Civilians fleeing Ukraine in face of Russian attack

Civilians were doing whatever they could Thursday to get out of Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s invasion of its neighbour late Wednesday night.

Media reports from Ukraine said people were leaving in cars and on buses and trains after their homeland was attacked by Russian forces from the east, north and south.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the start of the operation Wednesday night. The military subsequently reported it had targeted Ukrainian air bases and other military assets, but not populated areas.

According to the Associated Press, Putin’s announcement of the action included a warning to other countries that any attempt to interfere would lead to “consequences they have never seen.”

The Associated Press said the attack began as the United Nations Security Council was meeting in hopes of staving off an invasion. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres opened the emergency meeting, telling Putin: “Give peace a chance.”

Hours later, NATO’s Jens Stoltenberg noted it was too late, saying: “Peace on our continent has been shattered.”

World leaders including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden denounced the attack, with Biden saying the world will “hold Russia accountable.”

Canada condemns – in the strongest possible terms – Russia’s egregious attack on Ukraine. These unprovoked actions are a clear further violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and of Russia’s obligations under international law and the Charter of the UN.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 24, 2022

The prayers of the 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. https://t.co/Q7eUJ0CG3k

— President Biden (@POTUS) February 24, 2022

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.

— President Biden (@POTUS) February 24, 2022

A number of countries had levied sanctions against Russia and individuals in that country in hopes of stopping the attack, but that strategy wasn’t successful.

Canada’s foreign affairs minister, Melanie Joly, met with Russia’s ambassador to Canada on Thursday.

The minister’s office told The Canadian Press that Joly condemned “in the strongest possible terms Russia’s egregious attack on Ukraine.”

Premier Scott Moe weighed in with tweets on Thursday morning, condemning Russia’s actions and urging more sanctions.

Russia should be met with severe and immediate trade sanctions from nations across the world, including Canada. This must include immediately ending the import of Russian oil and natural gas.

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— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) February 24, 2022

More to come.

— With files from The Associated Press and The Canadian Press