Nicola Sturgeon says the Kremlin “must face the severest consequences” for the “unprovoked aggression” in Ukraine, as Boris Johnson holds an emergency Cobra meeting.
Russian forces have launched a major military assault on Ukraine.
In the early hours of this morning Russian President Vladimir Putin made a televised statement where he stated Moscow’s response would be “instant” if anyone tried to stop the military operation.
Attacks have been reported on Ukrainian military targets and infrastructure.
The first minister has now called on the world to stand with the people of Ukraine.
FM stands with the people of Ukraine
Ms Sturgeon tweeted: “Overnight developments in Ukraine – however anticipated – are appalling and horrific.
“The Kremlin must face the severest consequences for this unprovoked aggression.
🇺🇦 Overnight developments in Ukraine – however anticipated – are appalling and horrific. The Kremlin must face the severest consequences for this unprovoked aggression. And the world must stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine #StandWithUkraine
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) February 24, 2022
“And the world must stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”
The first minister and External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson lodged a motion for the Scottish Government to give “unqualified support” to Ukraine in Holyrood on Thursday 24 February.
Here is the Scottish Government motion lodged in @ScotParl by First Minister @NicolaSturgeon and External Affairs Secretary @AngusRobertson, giving unqualified support for Ukrainian sovereignty. It will be debated in the parliament chamber tomorrow 🏴🤝🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/DKmslWmfJD
— Stewart McDonald MP (@StewartMcDonald) February 23, 2022
Boris Johnson chaired an urgent Cobra meeting, a committee which meets to discuss matters of national emergency or major disruption, where he called on world leaders to meet and plan a response.
Afterwards, he said the Russian invasion of Ukraine is a “catastrophe for our continent”.
Boris Johnson made an address to the people of the UK were he said the “hideous and barbaric venture” of Vladimir Putin “must end in failure”.
He said: “It’s because we’ve been so alarmed in recent months at Russian intimidation that the UK became one of the first countries in Europe to send defensive weaponry to help the Ukrainians.
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.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 24, 2022
“Other allies have now done the same and we will do what more we can in the days ahead.
“Today, in concert with our allies we will agree a massive package of economic sanctions designed in time to hobble the Russian economy.
“And to that end, we must also collectively cease the dependence on Russian oil and gas that for too long has given Putin his grip on western politics.
“Our mission is clear – diplomatically, politically, economically and eventually militarily, this hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure.”
He added: “I say to the Ukrainians in this moment of agony, we are with you.
“We are praying for you and your families, and we are on your side.
“If the months ahead are grim and the flame of freedom burns low, I know that it will blaze bright again in Ukraine.
“For all his bombs and tanks and missiles, I don’t believe the Russian dictator will ever subdue the national feeling of the Ukrainians and their passionate belief that their country should be free.”
Action is a ‘full scale invasion’
Ukraine’s president has declared martial law and urged citizens not to panic as Russia launched military strikes on the country.
The country’s foreign minister has also called it a “full scale invasion”.
A number of people have already died in Russian bomb attacks, and Ukrainian armed forces have shot down Russian planes and a helicopter – although Russia denies this.
Ukraine’s border guard agency said Russian troops unleashed an artillery barrage as part of an attack backed by Belarus and Ukrainian border guards were firing back.
Russia’s military said it had targeted Ukrainian air bases and airports, including Kyiv International Airport, but had not targeted populated areas.
Explosions have been heard in the capital Kyiv and in Odesa and Kharkiv.
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, said Russia has launched a “full-scale invasion of Ukraine” and said Ukraine would defend itself against Russian aggression “and will win”.
Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now.
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) February 24, 2022
He said: “Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes.
“This is a war of aggression.
“Ukraine will defend itself and will win.
“The world can and must stop Putin.
“The time to act is now.”
Russian warning to other countries
Anticipating international condemnation and countermeasures, President Putin issued a warning to other countries not to get involved, and said: “Whoever tries to impede us, let alone create threats for our country and its people, must know that the Russian response will be immediate and lead to the consequences you have never seen in history.”
He also urged Ukrainian servicemen to “immediately put down arms and go home”.
Ukraine’s ambassador at the United Nations has also told the security council that President Putin has “declared war on Ukraine” and pressed his Russian counterpart to state that Russia will not shell and bomb Ukrainian cities.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Russia’s attack on Ukraine was “the saddest moment” of his five-year tenure.
He said: “In the name of humanity do not allow to start in Europe what could be the worst war since the beginning of the century, with consequences not only devastating for Ukraine, not only tragic for the Russian Federation, but with an impact we cannot even foresee in relation to the consequences for the global economy.
“What is clear for me is that this war doesn’t make any sense.”
Follow all of the latest in Ukraine here.
UK to respond ‘decisively’ to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, says Boris Johnson