Russian President Vladimir Putin’s pre-dawn attack against Ukraine drew International condemnation Thursday. The U.S. and Western allies are preparing to impose sanctions against Moscow for the invasion.
Oleksii Arestovich, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said at least 40 people had been killed and dozens others wounded in the attack so far, USA TODAY reported.
Live updates: NATO leader calls Russian attack ‘brutal act of war’
“This is a brutal act of war,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said.
President Joe Biden spoke with President Zelenskyy Wednesday evening, and said he would convene a summit of G7 leaders early Thursday to discuss the attack.
The president convened the National Security Council in the Situation Room this morning, according to a tweet from the White House, to discuss how the United States will “hold Russia accountable for its unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine.”
Biden is also expected to announce the “harshest sanctions possible” against Russia around noon eastern time, according to USA TODAY.
“We will continue to provide support and assistance to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people,” Biden said in a tweet.
IndyStar has asked all of Indiana’s representatives and senators for comments on the situation. This file will be updated with responses.
Rep. Jim Banks, 3rd District
I’m praying for the people of Ukraine. This unjust attack was completely avoidable and will have dire consequences.
Putin and his oligarch thugs must be expelled from any and all luxuries of the free world.
— Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) February 24, 2022
Rep. Victoria Spartz, 5th District
By the will of God or coincidence, our congressional delegation happened to be in Israel this week, so my thoughts & prayers for the strong & resilient Ukrainian people are coming from the Holy Land.
The USA & the world will be with you but most importantly – MAY GOD BE WITH YOU!— Rep. Victoria Spartz (@RepSpartz) February 24, 2022
Rep. Larry Bucshon, 8th District
Yes, it is a stupid choice. The Biden administration needs to reverse course and stop stymieing North American energy production and utilization. Oil and natural gas are Putin’s only geopolitical leverage. Let’s take that away. pic.twitter.com/CTVJ7hSnSr
— Larry Bucshon, MD (@RepLarryBucshon) February 24, 2022
USA TODAY contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Russian attack on Ukraine: Indiana leaders respond
