On the afternoon of the 23rd (local time), U.S. President Biden criticized the Russian invasion of Ukraine as "an attack without just cause" and declared a decisive response with allies and partners.
"President (Vladimir) Putin has chosen a planned war that will result in fatal loss and suffering," President Biden said in a statement shortly after Russia conducted military operations in eastern Ukraine.
"Only Russia is responsible for the death and destruction that this attack will bring," he said.
He also said that "the whole world will hold Russia accountable."
"We will be monitoring the situation at the White House tonight and will continue to receive progress reports from the National Security Team," Biden said.
In a video conference with the leaders of the G7 countries on the morning of the 24th, President Biden said, "After this, the United States, its allies and partners will inflict on Russia for this unnecessary act of aggression against Ukraine and the world's peace and security. We will announce additional results.”
"We will work with the NATO alliance to ensure a strong and united response to deter any aggression against the alliance," he said.
"Tonight, the whole world prays for the people of Ukraine who are suffering from the unjust and baseless attacks of the Russian army," he said. "Jil Biden and I pray for the brave and proud people of Ukraine."
Earlier, President Putin declared that "Russia would conduct special military operations within Ukraine" and began military operations in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.
He insisted, however, that "Russia has no plans to occupy Ukraine."
However, as foreign media reports that an explosion presumed to be a missile attack was heard not only in the Donbas region but also in the capital Kiev, concerns are raised that it might be an all-out invasion.
(Photo = Getty Images Korea)