Early on Wednesday, Russia began bombing Ukraine’s military infrastructure and border guards in the Donbas region. Then this morning, Thursday 24th February, the attack advanced as Moscow’s military crossed the border. Soon “loud explosions” were heard in Ukraine’s capital, close to Boryspil international airport. Now the media is buzzing with the words “World War Three” as many countries respond with outrage while Russia threatens any who interfere.
Russia Denies Plans to Invade
Initially, Russia denied any plans to invade Ukraine. Despite the fact that its military forces had been amassing along the Ukraine border since March 2021. By December 2021, an estimated 100 000 Russian troops were stationed along the Ukraine border.
Then in January 2022, Russia and the USA met in Geneva with the goal of de-escalating tension. However, the USA argued that it would not adhere to Russia’s demands of security. All the while NATO (The North Atlantic Treaty Organization) put its troops on standby.
Russia claims that it is not aiming the attack at Ukraine but rather at the junta in Kiyv.
“We aren’t being aggressive against the Ukrainian people but against the junta that is in power in Kiyv”.
Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s ambassador to the UN
The Junta are said to be Ukrainian neo-Nazis, who have no respect for the Minsk accords put together to end the separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine. And Putin himself states that the Minsk agreements “no longer exist”. Since he believes that the Minsk agreements were “killed” by Kyiv long before Russia recognized separatists as independent.
International Condemnation
Many countries have condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine. While some are focusing on evacuating their own citizens, such as India and Hungary. Others, such as China and Qatar, are suggesting the world exercises caution and does everything it can to prevent a World War from breaking out.
“We call on all sides to exercise restraint to prevent the situation from getting out of control”.
Hua Chunying, spokesperson at China’s foreign ministry
While Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani urges resolution through “constructive dialogue and diplomatic means”.
Some countries, such as Moldova, are preparing to aid any refugees. President Maia Sandu said the neighbouring country of Moldova is ready to accept any people fleeing Ukraine.
The USA
President Joe Biden scolds Russia for an “unprovoked and unjustified attack” on Ukraine. And promises that the United States “will hold Russia accountable”.
The United Kingdom
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the next steps. He states, “President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction”.
Europe
Ursula von der Leyen, the chief of the EU’s Executive Commission, says that the attack is completely unjustified. And that Moscow will be held accountable. The leaders of the EU plan to “impose massive and severe consequences on Russia for its action”.
While French President Emmanuel Macron states, “France stands in solidarity with Ukraine. It stands by Ukrainians and is working with its partners and allies to end the war”.
And Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has also condemned the attack and said that Spain will work with allies to organise a response.
Germany
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine as a “blatant breach of international law” that “cannot be justified by anything”.
Poland
Is of one of the most disgusted by the act. As Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki tweets saying “We must immediately respond to Russia’s criminal aggression on Ukraine”.
Czech Republic
Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said that Russia’s “barbaric act of aggression” is “ unacceptable and in contradiction to international law”.
Japan
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida states, “This Russian invasion stands to put at risk the basic principle of international order that forbids one-sided action of force in an attempt to change the status quo. We strongly condemn Russia, and we will respond speedily in cooperation with the US and other Western nations”.
Emergency Meetings Held
Officials have called various emergency meetings across the globe in order to evaluate the situation. With any luck, the current predicament can be resolved in a manner that causes the least turmoil for the everyday citizens of the planet. And avoids any catastrophic events such as a possible World War Three. Although already there will be an unavoidable ripple effect from the bombing alone. Such how it may affect global fuel and energy prices.
