World leaders condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin declared the start of a military operation in the early hours of Thursday local time.

Within hours leaders of the United Sates and Germany, as well as the United Kingdom, condemned the Kremlin’s attack.

Here are their statements and remarks.

U.S. President Joe BidenThe world will hold Russia responsible.

Tonight, Ukraine’s people are under an attack unprovoked by Russian military forces. We offer our prayers for their safety.

Putin has declared war on Russia, a deliberate and premeditated attack that will result in massive human suffering and loss of life. Russia is the only one responsible for this atrocity. The United States, its Allies, and Partners will all respond unitedly and decisively.

Russia is going to be accountable.

Boris Johnson, the U.K. Prime Minster: “Appalled at the terrible events in Ukraine.”

I am shocked by the terrible events taking place in Ukraine. President Zelenskyy has spoken with me to determine next steps. This unprovoked attack against Ukraine by President Putin is a route of destruction and bloodshed. The UK will respond swiftly, as well as our allies.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz: A “Dark Day For Europe”

Russian aggression on Ukraine constitutes a flagrant violation of international laws. This is a crime against international law. Germany strongly condemns the reckless actions of President Putin. Our solidarity goes out to Ukraine and its people.

Russia should immediately stop any military actions. Today’s coordination will be within the G7 framework, the NATO and the EU. It is an awful day for Ukraine, and it’s a sad day for Europe.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: “Grave breach of international law”

Russia’s unprovoked and reckless attack against Ukraine is a grave offense. It puts lives at stake. Russia chose to attack a sovereign country, in spite of our constant warnings and unrelenting efforts to engage diplomatically.

This is a grave breach of international law, and a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security. I call on Russia to cease its military action immediately and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. NATO Allies will gather to deal with the consequences of Russia’s aggressive actions. In this horrible time, we stand by the Ukrainian people. NATO will do all it takes to protect and defend all Allies. 

Canada Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau: Russia’s brazen actions will be punished

Canada asks Russia immediately to stop all provocative and hostile actions against Ukraine, and also withdraw any military or proxy forces. Respect for Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty and independence must be maintained. The Ukrainian people should be able to decide their future.

Russia’s actions are going to be punished severely …

… Canada will respond to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine by taking additional measures. Canada continues to support Ukraine’s people and Canadians living in Canada. Russia’s brazen actions will be punished.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba: “An attack on the world order.”

Heavy fighting is taking place right now, and I have already said that we would fight for our country.

We are calling on the US — on the West — to immediately implement heavy sanctions including immediate disconnection of Russia from the SWIFT [ Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications] system.

We require financial support and more heavy weaponry. We are calling for the fierce isolation of Russia — this is an attack on the world order.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: “An attack on democracy”

A strike on Ukraine would be an attack against democracy. I applaud @POTUS for his forceful leadership in imposing the first tranche of swift & severe sanctions to counter Russian aggression. The U.S. & our allies stand together in our unwavering support of the Ukrainian people.

Joint statement by European Council and European Commission: “We ask Russia to cease all hostilities immediately.”

Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine is condemned in all its severity. Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified military action against Ukraine is a gross violation of international law. It also undermines European security and stability. We regret the deaths and suffering of human beings.

We ask Russia to cease hostilities immediately, pull its troops from Ukraine, and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. This kind of coercion and force is not appropriate in 21st-century Russia. In this unique crisis Ukraine is facing, the EU is standing by Ukraine and its citizens.

Later today, the EU leaders will be meeting. The President Michel of Europe has summoned an emergency meeting of European Council leaders to address the crisis and discuss further restrictions. Russia will be subject to severe and serious consequences for its actions.

Ukraine’s people will be supported by the EU in all aspects of their political, economic and humanitarian needs.