Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a “military operation” in Ukraine on Thursday, followed by explosions in several Ukrainian cities, sparked widespread reactions around the world. 20 Minutes takes stock for you.
In Ukraine
“Peaceful Ukrainian towns are being attacked. It is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend and win. The world can and must stop Putin. It’s time to act now,” the Ukrainian Foreign Minister tweeted. Dmytro Kouleba.
In the USA
US President Joe Biden has denounced Russia’s “unwarranted attack” on Ukraine. “President Putin has chosen (to launch) a premeditated war that will cause catastrophic human suffering and loss,” assured Joe Biden in a press release. “Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will cause,” he insisted, assuring that “the world would demand accountability from Russia.”
In France
“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.
“France strongly condemns Russia’s decision to go to war with Ukraine,” reacted Emmanuel Macron, calling on Moscow to “immediately put an end to its military operations”. “France stands in solidarity with Ukraine. It stands alongside the Ukrainians and works with its partners and allies to end the war,” added the head of state in two tweets.
Far-right presidential candidate Eric Zemmour “unreservedly condemns the Russian military intervention which began last night in Ukraine,” his team told AFP on Thursday morning.
In Germany
The Russian military operation is “a gross violation” of international law, denounced German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
UK
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday condemned the “horrible events in Ukraine”, saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin “chose the path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack”. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will chair a crisis meeting on Thursday morning to decide on the “response” to Russia’s “horrible attacks” on Ukraine, Downing Street announced.
In China
China said on Thursday that it was “closely following” the situation in Ukraine after Russia’s military intervention, refraining from condemning Moscow and calling for an escalation to be avoided. “We urge all parties to exercise restraint to prevent the situation from getting out of control,” Chinese diplomatic spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters, without condemning Russia.
In Spain
The head of the Spanish government, Pedro Sanchez, condemned this Thursday the Russian “aggression” in Ukraine and affirmed to be in contact with the other countries of the European Union and NATO to “coordinate” their response. “The government of Spain condemns Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the government and people of Ukraine,” Pedro Sanchez tweeted. I remain in close contact with our partners and our allies in the European Union and NATO to coordinate our response. »
Poland
The Polish government has asked NATO to activate article 4 of the Alliance treaty, which provides for consultations in the event of a threat to the security of one of the parties, following the Russian attack on the ‘Ukraine. Polish President Andrzej Duda called a meeting on Thursday morning with the government, military commanders and heads of various public services in this NATO country, a direct neighbor of Ukraine.
In Finland and Sweden
Finland and Sweden, non-NATO members, on Thursday condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine, denouncing separately “an attack on the European security order”. In Helsinki, an emergency meeting bringing together President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin was called in the morning.
On the side of NATO
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday condemned 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 chosen 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 Ukrainian people at this terrible time. NATO will do whatever it takes to protect and defend all allies,” he added.
On the side of the UN
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 head of the UN, visibly tested by the announcement of a Russian military operation in Ukraine in the middle of the Security Council session. “This is the saddest moment of my tenure as UN Secretary General,” he added.
On the side of the European Union
“We strongly condemn Russia’s unjustified attack on Ukraine. In these dark times, our thoughts are with Ukraine and its innocent women, men and children who are facing this unprovoked attack and fearing for their lives,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The Kremlin will be “accountable” and sanctions with “massive consequences” against Moscow will be examined Thursday evening at the summit of Twenty-Seven with a view to “rapid adoption” after the attack on Ukraine, warned EU leaders.
“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 Ursula von der Leyen, in a joint press release. The President of the Commission will present “a new package of sanctions” in the process of being finalized and which should “be adopted quickly”, specifies the press release.