article 4 of NATO to launch consultations on the situation – which could trigger a joint response
- NATO will reinforce forces on alliance’s eastern flank, announces secretary-general
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m James Harper, a highly experienced and accomplished news writer for World Stock Market. I have been writing in the Politics section of the website for over five years, providing readers with up-to-date and insightful information about current events in politics. My work is widely read and respected by many industry professionals as well as laymen.
