Western leaders slam Russia on first anniversary of Ukraine war

Ukraine’s allies promise to face with Kyiv because the battle enters a second yr, whereas China treads a cautious line.

Supporters of Ukraine hold a minute of silence in front of the EU Parliament building on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion, in Brussels, Belgium February 24, 2023. REUTERS/Yves Herman
Supporters of Ukraine maintain a minute's silence in entrance of the European Parliament constructing on the primary anniversary of the Russian invasion, in Brussels, Belgium [Yves Herman/Reuters]

Western leaders are voicing their assist of Ukraine on the primary anniversary of the Russian invasion, the most important assault by one state in opposition to one other in Europe since World Struggle II.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: ‘2023 would be the yr of our victory!’

Zelenskyy pledged to push for victory in 2023 after what he referred to as “a yr of ache, sorrow, religion and the unity”.

“We all know that 2023 would be the yr of our victory!” he mentioned in a tweet.

US President Joe Biden: NATO ‘extra unified than ever earlier than’

Biden on Friday mentioned Russian President Vladimir Putin had “met the bravery of Ukraine and the iron will of countries all over the 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 embody extra rounds of ammunition and a wide range of small, high-tech drones, the Pentagon mentioned in an announcement.

America additionally slapped new sanctions on Russia and its allies, and extra export controls and tariffs aimed toward undermining Moscow’s capacity to wage conflict.

NATO: ‘Russia bears full duty’

In an announcement, NATO mentioned it was “resolute” in its assist of Ukraine.

“Russia bears full duty for this conflict, a blatant violation of worldwide regulation and the UN Constitution,” NATO mentioned. “Russia’s efforts to interrupt the resolve of the courageous individuals of Ukraine are failing.”

Moscow should “instantly” finish its “unlawful conflict” which is affecting international meals and vitality provides and reply for its “conflict crimes”, it added.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz: ‘Putin can finish this conflict’

Scholz mentioned Putin is not going to attain his goals in Ukraine.

“The sooner the Russian president realises that he is not going to attain his imperialistic objective, the larger the prospect that the conflict will finish quickly. Putin has it in his fingers. He can finish this conflict,” he mentioned.

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.

The Eiffel Tower is lit up in the national blue-and-yellow colours of Ukraine, to mark the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Paris, France.
The Eiffel Tower is lit up within the nationwide blue and yellow colors of Ukraine, to mark the primary anniversary of Russia’s invasion of the nation, in Paris, France, on February 23, 2023 [Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters]

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak: ‘We’ll proceed offering very important assets Ukraine wants’

Sunak mentioned: “We have now stood shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine from the outset. We’ll proceed offering the very 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 mentioned the internationally coordinated sanctions and commerce measures would goal plane elements, radio tools and digital parts.

It is going to additionally goal extra executives, together with these on the nuclear energy plant Rosatom and defence teams.

China’s international minister: ‘Battle and conflict profit nobody’

China – which has avoided condemning its ally Russia or referring to its intervention in its neighbour as an “invasion” – has a 12-point international ministry paper for a complete ceasefire and a gradual de-escalation in Ukraine.

“Battle and conflict 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 spiralling uncontrolled,” the ministry mentioned in its paper.

Putin has signalled he'll double down on the Ukraine battle, regardless of main battlefield defeats prior to now yr, and has raised the spectre of nuclear weapons.

China mentioned they should be prevented. “Nuclear weapons should not be used and nuclear wars should not be fought,” the international ministry mentioned. “We oppose improvement, use of organic and chemical weapons by any nation underneath any circumstances.”

Chinese language President Xi Jinping is predicted to ship a “peace speech” afterward Friday, through which he's more likely to urge peace whereas avoiding condemnation of Russia.

King Charles III: Ukrainians have proven ‘outstanding braveness’

King Charles III praised Ukraine’s “outstanding braveness and resilience” on the primary anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

“It has now been a yr that the individuals of Ukraine have suffered unimaginably from an unprovoked full-scale assault on their nation,” the British monarch mentioned in an announcement.

“They've proven really outstanding braveness and resilience within the face of such human tragedy,” he added.

UK King Charles and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
Britain’s King Charles III meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy throughout his first go to to the UK for the reason that Russian invasion of Ukraine at Buckingham Palace, London, on February 8, 2023 [Aaron Chown/Pool via Reuters]

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