Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an overnight attack on Ukraine Wednesday, prompting an outpouring of condemnation from world leaders and promises of “severe consequences” by U.S. President Joe Biden.
Biden will address the nation Thursday to lay out actions the United States is taking against Russia, after excoriating Russia’s “unprovoked and unjustified attack” on Ukraine and vowing the world will hold Russia and Putin accountable.
“President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering,” Biden said in a statement after Putin announced military action against Ukraine.
More:As Russian forces advance on Ukraine, US, allies escalate diplomatic efforts
Putin in a televised address overnight Wednesday announced the Russian attack in eastern Ukraine.
Explosions were reported throughout the country, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared martial law but urged citizens not to panic in the wake of Russia’s military strikes.
Zelenskyy in a statement said there have been strikes on the Ukrainian military and other important defense facilities, and that border units are under attack. He added “the situation in the Donbas has degraded.”
“Ukrainians will never give up their freedom and independence to anyone,” he said.
In Russia, a different view
Russian state media are portraying Moscow as coming to the rescue of war-torn areas of eastern Ukraine that are tormented by Ukraine’s aggression.
TV presenters are professing the end of suffering for the residents of the breakaway regions.
“You paid with your blood for these eight years of torment and anticipation,” anchor Olga Skabeyeva said during a popular political talk show Tuesday morning. “Russia will now be defending Donbas.”
Channel One struck a more festive tone, with its correspondent in Donetsk asserting that local residents “say it is the best news over the past years of war.”
“Now they have confidence in the future and that the years-long war will finally come to an end,” she said.
Whether ordinary Russians are buying it is another question.
— Associated Press
Zelenskyy imposes martial law, condemns ‘cynical invasion’
Zelenskyy called Russia’s attack an “unjustified deceitful and cynical invasion” in a statement early on Thursday.
“Only we, all citizens of Ukraine, have been determining our future since 1991,” Zelenskyy said. “But now the fate of not only our state is being decided, but also what life in Europe will be like.”
Zelenskyy said Ukrainian diplomats are informing the world about what is happening in their country. He added: “Whether at least something of the force of international law remains will depend on the world’s fair and just response to this aggression.”
Martial law has also been imposed, Zelenskyy also said, urging civilians to stay home.
“Warn your loved ones about what is happening. Take care of those who need help,” he said.
— Rebecca Morin
US Department of State tells Americans in Ukraine to shelter in place
The U.S. Department of State early on Thursday warned Americans still in Ukraine about the current danger.
In a statement online, the department noted: “There are reports of Russian attacks on targets in a number of major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Mariupol, and others. U.S. citizens in Ukraine are advised to shelter in place…”
The statement added that: “Further Russian military action can occur at any time without warning.”
— Luciana Lopez
More:Biden levels sanctions on Russia for beginning an invasion of Ukraine
