Several countries and international organizations have made statements on Russia's recognition of the separatist regions of eastern Ukraine as independent states.
UN Secretary António Guterres: Russia's decision "does not conform" to the principles of the UN Charter and violates Ukraine's sovereignty.
Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad: Supports Russia's decision and "will cooperate with them".
Iran's Foreign Ministry: Urging all parties to exercise restraint, while accusing "NATO, primarily the United States, of its interference and provocative actions" complicating the situation in the region.
Zhang Jun, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations: Called on all parties to exercise restraint and "seek a reasonable solution to each other's concerns."
Greenfield, Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations: The attack on Ukraine is an attack on every MEMBER state of the United Nations and the Charter of the United Nations — and it will have swift and severe consequences.
Turkey's Foreign Ministry: Russia's actions "clearly violate Ukraine's political unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity."
French Foreign Minister Le Dreyon: Russia's behavior will be sanctioned.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Borrell: The EU will not use comprehensive sanctions at this time, but will take measures against Putin's announcement.
British Prime Minister Johnson: If Russia invades Ukraine, a "very strong package of sanctions" will be imposed, and Putin's actions are "blatantly infringing" on Ukraine's sovereignty.
NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg said: Russia is continuing to plan a full-scale attack on Ukraine, calling on Russia to restrain itself from the precipice.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida: Russia's actions are "unacceptable," saying Japan is "following developments with grave concern."
Greece's foreign ministry said Russia's actions were "a clear violation of the principles of international law, the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the Minsk agreements."
German Foreign Minister Berbock: Russia "broke all its commitments to the international community" .
South Korea's Foreign Ministry: Expressed "grave concern" about the escalation of tensions and supported "the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine."
Overall, countries in the Western camp have condemned Russia without exception, while Countries such as Iran and Syria have expressed their support for Russia. Regardless of the reaction of the international community, this incident has become a fact that is difficult to reverse, and Putin is determined not to be swayed by international public opinion.
