Michelle Nichols, Humeyra Pamuk

UNITED NATIONS – On Wednesday, the United States and all other members of United Nations Security Council criticized Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine. The 15-member group met in New York to discuss ways to ease tensions that have been building for weeks.

Putin gave a message threatening war at exactly the time we gather in the Council seeking peace. He did so in complete disregard for this Council’s responsibility. U.S. Council members were informed by Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Ambassador to the United States.

Putin’s military operation in Eastern Ukraine was announced in an address broadcast on Russian state TV. This speech took place at the same moment as U.N. Security Council meeting began in New York. Russian forces launched missiles at several Ukrainian cities, and troops were landed on the country’s south coast.

Antonio Guterres, U.N. secretary-general, said that after the meeting the Council met it was his “saddest moment” over the past five years. He appealed to journalists: “President Putin. In the name of humanity bring you troops back home to Russia.”

He stated, “This war must be stopped now.”

Russia’s U.N. Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia advised the council during the meeting of Moscow’s decision, justifying it under Article51 of the U.N. Charter. Article 51 covers self-defense of individuals or groups against armed attacks by countries.

Britain’s U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward (NASDAQ) Russian aggression against Ukraine was described as unprovoked, and in no way justified by the United States.

French U.N. The French U.N. ambassador Nicolas de Riviere declared: “This announcement, made at the exact moment that the council was gathering, shows Russia’s contempt for international law as well as for the United Nations.”

Thomas-Greenfield stated that she will present a U.N. Security Council proposal on Thursday. De Riviere claimed it would condemn the “war conducted by Russia.” Although it is likely to be blocked by Russia, it offers Washington and the allies an opportunity to take on Moscow’s actions.

Diplomats stated that they expected the council to vote prior the end the week.

China’s U.N. stated that they believe the door to peaceful solutions to Ukraine is open. While violence in Ukraine escalated, Ambassador Zhang Jun addressed the Security Council.

Ukraine’s U.N. Ambassador Sergiy KYSLYTSYA stated Russia had just declared war against his country, and told Nebenzia that there was no purgatory available for war criminals. They will go to hell.

Nebenzia said: “We aren’t aggressive against Ukrainians, but against juntas that rule in Kyiv.”