Romania leaders on Thursday scrambled to respond to the deteriorating security situation after Russia ordered a military operation in neighboring Ukraine.
President Klaus Iohannis convened a meeting of the country’s top defense council Thursday in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He will also meet with the leaders of the two main parties in the governing coalition to discuss the situation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he unleashed an attack on Ukraine in a televised address early Thursday, drawing international condemnation.
„We condemn this barbaric attack,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
President Vladimir Putin is „bringing war back to Europe”, a move which targets „the whole of the international peace order”, she said.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg convened a meeting of NATO ambassadors to assess the invasion of Ukraine, which borders several NATO members.
Earlier, Stoltenberg had already condemned Russia’s invasion. “Despite our repeated warnings and tireless efforts to engage in diplomacy, Russia has chosen the path of aggression,” he said.
He also warned Moscow that the alliance will “do all it takes to protect and defend” NATO members.
He called the invasion a “grave breach of international law, and a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security. I call on Russia to cease its military action immediately.”
The 27-nation bloc has already issued sanctions on Russia for its recognition of breakaway republics in Ukraine earlier this week. EU leaders “will outline a further sanctions package.”
