President Joe Biden will marshal U.S. allies on Thursday in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as Europe faces maybe its biggest problem because the finish of World Warfare II.

The president stated in statements issued in a single day that he would meet with the leaders of the G7 - the group of the world's wealthiest democratic nations - and they'd be "imposing extreme sanctions on Russia."

Russian President Vladimir Putin licensed what he described as a "particular army operation" towards Ukraine late on Wednesday evening after the U.S. had warned for weeks that Russia was poised to invade the nation.

The U.S. and its allies have additionally warned that such an invasion could be a significant battle as round 150,000 to 190,000 Russian troops are amassed alongside Ukraine's borders.

A army offensive of that dimension hasn't taken place in Europe since World Warfare II.

U.Ok. Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned on Monday that Russia was making ready for "the most important conflict in Europe since 1945."

"Individuals want to grasp the sheer value in human life that would entail," the prime minister stated.

Ukraine has a inhabitants of round 44 million folks. Casualties had been reportedly within the tons of as of Thursday morning, with civilians bearing the brunt, although it is not identified what number of of these casualties are deaths.

The White Home issued a press release from Biden late on Wednesday evening condemning what he known as "an unprovoked and unjustified assault by Russian army forces" and pledging to work with U.S. allies to arrange a response.

"I'll meet with my G7 counterparts within the morning after which communicate to the American folks to announce the additional penalties america and our Allies and companions will impose on Russia for this useless act of aggression towards Ukraine and world peace and safety," Biden stated.

"We may even coordinate with our NATO Allies to make sure a powerful, united response that deters any aggression towards the Alliance," Biden's assertion added.

Biden stated in a subsequent assertion a couple of cellphone name with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksyy that "america and our Allies and companions will likely be imposing extreme sanctions on Russia."

Deputy Nationwide Safety Adviser Daleep Singh stated on February 18 that the U.S. had ready sanctions that will flip Russia into "a pariah to the worldwide group."

In an interview with NBC Information on Wednesday earlier than the invasion started, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated the U.S. would "reinforce NATO" if Russia invaded Ukraine whereas additionally "doubling down" on help to Kyiv.

"We are going to reassure all of our allies and companions, by positioning forces to the east amongst our companions and allies to ensure that they're protected," Blinken stated.

The Biden administration had already ordered extra U.S. troops to Japanese Europe in anticipation of a doable Russian assault on Ukraine, however the president has repeatedly stated U.S. troops won't be combating Russia and that the troop deployments are defensive.

Condemnation in Europe

A number of European governments condemned Russia's assault on Ukraine on Thursday and warned of penalties. An emergency assembly of European Union ambassadors was underway on Thursday morning.

The EU issued a press release on Thursday condemning Russia's actions and calling for the fast withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine.

"Russia bears full duty for this act of aggression and all of the destruction and lack of life it should trigger. Will probably be held accountable for its actions," the assertion stated.

The U.S. and EU are more likely to coordinate carefully on financial sanctions towards Russia, whereas Biden will search to have NATO international locations work collectively on the defensive response. A number of NATO members border Russia and Ukraine.

Newsweek has requested the Division of Protection for remark.

Biden at the National Prayer Breakfast
President Joe Biden addresses the Nationwide Prayer Breakfast on the U.S. Capitol on February 3, 2022, in Washington, DC. Biden will rally U.S. allies on Thursday in response to a Russian assault on Ukraine.Greg Nash-Pool/Getty Photographs