Ukraine: Joe Biden Promises ‘Severe Sanctions’ As Putin Chooses ‘Premeditated War’

President Joe Biden says the US and its allies will be imposing 'severe sanctions' in the wake of Russia's attacks on Ukraine.

The White House issued a statement earlier this morning, February 24, that said 'the prayers of the world' were with Ukraine following 'an unprovoked and unjustified attack'.

Reports of cruise missile strikes on Ukraine's military missile command centres and military headquarters in Kyiv emerged out of this morning on Kyiv, along with claims of troop movements in the country's southern port city of Odessa.

Ukraine's Interior Ministry also said that Russian army units have been crossing the border in Kharkiv.

US president Joe Biden has warned Russia away from Ukraine (Alamy)

Biden's statement, issued by the official presidential Twitter account, also said, 'President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering.

'Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way.

'The world will hold Russia accountable.'

Biden also confirmed he would be meeting with leaders from the G7 later this morning, and then will announce the 'further consequences' that the US and its allies will impose on Russia for its 'needless act of aggression against Ukraine and global peace and security'.

'We will also coordinate with our NATO Allies to ensure a strong, united response that deters any aggression against the Alliance,' it added.

Joe Biden (Alamy)

Biden also confirmed he had spoken to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and had 'briefed him on the steps we are taking to rally international condemnation, including tonight at the UN Security Council'.

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