In a TV address to his nation, Boris Johnson stated that a “massive package of sanctions” will be imposed on Russia with the help of allies. They will be aimed to “hobble Russia’s economy.”
According to the British Prime Minister, with his invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has “chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction.” He also stated that the UK and its allies will respond “decisively” against this.
WATCH: My address to the nation on the situation in Ukraine. https://t.co/bLDpcnNaDy
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 24, 2022
This comes after Ukraine’s president invoked martial law in the country. Ukraine also broke diplomatic ties with Russia. Russia’s military stated it had targeted Ukrainian air bases and other military installations but not civilians.
Boris Johnson, shortly before 10 a.m., tweeted that the invasion of Ukraine is a “catastrophe for our continent.” He will speak with fellow G7 leaders and ask for an “urgent meeting” of NATO members as quickly as possible.
This is a catastrophe for our continent.
I will make an address to the nation this morning on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
I will also speak to fellow G7 leaders and I am calling for an urgent meeting of all NATO leaders as soon as possible.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 24, 2022
On the other side, Putin slammed the US and its allies for rejecting Russia’s demand that they keep Ukraine out of NATO and provide security assurances to Moscow. He stated that the Russian military action seeks to “demilitarise” Ukraine, adding that all Ukrainian personnel who lay down their guns would be able to leave the battle zone safely.
Shortly after Putin’s speech, explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, and explosions were also reported in the cities of Odesa and Kharkiv.
