Condemnation, sanctions and indifference: How different countries have reacted to Russia's invasion of Ukraine
A damaged residential building is seen, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 25, 2022. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
SINGAPORE — Countries around the world are calling for Russia to cease its attacks on Ukraine, with some levying heavy sanctions and other restrictions on Moscow, after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised a military operation on its neighbour on Thursday (Feb 24).
Tensions had been rising between Russia and Ukraine over the past few months.
Shortly after Mr Putin's announcement of the military operation, explosions were heard near major Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv.
Here is how some countries have reacted:
THE UNITED STATES
President Joe Biden has slammed Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine. In a speech delivered at the White House on Thursday, he said: "Putin's actions betray a sinister vision for the future of our world, one where nations take what they want by force."
He also announced sanctions on Russia’s leading banks, Sberbank and VTB, and "Russian elites", which include Alexander Vedyakhin, the first deputy chairman of the executive board of Sberbank.
"We will limit Russia's ability to do business in dollars, euros, pounds and yen to be part of the global economy, we're going to limit their ability to do that," he said.
“Putin is the aggressor. Putin chose this war. And now he and his country will bear the consequences,” the US president said.
THE UNITED KINGDOM
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also announced a slew of sanctions “designed in time to hobble the Russian economy”.
These include freezing of Russian bank assets and excluding them from the UK financial system, suspension of dual-use export licences and stopping exports of high-tech items to Russia.
The UK will also ban Aeroflot, Russia’s flagship airline, from landing in the country.
"This hideous and barbarous venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure," the prime minister said.
GERMANY
“This is a terrible day for Ukraine and a dark day for Europe,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said.
The country has suspended the US$11 billion (S$14.8 billion) Nord Stream 2 Pipeline project, a 1,200km underwater pipeline running across the Baltic Sea that will deliver natural gas from Russia to Germany.
CHINA
Speaking at a news briefing in Beijing on Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying refused to condemn Russia’s attack on Ukraine and instead blamed the US for “escalating tension and hyping up war”.
She said the issue has complex historical background and reasons, and called on all parties to exercise restraint to prevent the situation from getting out of control.
AUSTRALIA
Prime Minister Scott Morrison condemned Russia’s decision, saying that it has launched a “brutal invasion” and called on the Russian government to withdraw and “return Ukraine to a peaceful situation”.
Australia will be expanding financial sanctions to an additional 25 people, including army commanders, deputy defence ministers and Russian mercenaries “who have been responsible for the unprovoked and unacceptable aggression”.
It has also added four military technology companies and four financial institutions to its sanctions list.
Mr Morrison also criticised China’s decision to ease trade restrictions with Moscow during this period.
"You don't go and throw a lifeline to Russia in the middle of a period when they are invading another country. That is simply unacceptable," he said.
JAPAN
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that Japan “strongly condemns” Russia and the invasion “stands to put at risk the basic principle of international order that forbids one-sided action of force in an attempt to change the status quo”.
“We will respond speedily in cooperation with the US and other Western nations,” he added.
FRANCE
President Emmanuel Macron said that France "will respond without weakness to this act of war, with calm, determination and unity".
He added that the events were a "turning point in the history of Europe and our country" that would have "deep and lasting consequences for our lives".
"By going back on his word and refusing the diplomatic path and choosing war, President Putin not only decided to attack Ukraine, he decided to tarnish the whole sovereignty of Ukraine," said Mr Macron.
SINGAPORE
On Thursday, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Singapore is “gravely concerned” by news of Russia’s invasion and “strongly condemns any unprovoked invasion of a sovereign country under any pretext”.
“We reiterate that the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine must be respected.
“We hope military actions will cease immediately and urge a peaceful settlement of the dispute, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law,” the spokesperson said.
