ABC7, IDA DOMINGO

As Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an attack on Ukraine, leaders in the DMV are reacting.

Global leaders along with U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the invasion Thursday morning. They warned of severe sanctions to come for the attack.

Biden released the following statement in reaction to the invasion:

“The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces. 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.

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. Tonight, Jill and I are praying for the brave and proud people of Ukraine.”

NATO’s chief said the “brutal act of war” shattered peace on the European continent, as the U.S.-led alliance mobilized more troops to move toward eastern Europe.

Officials are reporting that at least 40 soldiers had been killed and dozens wounded.

Here’s how local leaders are reacting:

DC
Political Leaders:

The U.S. Ukrainian ambassador said the following:

“I am positive that we will be able to defend our country as all of our friends and allies will act together with us now. Act on sanctions, act on additional support and act on all of the assistance that our friends and allies can provide us with. We will defend our country and we will resist.”

Virginia
Political Leaders:

Governor Glenn Youngkin tweeted the following statement:

“Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is an assault on a sovereign nation and will have devastating consequences for Ukrainian citizens. This senseless, unprovoked attack undermines democracy worldwide and we must hold Russia accountable. And we pray for the Ukrainian people and for peace.”

Sen. Mark Warner said, “What is happening in Ukraine is a tragedy not only for Ukraine, but for the Russian people as well. They will pay a steep cost for Putin’s reckless ambition, in blood and in economic harm.”

Rep. Jennifer Wexton said her “heart is with the Ukrainian people as they endure senseless violence from Putin’s unprovoked & unjustified attack.”

Rep. Gerry Connolly said, “We stand by Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in the face of this naked aggression. We will hold the Russian regime accountable for the death, suffering and crimes it commits.”

“We must be united in condemning Putin’s war, an act of aggression that serves only the irrational self-interest of one man,” said Rep. Abigail Spanberger.

“Praying for the Ukrainian people tonight. America stands with Ukraine,” Rep. Don Beyer said.

Maryland
Political Leaders:

Gov. Larry Hogan tweeted the following:

“Putin’s unprovoked aggression demands a unified and resolute response from America and our allies.”

Sen. Ben Cardin said, “One person alone, Vladimir Putin, is responsible for the destruction and likely deaths that will occur from this unprovoked military incursion. He will be held accountable for these actions.”

Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger said, “Praying for the people of #Ukraine. We stand with them and with democracy. Putin must be held accountable for this atrocity.”

Sen. Chris Van Hollen said, “We stand by the people of Ukraine against Putin’s unprovoked aggression & must immediately rally our allies to deploy the full weight of punishing economic sanctions & arm the resistance. Putin must be made to rue the day he began this bloodletting.”

Organizations & Churches:

One of the leaders at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church tells 7News’ John Gonzalez that they are overwhelmed and busy trying to communicate with loved ones abroad. He said, “what happened this morning is devastating.” They have a sign outside that reads “Pray for Ukraine.”