Zelensky has urged Russian citizens to oppose war, while Putin says “No Other Way” to defend Russia
Today Russia moved into Ukraine with a five pronged attack from land, sea, air, cyber space and a sophisticated information war. In what could be a defining moment for modern warfare, the integrated attacks on Ukraine seem to target only its defense capabilities, leaving civilian areas largely unscathed.
In a pre-dawn TV statement, the President of Russia – Vladimir Putin said Russia did not plan to occupy Ukraine but said Moscow’s response would be instant if anyone tried to stop this. Post that statement, Russian army launched full-scale invasion.
Meanwhile, the President of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelensky talked to the President of United States (U.S.) – Joe Biden, Prime Minister of United Kingdom (U.K.) – Boris Johnson and Chancellor of Germany – Olaf Scholz and asked them to stop Putin.
Taking it to twitter, Zelensky tweeted,
Talked to @POTUS, @OlafScholz, @eucopresident, @AndrzejDuda, @BorisJohnson. Urge to stop Putin, war against 🇺🇦 & the world immediately! Building an anti-Putin coalition. Immediate sanctions, defense & financial support to 🇺🇦! Close the airspace! The world must force 🇷🇺 into peace
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 24, 2022
Talking about next steps, Biden tweeted,
President Zelenskyy reached out to me tonight and we just finished speaking. I condemned this unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces. I briefed him on the steps we are taking to rally international condemnation, including tonight at the UN Security Council.
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 24, 2022
He also said that Zelensky asked him to call on the world leaders of the world to speak out clearly against President Putin’s flagrant aggression and to stand with the people of Ukraine. Zelensky also urged the Russian citizens to oppose the war.
The first explosions were heard here in Kyiv shortly after 5:00 a.m. in the morning. Russia has carried out strikes on Ukraine’s military infrastructure and border guard units. It targeted military headquarters, airfields and military warehouses in Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv. There are also reports explosions and gunfire near main Boryspil Airport in the capital Kyiv.
Zelensky informed that Russia now has almost 200,000 troops and thousands of combat vehicles on Ukraine’s borders.
Johnson tweeted,
I am appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine and I have spoken to President Zelenskyy to discuss next steps.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 24, 2022
President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine.
The UK and our allies will respond decisively.
Condemning Russia’s invasion, the President of European Commission – Ursula von der Leyen tweeted,
We condemn Russia’s unprecedented military aggression against Ukraine.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 24, 2022
It must withdraw its military and fully respect Ukraine's territorial integrity.
The EU leaders will discuss and swiftly adopt further restrictive measures against Russia.
The EU stands with Ukraine.
Defending hi act, Putin said the military operation’s objective was to defend those people who had been subjected for eight years to genocide by the Kyiv regime. Putin also said that Moscow would seek demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine.
Kyiv and its Western allies have repeatedly rejected as absurd Mr Putin’s claims that Ukraine was being run by neo-Nazis, instead pointing that – unlike an authoritarian Russia – Ukraine was now a nation with growing democratic institutions.
The U.S. has called for an urgent resolution at the Security Council, which has been backed by the U.K., France and Ireland.
