3:32 p.m. ET, Feb. 24, 2023
Officials share messages of support a year after Russia’s invasion
CNN staff
It’s been a year since Russia invaded Ukraine, and officials around the world weigh in.
Here’s what some had to say:
Jill Biden. The US first lady told reporters on Friday that she is always thinking about Ukrainians.
“I just wanted to say on Ukraine’s one year anniversary that not a day goes by that I don’t think about President Zelensky, Olena, their family and all the people in Ukraine and what they are going through and how difficult they are. fight to keep their freedom,” Biden said.
King Charles III. King Charles III assured that “the United Kingdom, together with its allies, is doing everything possible to help at this most difficult time.”
“I can only hope that the outpouring of solidarity from around the world will bring not only practical help, but strength in the knowledge that we are united together,” His Majesty said in a statement Friday.
Merrick Garland. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department “will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian and international partners in defense of justice and the rule of law.”
He vowed to investigate Russian crimes, prosecute alleged war criminals found in the US, “carry out seizures against sanctioned Kremlin and Russian military facilitators” and turn over certain seized Russian oligarch assets.
“Today, the Justice Department reiterates its determination to stand with our Ukrainian partners in the pursuit of justice,” Garland said in the statement.
Anthony Blink. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken rolled out more sanctions, visa restrictions and additional tariffs on Russia on Friday
“The United States continues to rally the world to support Ukraine,” Blinken said. “Our actions today are even more powerful because we are carrying them out in coordination with G7 partners, demonstrating our continued unity in ensuring that Russia bears the cost of its brutal war. Ukraine is a symbol of freedom for all of us The United States will remain standing with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
G7 leaders. G7 leaders reaffirmed their support in a statement Friday, calling for an end to “Russian aggression”.
The leaders call the war “an attack on the fundamental principles of sovereignty of nations, territorial integrity of states and respect for human rights”, calling Russian President Vladimir Putin’s nuclear rhetoric “irresponsible” and “unacceptable”, saying they ” be united”. in our determination to hold President Putin and those responsible accountable, in accordance with international law.”
“A year after the invasion of Russia, the United States continues to proudly stand with Ukraine,” she said.
“I wish you strength. I wish you courage. I wish you success. And I wish you victory,” he wrote.