Russia Attacks Ukraine as US, Allies Vow to Respond Decisively
- There were reports of multiple explosions in major Ukrainian cities on Thursday, February 24, morning as Russin forces launched missiles
- Russian president Vladimir Putin claimed the 'demilitarisation' of Ukraine was done due to what he described as a 'hostile anti-Russia being created on its historic lands'
- United States of America president Joe Biden condemned the attack and said the world would stand with Ukraine
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Russian forces have launched an attack on its neighbour Ukraine following the orders of its President, Vladimir Putin.
Source: Getty Images
The Guardian reported that explosions were heard in Ukraine's major cities on Thursday, February 23, at about 5am.
Putin claimed the 'demilitarisation' of Ukraine was done due to what he described as a 'hostile anti-Russia being created on its historic lands'.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba confirms attack
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry confirmed the country was under attack, months after Russia issued threats.
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"Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes. 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," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated.
US president Joe Biden vows to respond
United States of America president Joe Biden condemned the attack and said the world would stand with Ukraine.
"I will meet with my G7 counterparts in the morning and then speak to the American people to announce the further consequences the United States and our Allies and partners will impose on Russia for this needless act of aggression against Ukraine," he said in a statement.
The 46th US president warned Putin's actions threatened global peace and security.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) stated it would do all it can to protect its allies.
In a statement, NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said Moscow had violated international law.
"Russia has chosen the path of aggression against a sovereign and independent country," Stoltenberg stated.
Kenya condemns Russia
On Tuesday, February 22, Kenya condemned Russia after it recognised the Donetsk and Luhansk areas of Ukraine as independent states.
Kenya's permanent representative to the UN Ambassador Martin Kimani said the country was gravely concerned by Russia's announcement.
Kimani said that the threats by Russia to use force had significantly affected the integrity and political independence of Ukraine.
Source: Briefly News
Maryn Blignaut (Human-Interest HOD) Maryn Blignaut is the Human Interest manager and feature writer. She holds a BA degree in Communication Science, which she obtained from the University of South Africa in 2016. She joined the Briefly - South African News team shortly after graduating and has over six years of experience in the journalism field. Maryn passed the AFP Digital Investigation Techniques course (Google News Initiative), as well as a set of trainings for journalists by Google News Initiative. You can reach her at: maryn.blignaut@briefly.co.za
Kelly Lippke (Senior Editor) Kelly Lippke is a copy editor/proofreader who started her career at the Northern-Natal Courier with a BA in Communication Science/Psychology (Unisa, 2007). Kelly has worked for several Caxton publications, including the Highway Mail and Northglen News. Kelly’s unique editing perspective stems from an additional major in Linguistics. Kelly joined Briefly News in 2018 and she has 14 years of experience. Kelly has also passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. You can reach her at kelly.lippke@briefly.co.za.
