Biden says US, allies will respond to 'unjustified' attack by Russia on Ukraine

 

WASHINGTON: The United States and its allies will respond in a united and decisive way to "an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces" on Ukraine, US President Joe Biden said after blasts were heard in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. 

"President (Vladimir) Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering," Biden said in a statement.

"Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring. The world will hold Russia accountable."

Biden said he would announce on Thursday further consequences to be imposed on Russia by the United States and its allies.

Putin announced a "military operation" in Ukraine on Thursday and called on soldiers there to lay down their arms, defying Western outrage and global appeals not to launch a war.

 Putin made a surprise statement on television to declare his intentions. 

"I have made the decision of a military operation," he said shortly before 0300 GMT in Moscow, as he vowed retaliation against anyone who interfered.

He also called on the Ukraine military to lay down its arms.

Several more explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, on Thursday, after an initial series of sounds similar to artillery fire, a Reuters witness reported.