Western leaders are voicing their assist of Ukraine on the primary anniversary of the Russian invasionthe largest assault by one state in opposition to one other in Europe since World Conflict II.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: ‘2023 would be the 12 months of our victory!’
Zelenskyy pledged to push for victory in 2023 after what he referred to as “a 12 months of ache, sorrow, religion and the unity”.
“We all know that 2023 would be the 12 months of our victory!” he stated in a tweet.
US President Joe Biden: NATO extra unified than ever earlier than
Biden on Friday stated Russian President Vladimir Putin had “met the bravery of Ukraine and the iron will of countries in every single place”.
He added that NATO was “stronger and extra unified than ever earlier than” regardless of Moscow’s makes an attempt to “fracture and divide” the alliance.
In the meantime, Washington introduced a brand new $2bn bundle of long-term safety help for Ukraine. The help will embrace extra rounds of ammunition and a wide range of small, high-tech drones, the Pentagon stated in a press release.
The US additionally slapped new sanctions on Russia and its allies, and extra export controls and tariffs geared toward undermining Moscow’s capacity to wage struggle.
NATO: ‘Russia bears full accountability’
In a press release, NATO stated it was “resolute” in its assist of Ukraine.
“Russia bears full accountability for this struggle, a blatant violation of worldwide regulation and the UN Constitution,” NATO stated. “Russia’s efforts to interrupt the resolve of the courageous folks of Ukraine are failing.”
Moscow should “instantly” finish its “unlawful struggle” which is affecting international meals and power provides and reply for its “struggle crimes”, it added.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz: ‘Putin can finish this struggle’
Scholz stated Putin won’t attain his goals in Ukraine.
“The sooner the Russian president realizes that he won’t attain his imperialistic aim, the larger the possibility that the struggle will finish quickly. Putin has it in his palms. He can finish this struggle,” he stated.
French President Emmanuel Macron: ‘France stands by your facet’
Macron reiterated France’s assist for Ukraine.
“Folks of Ukraine, France stands by your facet. To solidarity. To victory. To peace”, he tweeted, first in Ukrainian, then French and lastly English.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak: ‘We’ll proceed offering important assets Ukraine wants’
Sunak stated: “We now have stood shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine from the outset. We’ll proceed offering the important assets Ukraine wants for so long as it takes.”
Britain additionally loaded extra sanctions in opposition to Russia, together with export bans on each merchandise it has used on the battlefield.
The International Workplace stated the internationally coordinated sanctions and commerce measures would goal plane components, radio gear and digital parts.
It’s going to additionally goal extra executives, together with these on the nuclear energy plant Rosatom and protection teams.
China’s overseas minister: ‘Battle and struggle profit nobody’
China – which has shunned condemning its ally Russia or referring to its intervention in its neighbor as an “invasion” – has a 12-point overseas ministry paper for a complete ceasefire and a gradual de-escalation in Ukraine.
“Battle and struggle profit nobody. All events should keep rational and train restraint, keep away from fanning the flames and aggravating tensions, and stop the disaster from deteriorating additional and even spiraling uncontrolled,” the ministry stated in its paper.
Putin has signaled he’ll double down on the Ukraine battle, regardless of main battlefield defeats up to now 12 months, and has raised the specter of nuclear weapons,
China stated they have to be prevented. “Nuclear weapons should not be used and nuclear wars should not be fought,” the overseas ministry stated. “We oppose the event, use of organic and chemical weapons by any nation beneath any circumstances.”
Chinese language President Xi Jinping is predicted to ship a “peace speech” in a while Friday, by which he’s more likely to urge peace whereas avoiding condemnation of Russia.
King Charles III: Ukrainians have proven ‘exceptional braveness’
King Charles III praised Ukraine’s “exceptional braveness and resilience” on the primary anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
“It has now been a 12 months that the folks of Ukraine have suffered unimaginably from an unprovoked full-scale assault on their nation,” the British monarch stated in a press release.
“They’ve proven really exceptional braveness and resilience within the face of such human tragedy,” he added.
