Russia Declares War On Ukraine, World Leaders React

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia will conduct “a special military operation” to “demilitarize” Ukraine, de facto declaring a war on Ukraine.

In a televised announcement that aired just before 5 a.m. Kyiv time, Putin said that NATO was threatening the existence of Russia and that to protect it, he is sending the Russian military into Ukraine.

The declaration comes days after Russia recognized its enclaves in eastern Ukraine’s Luhansk Oblast and Donetsk Oblast as independent states on Feb. 21. Russia has been occupying territories in eastern Ukraine and the peninsula of Crimea since 2014.

Following the “recognition,” the Kremlin-installed leaders of the occupied areas of eastern Ukraine requested that Russia provides military protection from the supposed attack of the Ukrainian army, of which there has been no evidence.

Responding to their address, Putin announced the beginning of the “special military operation.”

Various world leaders have however condemned the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

The President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, in a statement on Wednesday, described Russia’s action as an “unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine”.

According to Biden, “the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable.”

On his part, United Kingdom Prime Minister, Borris Johnson said, “I am appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine and I have spoken to President Zelenskyy to discuss next steps.

“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.”