Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine drew worldwide condemnation.
Several international organizations took swift action to isolate and sanction Russia and to provide assistance to Ukraine. Here are some reactions:
Council of Europe
“This is a dark hour for Europe and everything it stands for.” — Marija Pejčinović Burić, secretary general of the Council of Europe.
Russian military attack against Ukraine flagrant violation of @coe Statute & @ECHR_CEDH. This is a dark hour for Europe & everything it stands for. My full statement https://t.co/SGwMS9YHGO 👇
— Marija Pejčinović Burić (@MarijaPBuric) February 24, 2022
On February 25, the Council of Europe suspended all representatives of Russia from participation in the pan-European rights body’s Committee of Ministers and its parliament.
European Commission
“Putin is trying to subjugate a friendly European country. He is trying to redraw the map of Europe by force. He must and he will fail.” — Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission.
These events mark the beginning of a new era.
Putin is trying to subjugate a friendly European country.
He is trying to redraw the map of Europe by force.
He must and he will fail. pic.twitter.com/ubVpcw0WNL
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 25, 2022
NATO
“The Kremlin’s aim is to re-establish its sphere of influence, rip up the global rules that have kept us all safe for decades, and subvert the values that we hold dear.” — NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
The Kremlin’s aim is to re-establish its sphere of influence, rip up the global rules that have kept us all safe for decades, and subvert the values that we hold dear@jensstoltenberg
📺 Full statement: https://t.co/EA9xya4BLf pic.twitter.com/VDTFEC9DCx
— NATO (@NATO) February 24, 2022
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
“Not only is it a grave breach of OSCE principles, more importantly, the lives of millions of people are put at grave risk.” — Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau and chairperson-in-office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
I strongly condemn Russia’s military action against Ukraine.
Not only is it a grave breach of OSCE principles, more importantly, the lives of millions of people are put at grave risk.
I urge Russia to stop all military action immediately and return to diplomacy.— Zbigniew Rau (@RauZbigniew) February 24, 2022
United Nations
“President Putin, in the name of humanity, bring your troops back to Russia.” — António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations.
Under the present circumstances, I must change my appeal:
President Putin, in the name of humanity, bring your troops back to Russia.
This conflict must stop now.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 24, 2022