The European Union and its individual countries expressed repudiation of Russian action on Ukrainian territory. “Unjustified” was the term most used in the messages of the leaders. Von der Leyen described the Russian attitude as “barbaric” and Josep Borrell warned that there will be “tougher than ever” sanctions. Meanwhile, the United States accused Vladimir Putin of “premeditating war”; France called for an extraordinary NATO summit; China remains neutral and calls to “remain calm”.
Russia’s invasion of Ukrainian territory unleashed an instant cataract of discursive responses from the different countries of the world and the most important organizations in the European region. The message adopted by the vast majority is similar: reject the Russian position, show solidarity with the people of Ukraine and warn that economic sanctions will be tightened.
Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO, was among the first international figures to issue his statement. In it he “strongly” condemned the “reckless” attack by Russian militias.
“This is a serious violation of international law and a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security,” he added. In addition, he notified that the bloc will meet shortly to handle alternatives to defuse the conflict.
On the other hand, the presidents of the European Union (EU) and the European Commission (EC) also gave their message. Ursula von der Leyen called Moscow’s reaction “unjustified” and inferred her fear for civilians.
“We condemn this barbaric attack and the cynical arguments used to justify it. Later today we will present a massive and targeted sanctions package,” he clarified. While Charles Michel, head of the European Council, said that these are “dark hours” for the Ukrainian people and warned that they will hold “the Kremlin to account”.
Josep Borrell, high community representative for Foreign Policy, declared that they are with Ukraine and urged the Russian head of state, Vladimir Putin, to “stop this senseless aggression.” Furthermore, he categorized this moment as “the darkest since World War II”.
Biden targeted the figure of Putin
The US president has held his Russian counterpart responsible for launching an “unprovoked and unwarranted” attack on Ukraine that will leave “catastrophic” losses. The US president referred to “a premeditated war.”
“Only Russia is responsible for the death and destruction this will bring. The United States, its allies and partners will respond in a united and determined manner,” Biden said in a brief statement.
Meanwhile, the group of Western countries allied to the United States also came out to establish positions through short letters from their leaders, who warned that they would meet to draw up sanctions and responses.
Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way.
The world will hold Russia accountable.
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 24, 2022
French President Emmanuel Macron offered his solidarity – via Twitter – with Ukraine while “strongly condemning the Russian decision to declare war” and urging Russia to “immediately end its military operations”.
Hours later, the French head of state made a public statement where he considered that this warlike advance is “a turning point in the history of Europe.” In addition, he assured that they will focus efforts on the security of French citizens who remain in Ukraine.
While he also foresaw that he will respond “without weakness, with serenity, cold blood, determination and unity” against Russian aggression.
For his part, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that Putin “brings suffering and destruction to his immediate neighbors and endangers the lives of countless innocents.” “There is no justification for this. I urge you to stop the attack immediately,” he wrote on social media.
Later, in an appearance in Berlin, he delved into these concepts and remarked that Russia is violating “flagrant international law.” “Putin has made a serious mistake with his war,” she closed.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the events “a catastrophe for the continent.” “President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine,” he elaborated. He also advised that he will speak with the other G7 leaders.
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi issued a statement to the media calling the Russian invasion “unjustified and unjustifiable.” “Italy is close to the Ukrainian people and institutions at this dramatic moment,” he said.
Finally, the Canadian Justin Trudeau condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the attack, which he called “appalling”. “These unprovoked actions are a further clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and of Russia’s obligations under international law and the UN Charter,” he defined.
The European bloc backed Ukraine
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo also joined the international condemnation of Russia. The Belgian liberal official, through his Twitter account, asserted that these are “dark” hours similar to those of the Second World War. “Our hearts and minds go out to the people of Ukraine,” he closed it.
Meanwhile, the president of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, spoke out, saying he was in “close contact with the allies of the European Union and NATO.” “The unjustifiable Russian attack on Ukraine is a flagrant violation of international law. We condemn this aggression and call for its cessation,” he signed.
The Government of Spain condemns Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the Government and the Ukrainian people.
I remain in close contact with our partners and allies in the European Union and @BORN to coordinate our response.– Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) February 24, 2022
Mark Rutte – Prime Minister of the Netherlands – cataloged these actions as “unprecedented” at the same time that he demanded harsh sanctions against Moscow. At a press conference held in The Hague, the official insisted that the invasion is “unbecoming among civilized states.” “There is no justification for this act, which poses a threat to the stability of Europe and the entire world,” he concluded.
Even the countries of the past in the orbit of Moscow such as Serbia, Lithuania, Albania and Georgia spoke out against Russia. Also Croatia, which maintains an internship between the pro-Russian president and the prime minister with favoritism for the West, sent its support to Ukraine.
The Nordic countries agreed that a “strong reaction” to this “violation of international law” is necessary. Sweden even promised to work on direct support measures for Kiev.
China asked to “stay calm” and understood Russia’s motivations
The spokeswoman for Foreign Affairs, Hua Chunying, at a press conference requested calm to “prevent the situation from getting out of control.” Hours earlier, on the same note, Ambassador Zhang Jun had told the United Nations that his country considers that “the door to a peaceful solution has not been completely closed.”
Safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states has always been China’s position, the ambassador said. However, he did not explicitly repudiate Russia’s attack on Ukrainian soil.
Chunying and local media stressed that this Russian reaction is a response to being “dissatisfied” after they did not respond to, according to China, “legitimate security concerns”.
In addition, he attacked the United States and questioned its participation in this crisis. “They ask me using the word ‘invasion’ to define the situation. What word did they use when the United States decided unilaterally and without support from the United Nations to tie down Afghanistan and Iraq?” she alleged.
However, the position of the Chinese Government was not transferred to the entire Asian continent. For instance, Japan decidedly came out to renege on Russia’s advances. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida accused Moscow of “using force” to change the established order and “shake the foundations of the international order.”
He also warned that Tokyo will react with “coordinated measures” with the international community. The Japanese were among the countries that first sanctioned Russia for validating the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions.
He warned that Japan will freeze funds and lower visas in the Ukrainian separatist territories, to whom it will subject a trade embargo and will block Russian sovereign debt issues in national markets.
Other nations, such as India, remain on the sidelines and refrained from taking a stand. “We are closely watching the changing situation. The focus of attention is the safety of the Indians, especially the students. The Foreign Ministry control room is being expanded and made operational 24 hours a day,” the Indian authorities said in a statement.
with EFE