U.S. and world leaders rushed to condemn a Russian invasion of Ukraine on Wednesday night, warning of heavy sanctions to come for the attack announced in a televised addressed by Vladimir Putin.
Here’s what some of those leaders said.
U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee
“A massive Russian invasion of Ukraine has begun …There can be no certainty about what will come next, but no matter what the next days and weeks bring, the United States will stand with the people of Ukraine – now and always. This begins by moving swiftly beyond the significant sanctions already announced by the Biden administration to fully cutting off Russia’s leading financial institutions from the global economy and ending Europe’s dependence on Russian oil for good.”
More:Biden says world will hold Putin accountable for ‘unprovoked and unjustified attack’ on Ukraine
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee
“While there is still an opportunity for Russia to reverse course, we can no longer hold out hope that this standoff can be resolved peacefully. Therefore, we must all, on both sides of the aisle and both sides of the Atlantic, work together to demonstrate to Putin that his aggression will not be allowed to go unpunished.
What is happening in Ukraine is a tragedy not only for Ukraine, but for the Russian people as well. They will pay a steep cost for Putin’s reckless ambition, in blood and economic harm.”
More:As Russian forces advance on Ukraine, US, allies escalate diplomatic efforts
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg
“I strongly condemn Russia’s reckless attack on Ukraine, which puts at risk countless civilian lives. This is a grave breach of international law & a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security. NATO Allies will meet to address Russia’s renewed aggression.”
