The announcement by Russian President Vladimir Putin of a “military operation” in Ukraine on Thursday, followed by explosions in several Ukrainian cities, has drawn almost unanimous condemnation from the international community, including that of the French President, Emanuel Macron.
International reactions are multiplying on Thursday, February 24, as the scenario materialized that many chancelleries and observers considered probable: a Russian military intrusion into Ukraine. The international community condemned this intervention. Emmanuel Macron showed his support with his counterpart and the Ukrainian people on Twitter.
President Emmanuel Macron said on Twitter that France “strongly condemns Russia’s decision to wage war on Ukraine” and called on Moscow to “immediately end its military operations”. “France stands alongside the Ukrainians and acts with its partners and allies to end the war,” added the French president in another Tweet.
French President Emmanuel Macron expresses his support for the Ukrainian people
To the Ukrainian people, to President Zelensky, this evening, I reiterate our support, our attachment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. In economic and financial matters, in terms of defensive equipment, France will continue to provide its support.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 23, 2022
“Russia has chosen war. France condemns in the strongest terms the launching of these operations”, denounced the French ambassador to the UN, Nicolas de Rivière. This decision, “at the very moment when this Council is meeting, illustrates the contempt in which Russia holds international law and the United Nations”, he added. “We call on Russia to respect international humanitarian law in all circumstances, we call for the protection and respect of all civilians, including vulnerable people, women and children, and humanitarian personnel,” he said. also launched.
The American President, Joe Biden, denounced the “unjustified attack” of Russia against Ukraine. “President Putin has chosen (to launch) a premeditated war that will cause catastrophic human suffering and loss,” Joe Biden said in a statement. “Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction that this attack will cause,” he insisted, assuring that “the world would demand accountability from Russia”.
The conflict triggered by Russia in Ukraine “must stop now”, implored the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, after an emergency meeting of the Security Council. “President Putin, in the name of humanity, bring your troops back to Russia!”, launched the UN chief, visibly shaken by the announcement of a Russian military operation in Ukraine in the middle of the Council session of security. “This is the saddest moment of my tenure as Secretary General of the United Nations,” he added.
“We strongly condemn Russia’s unwarranted attack on Ukraine. In these dark hours, our hearts go out to Ukraine and its innocent women, men and children who face this unprovoked attack and fear for their lives,” said the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
The Kremlin will have to “account” and sanctions with “massive consequences” against Moscow will be examined, Thursday evening, during the summit of the Twenty-Seven with a view to “rapid adoption” after the attack against Ukraine, warned EU chiefs.
“EU leaders will discuss new restrictive measures which will have massive and severe consequences on Russia for its action, in close coordination with our transatlantic partners”, indicates the President of the Council Charles Michel, and the President of the Commission European Union, in a joint press release.
The Russian military operation is “a flagrant violation” of international law, denounced German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenbergcondemned Russia’s “reckless and unprovoked attack” on Ukraine, warning it was putting “countless” lives at risk.
“I strongly condemn Russia’s reckless and unprovoked attack on Ukraine, which puts countless civilian lives at risk. Once again, despite our repeated warnings and tireless diplomatic efforts, Russia has chose the path of aggression against a sovereign and independent country,” Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement.
“NATO Allies will come together to deal with the consequences of Russia’s aggressive actions. We stand with the people of Ukraine at this terrible time. NATO will do whatever it takes to protect and defend all allies,” he added.
Australia has announced a “second round” of sanctions against Russia, following its attack on Ukraine, paving the way for many countries to take further action against Moscow.
Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrisoncondemned the “illegal invasion” of Russia by announcing sanctions against four financial institutions and 25 people belonging to four entities in charge of the development and sale of military technologies and weapons.
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi called the Russian attack on Ukraine “unjustified and unjustifiable”, assuring that the European Union and NATO were working on an immediate response.
The Russian attack in Ukraine “shakes the foundations of the international order”, denounced the Japanese Prime Minister, Fumion Kishida.
Beijing has not condemned the Russian military ‘operation’, but the Chinese Foreign Ministry has called on ‘all parties to exercise restraint’, adding that Beijing ‘opposes any move that could escalate the war “. “Russian forces in Ukraine do not constitute an invasion as portrayed by some foreign media,” the Chinese foreign ministry added, however.
With AFP