Trudeau Says Russia's Attack On Ukraine Is The 'Greatest Threat To European Stability Since WWII'

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has spoken out in person for the first time since Russia launched an "unprovoked" attack on Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday, February 24.

In a press conference, Trudeau told reporters, "this morning, Ukrainians woke up to the brutal, terrifying reality of war."

The prime minister said that Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a "horrific, unprovoked" attack on Ukraine, including missile strikes in the capital city, Kyiv.

"He has needlessly put the lives of innocent people at risk, violated Russia's international treaties and launched the greatest threat to European stability since World War II."

"President Putin's brazen disregard for international law, democracy and human life are a massive threat to security and peace around the world," Trudeau said.

The message comes less than 24 hours after Russia's military vehicles began moving into Ukraine and significant explosions were reported in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa.

CBC News reports that the Russian military claimed to have taken out Ukraine's air defences, while Ukrainians fled and European authorities declared Ukrainian air space an active conflict zone.

Trudeau confirmed on Thursday afternoon that he had communicated with G7 partners, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and NATO, as well as other allies.

"Together, we have made clear that Russian violence, aggression and violation of international law will not go unpunished," he said, announcing a number of "severe" sanctions on Russia.

It was a message backed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland, who said, "Today we woke up to a changed world."

Like Trudeau, she called out Putin, specifically.

"Today, he cements his place in the ranks of the reviled European dictators who caused such carnage in the 20th century. The response by Canada and our allies will be swift and it will bite," said Freeland.

"This barbaric attack cannot and will not be allowed to succeed."

More to come