UK condemns 'appalling' attack on Ukraine

LONDON

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson early Thursday said he was “appalled” by the start of Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine.

“I am appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine and I have spoken to President Zelenskyy to discuss next steps,” Johnson said following a phone call with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's president.

“President (Vladimir) Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine. The UK and our allies will respond decisively.”

After Putin announced what he called a “special military operation” early Thursday, explosions were reported in several Ukrainian provinces, including the capital Kyiv, and tanks reportedly crossed the border from Belarus.

The British government is convening a high-level security meeting early Thursday morning to discuss the latest developments.

Johnson and Zelenskyy spoke about the attacks taking place, and Johnson said “the West would not stand by as President Putin waged his campaign against the Ukrainian people.”

Johnson said he hoped “Ukraine could resist and that Ukraine and its people were in the thoughts of everyone in the United Kingdom people during this dark time.”

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “I strongly condemn the appalling, unprovoked attack President Putin has launched on the people of Ukraine.

“We stand with Ukraine and we will work with our international partners to respond to this terrible act of aggression.”

The intervention followed Putin on Monday recognizing two separatist-held enclaves in eastern Ukraine. The recognition drew international condemnation and announcements of tougher sanctions on Moscow.

Putin in recent months had amassed over 100,000 Russian troops around Ukraine, but repeatedly denied he had any intention of invading.