Former President George W. Bush has condemned Russia's assault on Ukraine, calling it the "gravest safety disaster on the European continent since World Conflict II."

"The American authorities and American folks should stand in solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian folks as they search freedom and the appropriate to decide on their very own future," Bush mentioned in a assertion. "We can not tolerate the authoritarian bullying and hazard that Putin poses." The previous president additionally referred to as the invasion "unprovoked" and "unjustified," echoing President Joe Biden's name for unity and accountability Wednesday evening.

After months of anticipation amid a Russian troop buildup on Ukraine's border, Russian President Vladimir Putin introduced a "particular navy operation" in Ukraine late Wednesday evening. He mentioned the transfer was geared toward supporting the pro-Russia separatist areas in Ukraine that he acknowledged as unbiased on Monday, an motion that some Western leaders anticipated he would use to justify a Ukrainian invasion.

In an announcement, Biden expressed solidarity with Ukraine's folks "as they endure an unprovoked and unjustified assault by Russian navy forces."

"President Putin has chosen a premeditated battle that may carry a catastrophic lack of life and human struggling. Russia alone is answerable for the loss of life and destruction this assault will carry, and america and its Allies and companions will reply in a united and decisive method," Biden mentioned. "The world will maintain Russia accountable."

Bush Condemns Russia Attack
Former President George W. Bush has condemned Russia's assault on Ukraine, saying it is going to "carry a catastrophic lack of life and human struggling." Above, Bush pauses as he speaks throughout a 9/11 commemoration on the Flight 93 Nationwide Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on September 11, 2021.Mandel Ngan/AFP by way of Getty Photographs

In one other assertion about his name with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksyy, Biden mentioned that Zelenksyy requested him "to name on the leaders of the world to talk out clearly towards President Putin's flagrant aggression, and to face with the folks of Ukraine."

Some world leaders are already heeding that decision.

In a nationwide deal with on Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron referred to as Russia's invasion "essentially the most severe assault on peace, on stability in Europe for many years."

Talking in entrance of the flags of Ukraine, France and the European Union, Macron mentioned that Putin didn't simply assault Ukraine "by selecting battle" but in addition tarnished the nation's "complete sovereignty." He promised sanctions towards Russia "commensurate with the aggression of which it's responsible."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has additionally vowed to impose sanctions towards Russia. In a televised deal with to the nation, he referred to as Putin a dictator and mentioned that "we can not and won't simply look away."

Replace 02/24/22, 10 a.m. ET: This story has been up to date with further data and background.