13:00
Ukraine’s allies should enforce harsher sanctions against Russia, following the invasion and bombing of the country in the early hours of this morning, according to Kyiv’s Ambassador to Albania Volodymyr Shkurov.
During a press conference in Tirana, Shkurov said that Ukrainians will protect their country at all costs.
"We call for harsher sanctions against Russia. Until now, 10 civilians have died, but we don't have the full numbers yet."
"In addition to sanctions, we have requested weapons and financial support [from our allies]," he stated.
11:15 am
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the authorities will give weapons to anyone that wants to defend the country. “Be ready to support Ukraine in the squares of our cities,” he said on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1496785547594924032
11:12 am
Meanwhile Dymtro Kuleba, Ukraine’s Defence Minister said it is not just an invasion of the country’s East, but “a full-scale attack from multiple directions’. He said Ukrainian forces are fighting back and continues to defend itself.
https://twitter.com/DmytroKuleba/status/1496788635940581376
11:10 am
The President of North Macedonia has joined NATO’s call on Russia to end the military actions in Ukraine. He expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and announced he has convened the National Security Council to discuss the situation.
https://twitter.com/SPendarovski/status/1496784450453127170
11:00 am
Albanian Foreign Minister Olta Xhacka has also condemned the attack, noting it violates international order and the UN charter.
https://twitter.com/xhacka_olta/status/1496760901642637315
10:30 am
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has spoken strongly about this morning’s Russian invasion of Ukraine.
"Russia's attack on Ukraine dramatically puts the global community before its responsibilities. Ukrainian crisis tests many things: The limits of international law, the validity of treaties and the right of states to live freely. Many things are threatened: from geopolitical stability in Europe to the international energy balance" he said.
"As a member of the European Union and NATO, we are coordinating with our partners so that our response is not only common, but also matches the unprecedented Russian provocativeness. And, of course, we always keep our eyes on our compatriots, especially in the Mariupol region," the prime minister added.
10:15 am
MEP Viola von Crammon condemned the rhetoric of a ‘Ukraine Crisis’, calling it instead a “RUSSIAN WAR”.
https://twitter.com/ViolavonCramon/status/1496776481757962240
09:15 am
Albania's ambassador to the UN delivered a speech at the Security Council meeting regarding the attacks carried out by Russia in Ukraine. During an intervention in the urgent meeting, Ambassador Ferit Hoxha stated that Russia is brutally punishing its neighbors, while adding that Albania supports the sovereignty of Ukraine.
"Albania condemned the unprovoked aggression of Ukraine. Russia is brutally attacking its neighbor whom it wants to deny its existence, freedom, land and dignity. "Albania called on the UN to support Ukraine's sovereignty and its territorial integrity," he said.
9:00 am
“Russia has chosen war,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia said at a news conference, condemning the “brutal invasion” of Ukraine and denouncing Russia’s “unilateral hostile actions.” He promised to impose further economic sanctions.
8:30am
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has condemned the attack of ‘a free and sovereign country”. Calling it “barbaric” she said later today the EU would present a package of massive, targeted sanctions.
https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1496749941301121027
08:09
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama joins EU and NATO in condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
https://twitter.com/ediramaal/status/1496744001885585409
08:00
NATO has called an emergency meeting of the North Atlantic Council, scheduled for 8:30am to discuss Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The world woke up to the news that Russia has invaded the Ukraine, sending troops across the border, into port cities, and firing rockets and missiles in several cities, including the capital of Kyiv.
The invasion comes after weeks of desperate diplomatic attempts from the West, and just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin unilateral recognised the breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani reiterated the country’s support of Ukraine in the face of “Russia’s aggression.” She stated the country would stand with its allies to stop any destabilisation in our region, adding that “Russia’s hegemony will not succeed.”
https://twitter.com/VjosaOsmaniPRKS/status/1496734089096933382
The EU’s chief diplomat Josep Borrell strongly condemned the action in the face of an “unprovoked attack” and said the EU would “hold the Kremlin accountable”.
https://twitter.com/JosepBorrellF/status/1496712109744349184
Exit will bring updates as they come.
