World Will Hold Russia Accountable, Says Biden As Putin Orders Military Operations In Donbas
Washington, Feb 24: US President Joe Biden on Thursday accused Russia of choosing “a premeditated war” after President Vladimir Putin ordered a military operation in eastern Ukraine. Biden also said the US and its allies “will respond in a united and decisive way” and the “world will hold Russia accountable”.
In a statement, Biden said he will be monitoring the situation and tomorrow he will meet with his G7 counterparts and also address the US people “to announce the further consequences” to be imposed Russia for the “needless act of aggression”. The statement read: “The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces.
“President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. “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. “I will be monitoring the situation from the White House this evening and will continue to get regular updates from my national security team.
“Tomorrow, I will meet with my G7 counterparts in the morning and then speak to the American people to announce the further consequences the United States and our Allies and partners will impose on Russia for this needless act of aggression against Ukraine and global peace and security. “We will also coordinate with our NATO Allies to ensure a strong, united response that deters any aggression against the Alliance. Tonight, Jill and I are praying for the brave and proud people of Ukraine.” The White House statement came as Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow will conduct a military operation in eastern Ukraine, claiming it’s intended to protect civilians.
In a televised address, Putin said the action comes in response to threats coming from Ukraine. He warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen”. Putin also said Russia doesn’t have a goal to occupy Ukraine, and that the responsibility for bloodshed lies with the Ukrainian “regime”. He accused the US and its allies of ignoring Russia’s demand to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and offer Moscow security guarantees. Meanwhile, explosions were heard in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, in the morning.
