- In Ukraine, the reaction is anger and dismay because the Russian entry is a blatant violation of international law.
In practice, this means that Russia is entering and occupying part of Ukraine's territory, and that is almost unbelievably aggressive of Putin.
According to Bert Sundström, the Russian president's speech on Monday night, in which he acknowledged the separatist-controlled Ukrainian regions of Luhansk and Donetsk, was directly scandalous regarding the way he treated Ukraine.
Rejected Ukraine's right to exist
- He simply rejected Ukraine's right to exist as a state and as a people with its own language and culture.
It is almost inconceivable in their aggressiveness, but Ukraine is powerless - they can do nothing.
According to Bert Sundström, the Russian action means that there is no longer a possible peaceful solution to the conflict.
The country has had a military presence in the separatist areas for many years, but the occupation with the events of the last 24 hours becomes official.
"Showed the home audience"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj says he is counting on help from Western countries, but according to Bert Sundström, these are unprofitable hopes.
All he can count on is moral and financial support, some NATO forces will fight on Ukraine's side as this could mean full-scale war.
- My guess is that it's done now.
Putin has got what he wants - another part of Ukraine - and then it will stay there.
I do not think that Russia will go in with greater forces to take even more of Ukraine.
Putin has shown his home crowd that he has won against NATO and the West and then he does not have to risk the lives of thousands of Russian soldiers by moving on to, for example, Kiev.