World condemns Putin’s ‘thuggery’ after Russia launches military operation in Ukraine
Global News
There is growing condemnation from world leaders and diplomats after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a special military operation into eastern Ukraine.
There is a growing chorus of condemnation from world leaders and diplomats after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a special military operation into eastern Ukraine on Thursday.
Putin’s announcement during a televised early morning speech came as the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting at the request of Ukraine over escalating tensions with Russia.
Putin said the action comes in response to threats coming from Ukraine, yet insisted Russia doesn’t have a goal to occupy the country.
The Russian leader warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen.”
Here’s a look at the international reaction to Moscow’s latest move.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Russia has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and is targeting cities with weapons strikes.
“Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes,” Kuleba said in a Tweet Thursday, referring to Putin.
“This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now.”