The former prime minister of Ukraine has warned the Russian invasion could be the start of a third world war.
Oleksiy Honcharuk said the wide-ranging attack on Thursday morning marked a “critical moment” and argued a strong reaction was needed because Russian president Vladimir Putin “recognises only power.”
Read Also: “Who In The Lord’s Name Does Putin Think Gives Him The Right To Declare New So-called Countries On Territory That Belonged To His Neighbours?” – Biden Announces Sanctions On Russia Over Ukraine Invasion
Mr Honcharuk, who served as prime minister between 2019 and 2020, said: “It could be the start of a third world war. We should realise it, because Putin will not stop.”
He called for Nato to provide direct military support to Ukraine, warning economic sanctions were not enough.
He said he believes Moscow wants to undermine Ukraine’s democracy.
“Putin will destroy our country” or “install a puppet regime”, Mr Honcharuk said, adding that he and his friends were “ready to fight” on the streets to defend Ukraine.
Read Also: Biden Denounces ” Unprovoked And Unjustified” Attack As Putin Declares War With Full-scale Invasion Of Ukraine As Explosion Hit Major Cities
Mr Putin has warned other countries any attempt to interfere would lead to “consequences you have never seen”.
The first explosions were heard across Ukraine shortly after 5am, in cities including Kiev, Kharkiv and Odesa. A Ukrainian presidential adviser has said more than 40 soldiers have died and dozens more have been wounded.
Russian ground troops have crossed the Crimea border, and Putin has told Ukraine’s soldiers lay down their arms.
Meanwhile a former deputy supreme commander of Nato Europe has warned there is a possibility Britain could be at war with Russia in the future.
“We have to assume the worst,” General Sir Richard Sherriff told the Today programme. “This is not just Russia biting off a chunk of Ukraine… but a full-blown military offensive to occupy Ukraine.”
He added: “Absolutely there is a possibility that we as a nation will be at war with Russia. Because if Russia puts one boot step across Nato territory, we are all at war with Russia – every single member of the Nato alliance.”
Mr Putin has denied he plans to occupy the country, saying his goal was the “demilitarisation and denazification” of Ukraine. He said he wanted to protect civilians and end eight years of conflict involving pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country.
Photo Credit: Getty
