WASHINGTON: US president Joe Biden has condemned his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin’s declaration of war on Ukraine. Russia’s attack against Ukraine is unprovoked and unjustified. President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering, he said.

The US has said that it will retaliate strongly against the invasion. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the US and its allies will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable, said Biden.

‘I will be monitoring the situation from the White House this evening and will continue to get regular updates from my national security team. Tomorrow, I will meet with my G7 counterparts in the morning and then speak to the American people to announce the further consequences the United States and our Allies and partners will impose on Russia for this 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’, the president said in his statement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had announced military operation in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region. He warned that they were ready for anything and those who interfere will face consequences they have never seen.

Putin had also called on the Ukraine military to lay down its arms. Russia does not approve of Ukraine’s involvement in the expansion of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Russia’s move is aimed at self-defense and for countering threats, he said.