TheCable

Joseph Borell, EU foreign policy chief, has described Russia’s attack on Ukraine as the “darkest hours for Europe” since World War II.

Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, had ordered a special military operation in Ukraine’s Donbas region on Thursday morning and asked Ukrainian troops to put down their arms.

Explosions were reportedly heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kramatorsk and in other parts of Ukraine.

The attacks were said to have targeted key infrastructure in the country.

The Russian president warned other countries that any attempt to interfere will lead to “consequences you have never seen”.

Reacting to the attack, Borell said: “These are among the darkest hours for Europe since the end of World War II.”

He promised “urgent assistance to Ukraine,” and to support evacuation effort.

He added that punitive measures from the 27-member bloc against Russia will be “the harshest packet of sanctions that has ever been implemented”.

Von der Leyen, EU commission president, said she will present “massive and strategic” sanctions against Russia for approval later today.

“We will freeze Russian assets in the European Union and stop the access of Russian banks to European financial markets,” Von der Leyen said.

“These sanctions are designed to take a heavy toll on the Kremlin’s interests and their ability to finance war. And we know that millions of Russians do not want war.

“We condemn this barbaric attack and the cynical arguments that are being used to justify it.

“We will not allow President Vladimir Putin to replace the rule of law, by the rule of force, and ruthlessness. Ukraine will prevail.”

‘DO NOT START A DEVASTATING WAR’ — UN PLEADS

The UN security council appealed to Putin to stop his troops from attacking Ukraine as the 15-member body met in New York.

“President Putin, stop your troops from attacking Ukraine, give peace a chance,” Antonio Guterres, UN secretary-general, appealed.

“In the name of humanity bring your troops back to Russia. In the name of humanity do not start in what may be the most devastating war since the start of the century.”

US, UK CONDEMN ATTACK

US President Joe Biden condemned the attacks, describing them as “unprovoked and unjustified”, adding that Putin has chosen a “premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering”.

Biden said the US and its allies — members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) — will “hold Russia accountable” and deliver a decisive response.

On his part, French President Emmanuel Macron asked Russia to “immediately” end the military operations in Ukraine.

“France strongly condemns Russia’s decision to wage war on Ukraine. Russia must end its military operations immediately,” Macron said in a tweet.

“France stands in solidarity with Ukraine. It stands with Ukrainians and is working with its partners and allies to end the war.”

‘UKRAINE MILITARY DOWNS FIVE RUSSIAN PLANES’

The Ukrainian military said it has shot down five Russian planes and a helicopter around Luhansk region, the east of the country.

“According to the Joint Forces Command, today February 24, in the area of the Joint Forces operation, five planes and a helicopter of the aggressors were shot down,” an army general reportedly said.