EU von der Leyen and UK Johnson "Condemn Russia's Attack on Ukraine... Will Hold Accountable"

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission (left), and Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom [Image source=EPA·Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] On the 24th (local time), as Russia launched a full-scale special military operation in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union (EU) Commission, and Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, strongly criticized Russia, stating they will "hold Russia accountable."

According to the daily newspaper The Guardian and others, President von der Leyen said on her Twitter that day, "I strongly condemn Russia's unjustifiable attack on Ukraine."

President von der Leyen emphasized, "In this dark time, we stand with Ukraine, which faces an unjust attack and fears for its life, along with innocent women, men, and children," adding, "We will hold the Kremlin (Russia) responsible."

EU leaders gathered in Brussels, Belgium, that afternoon for an emergency meeting regarding the Ukraine situation. Earlier, the EU announced sanctions against key Russian figures, including the Russian Minister of Defense and the Presidential Chief of Staff, imposing measures such as asset freezes.

UK Prime Minister Johnson also posted on social media immediately after news of Russia's attack on Ukraine broke, stating, "I spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the next steps." He emphasized, "President Putin has launched an unjust attack on Ukraine, choosing a path of bloodshed and destruction," and added, "The UK and its allies will respond firmly."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.