Ten Things You Need to Know Today: 14 July 2022 | The Week UK

Westwood faces new abuse claim

Tim Westwood is facing allegations from a woman who said he first had sex with her when she was 14. The woman said the DJ was in his 30s at the time and describes him as a “predator”. In April, a number of women accused the former Radio 1 DJ of predatory and unwanted sexual behaviour and touching, in incidents between 1992 and 2017. The women, who are all black, also accused him of abusing his position in the music industry. Westwood has strenuously denied the previous allegations, but has yet to comment on the new claims.

Biden warns Russia, adds massive sanctions over invasion into ...

'Putin chose this war,' President Joe Biden said on Thursday afternoon.

Ukraine says Russian troops have taken control of Chernobyl nuclear site.

Clinton, Bush condemn Putin's actions against Ukraine.

Editor's note: This page reflects the Russian invasion into Ukraine on Thursday, Feb. 24. Follow the latest news and updates as Russia's military pushes further into Ukraine on Friday, Feb. 25.

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President Joe Biden unveiled a new raft of economic sanctions against Moscow Thursday as part of an international rallying cry to respond to Russia's ongoing assault on Ukraine.

"(Vladimir) Putin is the aggressor. Putin chose this war. And now he and his country will bear the consequences," Biden said in remarks at the White House.

The U.S. and western allies will block the assets of four of Russia's largest banks – in addition to U.S. sanctions on two financial institutions earlier this week – and impose sanctions on Russian elites and new export controls. The latest measures also targeted Belarus' defense and security industries along with 24 Belarusian individuals and entities for the country's role in the attack on Ukraine.

Biden said the new economic measures would "limit Russia's ability to do business in dollars, euros, pounds and yen to be part of the global economy."

The president also announced the U.S. would deploy additional forces to Germany to help bolster the NATO alliance along the eastern flank. Following Biden's remarks, the Pentagon the ordered 7,000 more troops to Europe.

Why is Russia invading Ukraine?:Could it be the start of WWIII? Here's what we know

Financial fallout:Stock markets, energy prices shaken by Russian attack

“This aggression cannot go unanswered,” Biden said. “America stands up to bullies. We stand up for freedom.”

But the president stopped short of blocking Russian financial institutions' access to SWIFT, the global financial system which ties together banks across the world. Biden insisted the latest measures "exceed SWIFT" and suggested it was a move that European allies were hesitant to make.

The president said additional Russian oligarchs and their families would face new sanctions but he declined to say why he has yet to sanction Putin personally, only adding that "it's on the table."

Biden also issued a chilling warning that he believes Putin "has much larger ambitions" that extend beyond Ukraine's borders.

Transcript of Biden's speech:President Joe Biden addresses Russia's 'brutal assault' on Ukraine

"He wants to, in fact, re-establish the former Soviet Union," Biden said. "His ambitions are completely contrary to the place where the rest of the world has arrived."

Russia's military operation has the goal of overtaking the Ukrainian government and installing a Kremlin-backed one, according to a senior U.S. military official who was not authorized to speak publicly.

Here's what to know about the attack on Ukraine:

WHEN DID THE INVASION START? At roughly 9:30 p.m. ET (4:30 a.m. in Ukraine), Russian forces began a military operation in eastern Ukraine.

At roughly 9:30 p.m. ET (4:30 a.m. in Ukraine), Russian forces began a military operation in eastern Ukraine. WHERE IS THE FIGHTING? Ukraine’s military chief says Ukrainian troops are fighting the Russian army in in the north and the south.

Ukraine’s military chief says Ukrainian troops are fighting the Russian army in in the north and the south. WHAT HAS RUSSIA'S IMPACT BEEN? A Ukrainian official says the Chernobyl nuclear site north of Kyiv has been taken by Russia after a fierce battle. Early reports listed 40 casualties.

A Ukrainian official says the Chernobyl nuclear site north of Kyiv has been taken by Russia after a fierce battle. Early reports listed 40 casualties. G-7 LEADERS RESPOND: "This has fundamentally changed the Euro-Atlantic security situation," the Group of Seven said in a statement issued at midday.

"This has fundamentally changed the Euro-Atlantic security situation," the Group of Seven said in a statement issued at midday. MOUNTING DEATH TOLL: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that 137 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians have been killed with hundreds more wounded.

The Russian attack began around 4:30 a.m. in Ukraine, with a barrage of over 100 ballistic, cruise and surface-to-air missiles and included 75 medium and heavy bombers, the official said, adding the invasion is the largest in Europe since World War II. The fighting, described as being in an initial phase, has the potential to be very bloody and very costly.

International condemnation of Putin's actions came as swiftly as the invasion.

"This is a brutal act of war," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday.

Explosions were heard in major cities, including the capital of Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa. Oleksii Arestovich, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said at least 40 people had been killed and dozens others wounded in the attack so far. Ukrainian authorities said Russian forces had hit military assets and other defense facilities, while footage shared by Ukrainian border guards showed Russian military vehicles moving across the border from Crimea.

What we know:Why is Russia invading Ukraine? Could it be the start of WWIII?

Zelenskyy announced Ukraine had cut diplomatic ties with Russia, declaring martial law and offering to issue weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country. Despite pleas to stay home, people in Kyiv were jamming roads to leave.

Global markets plunged and oil prices skyrocketed on news of the invasion, a dramatic escalation after weeks of diplomacy talks failed to defuse the months-long standoff between Moscow and NATO countries over Ukraine's sovereignty.

Ukraine news: Sign up to get the latest updates on the Ukraine-Russia crisis delivered to your inbox.

Russian troops appear to be advancing on Ukrainian capital

Russian troops appeared to be advancing on the capital city of Kyiv at the start of the second day of the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Amid a fast-moving and difficult-to-verify situation, Ukraine's Defense Ministry tweeted early Friday that some Russian troops had broken through to several northern districts on the outskirts of the capital. However, Ukraine's military also said it was resisting the advance on multiple fronts.

The apparent development comes as thousands of civilians spent the night in bomb shelters, typically underground subway stations and Zelenskyy urged his citizens to do all they can to resist Russia's assault. Zelenskyy has vowed to remain in Kyiv with his family and he appealed to Russia for a ceasefire.

Some 137 Ukrainians, a mixture of soldiers and civilians, died Thursday. Britain's Defense Secretary told his country's media Friday that Russia has lost about 450 military personnel.

Uncorroborated reports in Ukrainian media claimed Russian troops are aiming Friday to seize Kyiv's main airport to allow thousands of troops to land, take control of government buildings, sabotage key infrastructure and cause panic and a refugee exodus.

The U.S., Europe and Japan have all unveiled sanctions on key Russian banks, airlines and associates of Putin.

- Kim Hjelmgaard

Russia stripped of Champions League final as UEFA shifts match to Paris

LONDON - Russia was stripped of hosting the Champions League final by UEFA on Friday with St. Petersburg replaced by Paris after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The men's final will still be held on May 28 but now at the 80,000-seat Stade de France after the decision by UEFA's executive committee.

"UEFA wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to French Republic President Emmanuel Macron for his personal support and commitment to have European club football’s most prestigious game moved to France at a time of unparalleled crisis,” European football's governing body said in a statement. "Together with the French government, UEFA will fully support multi-stakeholder efforts to ensure the provision of rescue for football players and their families in Ukraine who face dire human suffering, destruction and displacement."

The meeting also decided that Russian and Ukrainian clubs and national teams in UEFA competitions will have to play at neutral venues until further notice.

The Stade de France last hosted the Champions League final 16 years ago, when Barcelona beat Arsenal in the 2006 final.

- Associated Press

Zelenskyy: 137 'heroes' killed, hundreds more wounded in conflict

Zelenskyy said 137 Ukrainians have been killed so far in the Russian invasion of his country.

He calls them "heroes" in a video address released early Friday in which he also says hundreds more have been wounded.

Zelenskyy says that despite Russia’s claim it is attacking only military targets, civilian sites also have been struck. In his words: “They’re killing people and turning peaceful cities into military targets. It’s foul and will never be forgiven.”

In addition, he said 316 others have been wounded since Russian launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Each of the Ukrainians who have died will be posthumously awarded the title “hero of Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.

“This is the sound of a new iron curtain, which has come down and is closing Russia off from the civilized world,” he said. “Our national task is to make sure this curtain does not fall."

- Associated Press

Ukraine president orders general military mobilization amid invasion

Zelenskyy ordered a “general mobilization” of the Ukraine population Thursday to support military efforts as Russia attacks Ukraine.

A decree signed by the president orders conscripts and military reservists to mobilize within 90 days to assist the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy ordered the mobilization “in connection with the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and in order to ensure the state’s defense, maintain combat, and mobilization of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” the decree reads.

The move comes as Ukraine has banned all males between the ages of 18 to 60 from leaving the country, according to Ukraine’s State Border Service, CNN reported.

- Joey Garrison

White House 'outraged' over reports Chernobyl workers being held hostage

White House press secretary Jen Psaki condemned Thursday what she said are “credible reports” that Russian soldiers are holding hostage staff at the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear plant facility in Ukraine.

The facility, scene of the worst nuclear disaster in history, was taken over by Russians during their invasion of Ukraine, the Associated Press reported.

“We're outraged by credit credible reports that Russian soldiers are currently holding the staff of the Chernobyl facilities hostage,” Psaki said. “This unlawful and dangerous hostage-taking – which could upend the routine civil service efforts required to maintain and protect the nuclear waste facility – is obviously incredibly alarming and greatly concerning. We condemn it and we request their release.”

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister raised concerns on Twitter about Chernobyl, which is located about 80 miles north of the Ukraine capital of Kyiv.

“In 1986, the world saw the biggest technological disaster in Chornobyl,” he said. Russia’s attack on Ukraine may cause another ecological disaster moving its military forces to Chornobyl. If Russia continues the war, Chornobyl can happen again in 2022."

- Joey Garrison

Ukraine president: Russia has marked him ‘target No. 1’

Zelenskyy said Thursday he remains in the Ukraine capital of Kyiv, and intends to stay there, even as Russia has made him its top quarry.

“The enemy has marked me as target No. 1, my family as target No. 2,” Zelenskyy said in an address to Ukrainians. “They want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of state.”

Asked about Zelenskyy’s safety, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the U.S. is in touch with him and are working to provide him support.

- Joey Garrison

Russia facing 'most impactful, significant sanctions' ever from U.S.

Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh said the sanctions Biden announced Thursday "will isolate Russia from the global financial system, shut down its access to cutting-edge technology and undercut Putin's strategic ambitions to diversify and modernize his economy."

Singh called the actions “the most impactful and significant sanctions” the U.S. has ever taken.

He said the export restrictions -- developed in coordination with other Western allies -- would work to impair Russia’s military capabilities, denying Russia “sensitive cutting-edge technology” that will primarily target Russia's defense, aerospace and maritime sectors.

“You will begin to see a chilling effect take hold in Russia as those imports are denied,” he said.

- Joey Garrison

Obama: Russia ‘illegal invasion’ of Ukraine threatens international order

Former President Barack Obama on Thursday condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine, saying Moscow’s “reckless actions extend beyond Ukraine’s borders.”

“This illegal invasion in the heart of Europe also threatens the foundation of the international order and security,” he said.

Obama called on the world to “loudly and clearly condemn Russia’s actions and offer support for the Ukrainian people.”

“And every American, regardless of party, should support President Biden’s efforts, in coordination with our closest allies, to impose hard-hitting sanctions on Russia – sanctions that impose a real price on Russia’s autocratic elites,” he said.

Obama warned that there may be economic consequences at home to sanctions against Russia, but “that’s a price we should be willing to pay to take a stand on the side of freedom.”

“For over the long term, we all face a choice, between a world in which might makes right and autocrats are free to impose their will through force, or a world in which free people everywhere have the power to determine their own future,” Obama said.

– Rebecca Morin

US hits Belarus with sanctions targeting banks, defense industry

New sanctions imposed by Biden also target Belarus for its role in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with a focus on the country’s defense sector and financial institutions.

The penalties include sanctions on 24 Belarusian individuals and entities, according to the Treasury Department. The U.S. is sanctioning two Belarusian-owned banks along with several actions targeting Belarus’s defense and security industries.

– Joey Garrison

Biden has 'no idea' if Putin is threatening nuclear war

The president said he doesn’t know whether Putin’s warning that countries trying to stop him would face historic consequences is a reference to Russia’s nuclear weapons.

“I have no idea what he is threatening,” Biden said.

But Simon Miles, a Russia expert at Duke University, called Putin’s remarks a very thinly-veiled nuclear threat that “need to be taken very seriously given his present state of mind.”

“Right now we’re seeing a Russian leader who is making strategic decisions in an extremely emotive, extremely grievance-fueled way,” Miles said.

– Maureen Groppe

Austin: 7,000 U.S. troops deploying to Europe after Russian invades Ukraine

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment Thursday of 7,000 more troops to Europe after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Pentagon announced. The troops include an armored brigade combat team. It will be sent to German to reassure allies.

The U.S. already has about 90,000 troops in Europe and has deployed more to the continent as tensions simmered in the weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this month, about 5,000 U.S.-based forces were sent to Europe, and U.S. military personnel already there have been shifting to help bolster NATO’s eastern flank.

– Tom Vanden Brook and Rick Rouan

Biden announces new sanctions against Russia: 'Putin chose this war'

In his first remarks after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, President Joe Biden condemned what he called an attack made “without provocation, without justification, without necessity.”

“This a premediated attack. Vladimir Putin has been planning this for months, as we’ve been saying all along,” Biden said, accusing Putting of “rejecting all good-faith efforts” to address mutual concerns. “For weeks we’ve been saying this would happen.

“Putin is the aggressor. Putin chose this war.”

Biden said Russia’s attack on Ukraine is unfolding as officials predicted and that Russia "rejected every good faith effort the United States and our allies."

Biden said members of the European Union including France, Germany, Italy as well as the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and others have joined a global coaliton to amplify a united response.

Biden said G-7 leaders agreed to limit Russia's ability to do business in dollars, euros, pounds and yen. The president said the US would block four more major banks in addition to the sanctions imposed on VTB and Russia's military bank.

Biden said the United States is taking steps to defend NATO allies. The organization will convene a summit Friday, which will “bring together the leaders of 30 allied nations and close partners to affirm our solidarity and to map out the next steps we will take to further strengthen all aspects of our NATO Alliance.”

Biden said he’s spoken to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Gen. Mark Milley about preparations for “additional moves” of troops if it becomes necessary to protect NATO allies.

“This aggression cannot go unanswered,” Biden said. “America stands up to bullies. We stand up for freedom.”

Biden said his administration is going to use “every tool” to protect Americans and business from rising gas prices.

He called on American oil and gas companies to “not exploit this moment to hike their prices to raise profits.”

“Our sanctions package is specifically designed to allow energy payments to continue,” he said. “We are closely monitoring energy supplies for any disruption.”

Biden warns of Russian cyberattacks on U.S. companies

The president repeated a warning of possible Russian cyberattacks on U.S. companies and critical infrastructure.

Biden, who said he has "no plans" to talk to Putin, added the U.S. is prepared to respond and working closely with the private sector to "harden their cyber defenses" and "sharpen our ability to respond to Russian cyberattacks as well."

The White House sounded the alarm last week to prepare the country for potential cyberattacks on U.S. companies or key parts of U.S. critical infrastructure including pipelines, banks, commercial aviation and hospitals.

Biden added that NATO will provide forces to eastern European nations that are NATO members to ensure the conflict in the region does not grow.

“This was never about a genuine security concerns on their part,” Biden said of Russia. “It was always about naked aggression, about Putin's desire for empire by any means necessary, by bullying Russia's neighbors to cores and corruption by changing borders by force, and ultimately by choosing a war without a cause.”

– Joey Garrison, Rebecca Morin, Courtney Subramanian

Clinton condemns 'unprovoked and unjustified' Russian attack on Ukraine

Former President Bill Clinton on Thursday condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, joining world leaders past and present in rebuking Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Putin’s war of choice has unraveled 30 years of diplomacy, with the potential for mass civilian casualties in and huge displacements both within Ukraine’s borders and beyond,” Clinton said in a prepared statement posted to his Twitter account.

Clinton called the invasion “unprovoked and unjustified” and a “brazen violation of international law.”

“The world will hold Russia and Russia alone accountable, both economically and politically,” he said.

The former president’s statement echoed similar sentiments as that of former first lady and 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

- Rick Rouan

Ukraine: Russia takes control of Chernobyl site in battle

KYIV, Ukraine — A presidential adviser says Ukraine lost control of the Chernobyl nuclear site, where Ukranian forces had waged a fierce battle with Russian troops.

Adviser Myhailo Podolyak told The Associated Press that Ukrainian authorities did not know the current condition of the facilities at Chernobyl, the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster.

“After the absolutely senseless attack of the Russians in this direction, it is impossible to say that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe,” he said.

More:What happened at Chernobyl? What to know about nuclear disaster

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had announced several hours earlier Thursday that Russian forces were trying to seize the Chernobyl nuclear plant.

A nuclear reactor at the plant 80 miles north of Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, exploded in April 1986, spewing radioactive waste across Europe.

– Associated Press

US Homeland Security monitoring Ukraine refugee situation

As Ukrainians are fleeing their country following attacks from Russia, it’s unclear whether Ukrainians already in the United States will be offered temporary protected status that would protect them from being deported to their home country.

The Department of Homeland Security is monitoring conditions but has “no announcements to share or preview at this time.”

"As is always the case, we continue to closely monitor conditions in various countries across the globe,” DHS said in a statement.

Temporary Protected Status is designated by DHS to individuals from a foreign country whose home country may be experiencing an ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster or other extraordinary conditions that would prevent citizens from returning safely to their home, according to DHS.

– Rebecca Morin

UK’s Johnson outlines ‘severe’ sanctions on Russia, Belarus

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the United Kingdom is imposing “the largest and most severe package of economic sanctions that Russia has ever seen” and that sanctions will also apply to Belarus for its role in Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

In coordination with the U.S., Johnson said the United Kingdom is imposing a “full asset freeze” on the Russian-owned bank VTB that will effectively exclude Russian banks from U.K.’s financial system.

“I’m pleased to tell the House that the United States is taking similar measures,” Johnson told the House of Commons.

He said the U.K. will implement new trade and export restrictions similar to what the U.S. will also impose. President Joe Biden is expected to outline “severe sanctions” during a speech Thursday afternoon.

The prime minister said Russian companies, both private and state-owned, will be prohibited from raising funds in the U.K., taking loans out of the U.K. and making securities transactions in the U.K.

“This includes all the major manufacturers that support Putin’s war machine,” Johnson said.

– Joey Garrison

Fact check:Video shows Russian military's Moscow flyover in 2020, not Ukraine in 2022

Protesters gather in London, other cities

LONDON — Hundreds of protesters have gathered in London to urge Britain and other democracies to step up action against Russia.

Ukrainians living in the U.K. and activists gathered outside Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Downing Street office Thursday, singing the Ukrainian national anthem.

Natalia Ravlyuk, who helped organize the protest, said they wanted the “toughest sanctions and total isolation of Russia now.”

“We ... feel betrayed by democratic states because we have been talking about this war for eight years,” she said. “They just need to wake up and stop Putin now.”

Demonstrations were held in other European cities, including Sofia, Bulgaria, and Cophenhagen.

– Associated Press

G-7 leaders: Putin 'has put himself on the wrong side of history'

Following a virtual meeting Thursday morning, the leaders of the G-7 issued a joint statement announcing they would bring forward "severe and coordinated economic and financial sanctions" and calling on the global community to condemn the attack in the strongest possible terms.

The leaders of the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada along with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg called the unfolding conflict "a serious threat to the rules-based international order, with ramifications well beyond Europe."

The leaders called on Moscow to end the bloodshed and condemned Belarus' involvement in Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

"This has fundamentally changed the Euro-Atlantic security situation," the statement read. "President Putin has re-introduced war to the European continent. He has put himself on the wrong side of history."

– Courtney Subramanian

Biden meets with advisers, G-7

As explosions continued across Ukraine, Biden met with his National Security Council in the White House Situation Room to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine, according to a White House official.

The president later held a virtual meeting with G-7 leaders and spoke with foreign leaders for about an hour and 10 minutes about a coordinated plan to impose "severe sanctions" on Moscow, according to the White House.

Biden is expected to detail the sanctions in remarks at the White House on Thursday afternoon.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participated in the virtual meeting.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will also attend the G-7 meeting.

– Courtney Subramanian

US military official: Russia wants to replace Ukraine government

Russian ground forces have advanced toward Kyiv from Belarus on Thursday morning with the apparent goal of decapitating the Ukrainian government and installing their own, according to a senior Defense official.

The Russian attack began at about 9:30 p.m. ET Wednesday with a barrage of more than 100 ballistic, cruise and surface-to-air missiles, said the official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity. The assault also included 75 medium and heavy bombers. The official described the attack as the initial phase of the invasion.

The Russian objective appears to be seizing key population centers, including the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, the official said. The primary targets have been military: barracks, ammunition warehouses, nearly 10 airfields.

There were no reliable estimates of casualties or damage, the official said.

The heaviest fighting has occurred in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, the official said. An air assault by Russian paratroopers is under way there. Ukrainian forces are fighting back.

– Tom Vanden Brook

White House spokesman: Putin, Trump are 'fearful pigs'

A top White House spokesman on Thursday called former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin “two nauseating, fearful pigs who hate what America stands for.”

In a tweet, Andrew Bates, a deputy press secretary, said that every action by the two men is “driven by their their own weakness and insecurity, rubbing their snouts together and celebrating as innocent people lose their lives.”

Bates' scathing remark appeared to be in response to a report that Trump called Putin “pretty smart” for “taking over a country for $2 worth of sanctions.”

The New York Times reported Trump's comments, which he made during a fundraising event Wednesday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, according to the Times.

– Maureen Groppe

Ukraine, Russia give military updates

Ukraine’s military chief says Ukrainian troops are fighting the Russian army in in the north and the south.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi said a battle was raging Thursday near the Hostomel air base, less than 5 miles northwest of the capital, Kyiv. He said that in the south, fighting was going on near Henichesk, Skadovsk and Chaplynka.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry said the Russian military has destroyed 74 Ukrainian military facilities, including 11 air bases.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu ordered that Ukrainian servicemen be treated “with respect” and those who lay down their weapons offered safe corridors.

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the loss of a Su-25 attack jet due to “pilot error.”

– Associated Press

George W. Bush: Invasion ‘unprovoked and unjustified’

Former President George W. Bush condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine as “the gravest security crisis on the European continent since World War II.”

The invasion was “unprovoked and unjustified,” Bush said in a statement.

Bush, who once described Putin as “very straightforward and trustworthy," said the U.S. government and the American people must stand in solidarity with Ukraine and its people as they seek freedom “and the right to choose their own future.”

“We cannot tolerate the authoritarian bullying and danger that Putin poses,” he said. “Ukraine is our friend and democratic ally and deserves our full support during this most difficult time."

– Michael Collins

Guide to post-Soviet eastern Europe:Where is Ukraine? Where are NATO members?

US involvement:Will US help Ukraine in war vs. Russia? American troops bolster NATO in Europe

Putin meets Pakistan's Imran Khan as world reacts to invasion

As global outrage swelled over Moscow's wide-scale attack on Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday.

The prime minister's office posted a video to Twitter of the two leaders shaking hands and said the pair would discuss "the entire gamut of Pakistan-Russia bilateral cooperation, and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest."

Khan, the first foreign leader to meet Putin since he launched an invasion on Ukraine, is expected to pitch the construction of a $2.5 billion gas pipeline in Pakistan, built by Russian companies, as Moscow looks to strengthen its cooperation with Islamabad.

The fate of another pipeline backed by Russia, Nord Stream 2, came to a screeching halt earlier this week as a result of Putin's decision to invade Ukraine. Germany announced it would suspend the Russia-owned pipeline that would directly run from Russia to Germany, increasing Europe's dependence on Moscow for its energy.

Western allies are expected to announce more sanctions later Thursday.

– Courtney Subramanian

European soccer pulls Champions League from Russia

UEFA will no longer stage this season’s Champions League final in St. Petersburg after Russia attacked Ukraine, according to the Associated Press.

An extraordinary meeting of the UEFA executive committee will be held on Friday to discuss the geopolitical crisis and when officials are set to confirm taking the May 28 showpiece game out of Russia.

“Following the evolution of the situation between Russia and Ukraine in the last 24 hours, the UEFA president has decided to call an extraordinary meeting of the executive committee .... in order to evaluate the situation and take all necessary decisions,” UEFA said in a statement.

– Associated Press

Ukrainian police urge citizens to report suspicious people, objects

Police in Ukraine asked citizens on Thursday to report suspicious people on the streets in what the country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs said was an effort to ensure law and order.

A statement posted on the ministry’s website urged citizens to be on lookout for suspicious people and objects. All suspicious items, as well as suspicious people with red items on their clothes, should be reported to a special police hotline, the statement said.

The statement also asked civilians not to go outside in uniform or tactical clothing.

– Michael Collins

Erdogan: Russian invasion a ‘heavy blow’ to peace

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling it “unacceptable” and “contrary to international law.”

“It is a heavy blow to the peace, tranquility and stability of the region,” Erdogan said in a statement posted on Twitter on Thursday.

Turkey “supports Ukraine's struggle to protect its territorial integrity,” Erdogan said.

“We sincerely regret that Russia and Ukraine, which we see as friendly countries and with whom we have close political, economic and social relations, come face to face in this way,” he said. He urged Russia and Ukraine to resolve their differences with dialogue through the framework of the Minsk accords that sought to restore peace in eastern Ukraine.

On Wednesday, Erdogan spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin and informed him Turkey would not recognize steps against Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

– Michael Collins

Kyiv mayor urges residents to stay home

Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko advised residents in the Ukrainian capital to stay home Thursday unless they are involved in critical work and urged them to prepare go-bags with necessities and documents if they need to evacuate.

Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukraine’s interior minister, said on Facebook that the Russian military had launched missile strikes on Ukrainian military command facilities, air bases and military depots in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Dnipro.

The Russian Defense Ministry said it was not targeting cities but using precision weapons and claimed “there is no threat to civilian population.”

– Associated Press

Images of the attack:'Brutal act of war': Photos of Russia invading Ukraine show mass evacuations, rockets

UK's Johnson vows 'massive' sanctions in national address

Johnson delivered a somber national address Thursday, telling the country weeks of warnings about a Russian invasion have proven tragically accurate and that Putin has brought a "tidal wave of violence" to Ukraine.

"A vast invasion is under way by land, by air and by sea," he said.

The British prime minister said the U.K. has coordinated with allies on a "massive package of economic sanctions designed in time to hobble the Russian economy."

Johnson said the U.K. would do more in the days ahead and called on Europe to end its reliance on Russian oil and gas that has allowed Putin a grip on the continent.

He also said western allies "cannot allow that freedom to be snuffed out."

"We cannot and will not look away," he added.

– Courtney Subramanian

More:Ukraine-Russia crisis: How do you pronounce Donetsk? And is it Kyiv or Kiev?

NATO leaders will convene Friday

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced an emergency virtual summit for the military alliance's leaders on Friday, calling Moscow's invasion a "brutal act of war" that has shattered peace on the continent.

"This is a deliberate, cold-blooded and long-planned invasion. Russia is using force to try to rewrite history," he told reporters Thursday.

The top European official said Russia launched a sweeping attack from multiple directions that included air and missile attacks, ground forces and special forces that targeted Ukraine's military infrastructure and major cities.

Stoltenberg said European was faced with a "new normal for our security" and would meet to discuss how to defend and protect allies amid the new reality. He added that Finland and Sweden, which are not NATO members, would also attend Friday's meeting.

"We don't have all the answers today but there will be a new reality," he said. "It will be a new Europe after the invasion we saw today."

His remarks came after Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland triggered Article 4 of NATO's founding treaty, which allows members to "bring any issue of concern, especially related to security of a member country, to the table for discussion with the North Atlantic Council."

The alliance has invoked Article 4 several times since its creation in 1949.

NATO issued a new statement Thursday saying Moscow's actions "pose a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security, and they will have geostrategic consequences."

"We are deploying additional defensive land and air forces to the eastern part of the Alliance, as well as additional maritime assets," the statement said. " We have increased the readiness of our forces to respond to all contingencies."

– Courtney Subramanian

What time did Russia invade Ukraine?

In a televised address that came around 10 p.m. Eastern time, which is 5 a.m. in Ukraine and 6 a.m. in Moscow, Putin told his country that Russia would conduct a military operation in Ukraine.

The Russian president said the attack was needed to protect civilians in eastern Ukraine — a false claim the U.S. had predicted he would make as a pretext for an invasion. And he claimed that Russia doesn’t intend to occupy Ukraine but will move to “demilitarize” it and bring those who committed crimes to justice.

Putin warned other countries that any attempt to interfere would lead to “consequences you have never seen.”

More:As Russian forces advance on Ukraine, US, allies escalate diplomatic efforts

Lithuania orders state of emergency

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Thursday signed a decree declaring a state of emergency in the Baltic country in response to Russia’s military attack on Ukraine. Parliament was expected to approve the measure in an extraordinary session later on Thursday.

The measure, in effect until March 10, allows for a more flexible use of state reserve funds and increased border protection, giving border guards greater authorities to stop and search individuals and vehicles in border areas.

"Never before have we been so strong & so well prepared to face external challenges together with our Allies," Nauseda tweeted. The future of Europe "may depend on how we react in the coming hours & days."

More:'A tragedy': World leaders react to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Zelenskyy calls on veterans to help fight Russia

Zelenskyy said Thursday that Ukraine has severed diplomatic relations with Russia, adding that “Ukraine is defending itself and shall not cede its freedom.”

“Dear citizens, this morning has gone down in history,” he said, according to a translation by CNN as he spoke. “But it is a different history for us and for Russia.”

Zelenskyy also called on veterans to help fight against Russian troops. He said Ukraine is issuing defensive weapons to those with military experience. He said they are able to join Ukraine defense by reporting to call up stations.

“We are issuing arms, defensive weapons, to all those capable of defending our sovereignty,” he said. “Each citizen of Ukraine will decide the future of our people.”

In a tweet shortly after, Zelenskyy wrote: "We will give weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country. Be ready to support Ukraine in the squares of our cities."

In a second tweet, he added: "We have severed diplomatic relations with Russia. For all those who have not yet lost their conscience in Russia, it is time to go out and protest against the war with Ukraine."

– Rebecca Morin

Official says Ukraine attacked from 3 sides

KYIV, Ukraine — A Ukrainian presidential adviser said Russian forces launched an attack on Ukraine from the north, east and south. The adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, said “the Ukrainian military is fighting hard.”

Podolyak said Thursday that “our army is fighting back inflicting significant losses to the enemy.” He said that there have been civilian casualties, but didn’t give details.

He said that “Ukraine now needs a greater and very specific support from the world — military-technical, financial as well as tough sanctions against Russia,” he said.

Another adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia has targeted air bases and various other military infrastructure.

Oleksii Arestovich said the Russian strike hasn’t achieved its goal to rout the country’s military. He said that “we suffered casualties, but they aren’t significant,” adding that the Russian strikes “haven’t eroded the combat capability of the Ukrainian military.”

He said that the Russian troops moved up to 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) deep into the Ukrainian territory in the Kharkiv and Chernihiv regions, and, possibly in other areas.

-- Associated Press

'An unmistakable message':Biden unveils US sanctions on Russia after Putin's invasion of Ukraine

NATO in emergency session as Russia attacks Ukraine

NATO envoys met in emergency session Thursday after Putin ordered a large-scale attack on Ukraine, as the 30-nation military organization prepares to bolster its defenses in allies neighboring both countries. Preparations were also underway for a NATO summit.

“This is a grave breach of international law, and a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in statement. The allies are meeting, he said, “to address the consequences of Russia’s aggressive actions.”

While some member countries are supplying arms, ammunition and other equipment to Ukraine, NATO as an organization is not, and it will not launch any military action in support of Ukraine, which is a close partner but has no prospect of joining.

“We stand with the people of Ukraine at this terrible time. NATO will do all it takes to protect and defend all allies,” Stoltenberg said.

– Associated Press

China calls for talks over Ukraine, criticizes US

China repeated calls for talks to resolve the crisis in Ukraine on Thursday while refusing to criticize Russia’s attack and accusing the U.S. and its allies of worsening the situation.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters at a daily briefing that “the Ukraine issue is complex in its historical background ... what we are seeing today is the interplay of complex factors.”

“China is closely following the latest developments,” Hua said. “We still hope that the parties concerned will not shut the door to peace and engage instead in dialogue and consultation and prevent the situation from further escalating,”

– Associated Press

More:'A tragedy': World leaders react to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Oil prices jump as stock markets slump

World stock markets plunged and oil prices surged by nearly $6 per barrel Thursday after President Vladimir Putin launched Russian military action in Ukraine.

Market benchmarks tumbled in Europe and Asia and U.S. futures were sharply lower. Brent crude oil jumped to over $100 per barrel on unease about possible disruption of Russian supplies. The price of U.S. benchmark crude briefly surpassed $98 per barrel.

The ruble sank 7.5% to more than $87 to the U.S. dollar.

– Associated Press

More:Will gas prices keep rising after Russia invasion of Ukraine? Here's what we know

Security video: Russian military vehicles cross into Ukraine

Security camera footage shows a line of Russian military vehicles crossing into Ukraine from Russian-annexed Crimea.

Russian troops launched a wide-ranging attack on Ukraine on Thursday. President Vladimir Putin cast aside international condemnation and sanctions and warned other countries that any attempt to interfere would lead to “consequences you have never seen.”

Ukrainians started fleeing some cities, and the Russian military claimed to have incapacitated all of Ukraine’s air defenses and air bases within hours.

– Associated Press

Baltic states condemn attack

The Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are condemning the Russian operation in Ukraine as a “crime against Ukrainian people.”

In a joint statement, the three countries’ foreign ministers condemned strongly “the open large scale Russian aggression against the independent, peaceful and democratic Ukraine.” They called it “a blatant violation of the international law, of all international norms and a crime against Ukrainian people that we condemn.”

Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto said the Russian move is “an attack on the security order throughout Europe.”

– Associated Press

EU planning new sanctions for Russia

The European Union says it is planning the “strongest, the harshest package” of sanctions it has ever considered at an emergency summit Thursday, as the Russian military attacked Ukraine.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said in remarks Thursday that Russia should withdraw their troops, adding Putin will not be allowed to “tear down the security architecture that has given Europe peace and stability over many decades.”

“It is President Putin who is bringing war back to Europe,” she said.

She added that Putin’s goal isn’t to just invade Ukraine, but to create instability in Europe.

“We are facing an unprecedented act of aggression by the Russian leadership against a sovereign, independent country,” she said. “Russia's target is not only Donbas, the target is not only Ukraine, the target is the stability in Europe and the whole of the International Peace order."

“We will present a package of massive and targeted sanctions to European leaders for approval,” she said.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called it the “strongest, the harshest package” ever considered.

-- Rebecca Morin, Associated Press

Japanese PM: 'We strongly condemn Russia'

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned Russia’s military actions in the Ukraine and said his country will respond in a speedy fashion in concert with the United States and other allies.

“This Russian invasion stands to put at risk the basic principle of international order that forbids one-sided action of force in an attempt to change the status quo. We strongly condemn Russia, and we will respond speedily in cooperation with the U.S. and other Western nations,” he said at his official residence in Tokyo.

Spain, France, Australia and Italy were among others condemning the attack. Germany and Turkey also warned their citizens in Ukraine to stay in a safe place.

-- Associated Press

German chancellor: 'Dark day'

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine as a blatant violation of international law.”

“There is no justification for it,” he said. “Germany condemns this reckless act by President Putin in the strongest possible terms.”

Scholz called on Russia to stop military action immediately, and said the G7, NATO and the EU will “coordinate closely today.”

“This is a terrible day for Ukraine and a dark day for Europe,” he said.

-- Rebecca Morin

'A tragedy':World reacts to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

NATO ambassadors to meet on Ukraine attack

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has convened a meeting of NATO ambassadors to assess the invasion of Ukraine, which borders several NATO members.

The meeting Thursday morning will “address the situation in Ukraine and the consequences of Russia’s unprovoked attack.”

Earlier, Stoltenberg had already condemned Russia’s invasion. “Despite our repeated warnings and tireless efforts to engage in diplomacy, Russia has chosen the path of aggression,” Stoltenberg said.

He also warned Moscow that the alliance will will “do all it takes to protect and defend” NATO members.

He called the invasion a “grave breach of international law, and a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security. I call on Russia to cease its military action immediately.”

-- Associated Press

Zelenskyy speaks with world leaders

Hours after Putin announced military action against Ukraine, Zelenskyy spoke to several world leaders to garner support for his nation.

In addition to Biden, Zelenskyy in a tweet said he spoke with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, European Council President Charles Michel, Poland President Andrzej Duda and United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

“Building an anti-Putin coalition,” Zelenskyy said. “Immediate sanctions, defense & financial support to (Ukraine)! Close the airspace! The world must force (Russia) into peace.”

-- Rebecca Morin

More:Chaotic scenes in Donetsk and Luhansk as Russian troops enter the regions

Australian PM: 'We must ensure there is a cost'

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday said there must be a cost for Russia's “egregious behavior” against Ukraine.

“We must ensure there is a cost for this violent and unacceptable and egregious behavior,” he said. “There always must be a cost for such reprehensible violence and the way this is being done in Ukraine as we speak.”

Morrison added that Australia will stand with “like minded” countries against Russia’s attacks, including the United States and the United Kingdom.

-- Rebecca Morin

'Murkiness and doubt':Putin playbook meant to throw White House, allies off balance on Ukraine invasion

In Russia, a different view

Russian state media are portraying Moscow as coming to the rescue of war-torn areas of eastern Ukraine that are tormented by Ukraine’s aggression.

TV presenters are professing the end of suffering for the residents of the breakaway regions.

“You paid with your blood for these eight years of torment and anticipation,” anchor Olga Skabeyeva said during a popular political talk show Tuesday morning. “Russia will now be defending Donbas.”

Channel One struck a more festive tone, with its correspondent in Donetsk asserting that local residents “say it is the best news over the past years of war.”

“Now they have confidence in the future and that the years-long war will finally come to an end,” she said.

Whether ordinary Russians are buying it is another question.

-- Associated Press

The enigma of Vladimir Putin:What do we really know about Russia's leader?

Zelenskyy imposes martial law, condemns 'cynical invasion'

Zelenskyy called Russia’s attack an “unjustified deceitful and cynical invasion” in a statement early on Thursday.

“Only we, all citizens of Ukraine, have been determining our future since 1991,” Zelenskyy said. "But now the fate of not only our state is being decided, but also what life in Europe will be like.”

Zelenskyy said Ukrainian diplomats are informing the world about what is happening in their country. He added: “Whether at least something of the force of international law remains will depend on the world's fair and just response to this aggression.”

Martial law has also been imposed, Zelenskyy also said, urging civilians to stay home.

“Warn your loved ones about what is happening. Take care of those who need help,” he said.

-- Rebecca Morin

'War is my biggest horror':Russians brace for deadly conflict, economic hardship as Putin orders invasion

US Department of State tells Americans in Ukraine to shelter in place

The U.S. Department of State early on Thursday warned Americans still in Ukraine about the current danger.

In a statement online, the department noted: "There are reports of Russian attacks on targets in a number of major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Mariupol, and others. U.S. citizens in Ukraine are advised to shelter in place..."

The statement added that: "Further Russian military action can occur at any time without warning."

-- Luciana Lopez

More:Biden levels sanctions on Russia for beginning an invasion of Ukraine

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American leaders are caught in Putin's guessing game | CNN Politics

(CNN) Vladimir Putin is doing it again. He's got Washington in a frenzy. Everyone's got a theory about what the Russian president plans for Ukraine . But no one really knows. Maybe he doesn't himself.

While Americans across the country fret about high inflation and daily disruptions from the pandemic, Putin has once again forced a country many American foreign policy officials view as a creaking superpower in inexorable decline to center stage in the US capital.

Russia is on everybody's lips in DC -- just as it was in 2016 when Putin created a political hall of mirrors in the US, distorting reality and truth with an election meddling operation that is still delivering discord and ripping the country's divides ever deeper.

For President Joe Biden , foreign policy has come full circle. He first arrived in Washington in the Cold War deep freeze. Half a century later, he finds himself wrestling with a Russian counterpart who never regarded the superpower standoff as resolved.

Their confrontation over Ukraine might seem an arcane tussle of wills. But Putin is holding the independent democracy that used to be part of the Soviet Union hostage to try to force Biden to agree to pull NATO troops out of Moscow's former orbit in eastern Europe. Their duel is about whether people can chose their own leaders and political systems and whether big nations can get away with invading smaller ones; whether democracy and international rules can prevail; and whether market economies can freely function or must exist under the heavy hand of the state or oligarchs.

Once again, as was the case late in the 20th century, members of Congress are huddled in secret briefings with US spy agencies trying to work out what the Kremlin is up to. But in this modern-day showdown, Putin has turned Republicans on Republicans as a split emerges between traditional hawks and pro-Trump populists. He's forced the White House to pay attention to him by circling independent, western-leaning Ukraine with troops. He's opened diplomatic tracks to try to pry NATO allies apart. His pressure last week caused a public meltdown between the US and Ukrainian governments over whether the Russians plan to invade. Putin has won adoring coverage in US conservative media -- an achievement that would have been unthinkable for any Soviet leader. And rattled nerves over Russia even spilled over into a row between the State Department and its press corps Thursday, which was bizarrely accused of taking solace in Russian propaganda.

JUST WATCHED Behind the Wall: The relationship between China's Xi and Russia's Putin grows as both seek to upend Western values -- including democracy and freedom Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Behind the Wall: The relationship between China's Xi and Russia's Putin grows as both seek to upend Western values -- including democracy and freedom 04:16

At any given moment, in the Russian leader's reign of confusion, it's hard to evaluate whether he's blinking under Western pressure, doubling down by adding to his garrison or simply at a loss what to do himself with no clear endgame in sight to the showdown.

Putin pressed some more American buttons on Friday when he met the rising foe that Washington really wants to focus on -- President Xi Jinping of China. He's sure to spook political analysts with hints of a Beijing-Moscow axis.

Xi and Putin vowed to deepen their strategic coordination, according to a readout of the exchange between the two leaders by Chinese state media Xinhua News on Friday.

If Putin's aim with his build up opposite Ukraine is to tie the West in knots, to have everyone obsessing over Russia -- whether he ends up invading the ex-Soviet state or not -- it's worked. In Washington on Thursday, the focus initially was on a US raid in Syria overnight that had led to the death of the leader of ISIS. But inexorably, the focus was dragged back to speculation over Putin's intentions. No one can agree on what Russia is going to do, when it might do it, or what the US should do in response. And that might be exactly the point of Putin's game.

Washington has no idea what Putin might do next

After previously saying that a Russian invasion of Ukraine was "imminent," the US has stopped using that word since the invasion hasn't come. That's a small victory for the Russian leader, in the phony war of attrition that might or might not precede an invasion, which could last weeks or months. As an example of the confusion that Putin has sown on Capitol Hill, lawmakers are emerging from briefings after hearing the same classified information with differing interpretations of what might happen next.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said it was a "near certainty" that Putin would invade Ukraine. But House Armed Services Chairman Adam Smith disagreed. The Washington state Democrat told CNN's Erin Burnett on Thursday: "I don't think we know that yet." And Senate Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, suggested that nobody "knows whether Putin has made the ultimate decision."

The lack of cohesion about Putin's motives is beginning to be reflected in disputes about how the US should respond -- another success for the Russian leader's long-term push to stir angst that tarnishes Western democracy. Traditional national security Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, have been pushing Biden to take a tougher stand against Russia for weeks and have welcomed his decision to dispatch troops to Europe. Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, whom ex-President Barack Obama mocked in a 2012 presidential debate for warning about Moscow's threat, is suddenly in demand.

"It's very clearly a sign to our allies that we care about NATO, we care about Europe. And it's a signal to Putin as well that we care about Europe and that we care about our allies as we do," Romney said, backing Biden's troop deployments.

But there are clear signs that the anti-NATO, "America first," sentiment that is a hangover from the Trump administration is a growing force in the Republican Party. Indiana Sen. Mike Braun said that he is against sending more troops to Europe.

"I think that's a scrambling feature that we're doing late in the game," Braun said.

It's also clear that the conservative media's misinformation implying Biden is sending troops directly to fight Russia instead of defending US interests at home may be starting to soak in. Tennessee Republican Sen. Bill Hagerty, for instance, coined a sentiment often voiced by pro-Trump opinion hosts. He said the Biden administration should send "troops to our southern border." And Kansas Republican Sen. Roger Marshall said he didn't "want boots on the ground."

"Having a son that's an enlisted man in the Army myself, it's a big deal. I think economically, we need to know, does the European Union have any moxie? ... They need to be leading on this. I think we need to be a participant, but it just feels like we're escalating the situation."

European diplomats might be advised to listen carefully to such senators, a rising block in the party that once celebrated its greatest Cold Warrior, President Ronald Reagan, for orchestrating victory over the Soviet Union. Any weakening of the transatlantic alliance would be a huge win for Putin.

The world looks different in Moscow

To Western eyes, Putin's behavior often seems self-defeating and illogical. It looks like he's making it up as he goes along. Even if that's the case, it makes him harder to read. One view right now is that the Russian position is eroding, that Putin has backed into a corner with more than 100,000 troops on Ukraine's border, and it will be difficult for him to climb down and save face.

If he invades, it's hard for Washington to see how Putin could fashion a win for Moscow during what could be a bloody occupation and insurgency. The fierce punishments that the West is threatening to clamp on Russia's economy also seem like a steep price to pay. Putin's wider strategic dance seems to make little sense either. After all, his demands that NATO withdraw troops and arms from Eastern Europe caused Biden to call his bluff this week by ordering 3,000 troops to Germany, Romania and Poland.

But the logic of Putin's worldview, rooted in a desire to restore respect, attention and status to Russia 30 years after the end of the Cold War, operates in a different universe from that of the West. The world looks different from Moscow. One theory in Washington is that Putin is now so isolated inside his own regime that's he's not getting good outside advice. But he's keeping the West on edge -- and that may be a goal in itself.

There is some hope that Putin's willingness to talk is a sign he's not serious about an invasion -- he just spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron, for instance. But at the same time, Biden's dispatch of troops to defend NATO allies is already being spun in Moscow as proof of Putin's argument that the West is threatening Russia's borders and security. Such arguments can be used to build legitimacy for his own strongman rule. The Russian leader often uses nationalism to prop up a government in perpetuity that relies on oppression, crushing media freedoms and locking up dissidents. And signs of political acrimony in the US, which Putin is by now an expert at whipping up, play into Russian notions that a state that prizes stability and order over democracy works best.

Worrying signs

With his foreign policy under intense scrutiny following the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, Biden has -- a few instances of clumsy messaging aside -- performed strongly in the Ukraine crisis, at least in the eyes of those who prefer a US President to behave as a traditional leader of the West.

He has signaled to Putin that NATO's strategic alliance is inviolate and that its Eastern European members will be defended. He's offered the Russian leader diplomatic offramps through diplomacy though hasn't compromised Western strategic principles. And he's rallied some reluctant allies into signing up for a package of unprecedented sanctions meant to deter Putin from an invasion.

One intriguing feature of this showdown has been the willingness of the US and Britain especially to play the Russians at their own propaganda game. In the latest use of declassified intelligence, Washington on Thursday accused Russia of preparing to "fabricate a pretext for an invasion" by creating a "very graphic propaganda video." Officials said Moscow could stage an attack against "Russian speaking peoples" in Ukraine in order to justify moving across the border. This is especially worrying because it mirrors arguments that Russia used before annexing Crimea, sovereign Ukrainian territory, in 2014.

Russian denied the allegation. And the problem with the West dealing with intelligence is that such material can be open to doubt and counter-propaganda, since a desire to protect sources and methods means it is difficult to back up such claims with evidence in public.

That issue caused a spat in the State Department briefing on Thursday when spokesman Ned Price said journalists just needed to trust the government -- despite decades of previous examples of officials misleading the American people. "If you doubt the credibility of the US government, of the British government, of other governments and want to, you know, find solace in information that the Russians are putting out, that is, that is for you to do," Price said.

If he achieves nothing else, Putin's success in setting Americans against themselves might be payoff enough for his thuggery over Ukraine.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story misstated where in Eastern Europe 3,000 troops are being deployed. They have been ordered to Germany, Romania and Poland.

20 Highest Paid World Leaders – 24/7 Wall St.

Mike Monteiro

24/7 Wall Street

We know it pays to be a CEO of a Fortune 500 company – does it also pay to be president of a country? Ask the men and women who are among the top paid world leaders.

Earning from just over $200,000 to more than $1.6 million, the yearly earnings of these heads of states far exceed the pay of the average citizen in their countries. Generally, these countries tend to be among the wealthiest and most productive countries in the world. Although among the countries on this list, the leaders' annual salaries are well above the country’s GDP per capita or average wages.

24/7 Wall St. reviewed publicly available annual compensation figures to identify 20 of the highest-paid leaders in the world. We gathered information from country websites, as well as data from organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the CIA World Factbook.

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Salaries are expressed in U.S. dollars that were converted from country of origin currencies as of April 13, 2018. Leaders of absolute monarchies such as Qatar, Brunei Darussalam, and Saudi Arabia were excluded from our list due to a lack of consistent available data.

Constitutional monarchies were included, except where the highest ranking officials have the power to appoint the government. In such cases, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and United Arab Emirates, state leadership compensation often is not publicly disclosed.

20. Édouard Philippe

• Title: Prime Minister of France

• Annual salary (in USD): $220,505.00

• Time in office: 1 year, 10 months

• GDP per capita: $40,145.94

In France, President Emmanuel Macron, the head of state, holds more power than the head of government, Prime Minister Édouard Philippe. Despite this, Philippe earns just as much as the French president. Both leaders make more than five times as much as France's GDP per capita.

19. Jimmy Morales

• Title: President of the Republic of Guatemala

• Annual salary (in USD): $227,099

• Time in office: 3 years, 2 months

• GDP per capita: $7,421.29

Prior to becoming the president of Guatemala, Jimmy Morales was a household name in Guatemala on the Guatemalan TV series "Moralejas" ("Morals"), where he starred alongside his brother. These days, Morales earns more than 30 times the economic output of a typical Guatemalan citizen.

18. Leo Varadkar

• Title: Taoiseach

• Annual salary (in USD): $234,447

• Time in office: 1 year, 9 months

• GDP per capita: $66,548.10

Leo Varadkar is the Taoiseach of Ireland. Taoiseach is an Irish word of Ancient origin meaning "leader" and is used in the Irish Constitution for "the head of the Government or Prime Minister. As Taoiseach, Varadkar earns more than four and a half times the average wage of Irish citizens.

17. Katrín Jakobsdóttir

• Title: Prime Minister of Iceland

• Annual salary (in USD): $242,619

• Time in office: 1 year, 4 months

• GDP per capita: $49,704.76

If Katrín Jakobsdóttir's salary as the prime minister of Iceland were to be shared across the nation, each Icelandic citizen would receive the equivalent of 73 cents. While the president has a higher base pay than the prime minister in Iceland, the president has limited powers and the role is largely ceremonial as a diplomat and figurehead.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Jakobsdóttir is the highest ranking official within Iceland's government. Prior to joining the Icelandic government, she had a career in both Icelandic media and academia, where she lectured at various universities in Reykjavík.

16. Stefan Löfven

• Title: Prime Minister of Sweden

• Annual salary (in USD): $244,615

• Time in office: 4 years, 6 months

• GDP per capita: $46,519.75

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven began his career as a welder, but he quickly ascended into politics when he became his group's trade union representative two years into his career. Decades later, in 2005, he became the chairman of the major trade union IF Metall. It was not long before he became the leader of the largest political party in Sweden – Swedish Social Democratic Party – and subsequently elected prime minister.

15. Lars Løkke Rasmussen

• Title: Prime Minister of Denmark

• Annual salary (in USD): $249,774

• Time in office: 3 years, 9 months

• GDP per capita: $46,329.81

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has an annual salary of the equivalent of nearly $13.5 million. She is not, however, an elected official – Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen is. Rasmussen makes a comparatively modest $249,774 a year.

14. Adrian Hasler

• Title: Prime Minister of the Principality of Liechtenstein

• Annual salary (in USD): $254,660

• Time in office: 6 years

• GDP per capita: N/A

With an annual pay of $254,660, Prime Minister Adrian Hasler is a former banker who worked for VP Bank AG, where the salary of the average employee is $128,648. Hasler was a division head there.

13. Charles Michel

• Title: Prime Minister of Belgium

• Annual salary (in USD): $262,964

• Time in office: 4 years, 5 months

• GDP per capita: $42,497.40

Prime Minister Charles Michel earns more than five times the average wage of a Belgian citizens. Belgium levies one of the highest income taxes for individuals in the world.

12. Justin Trudeau

• Title: Prime Minister of Canada

• Annual salary (in USD): $267,041

• Time in office: 3 years, 5 months

• GDP per capita: $44,134.80

Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau earns the equivalent of nearly $270,000 U.S. dollars per year. In Canada, the prime minister's compensation includes the Member of the House of Commons Basic Sessional Indemnity, the prime minister salary, and the prime minister car allowance.

11. Cyril Ramaphosa

• Title: President of the Republic of South Africa

• Annual salary (in USD): $273,470.00

• Time in office: 1 year, 1 month

• GDP per capita: $12,317.97

The average household income in South Africa is $10,872 a year, nearly a third of the average across OECD nations. The President of South Africa, Cryil Ramaphosa, earns more than 25 times the average wage in South Africa. South Africa has been struggling with stagnant GDP growth, high unemployment, and social unrest. As a result, Ramaphosa's administration declared salary cuts for Members of Parliament and the executive branch. The National Treasury, however, has shown in its 2019 budget statements that Ramaphosa actually received a salary increase for the current fiscal year.

10. Xavier Bettel

• Title: Prime Minister of Luxembourg

• Annual salary (in USD): $278,035

• Time in office: 5 years, 4 months

• GDP per capita: $93,891.49

Luxembourg is the smallest nation among the top 10 countries that pay their leaders the most, and if Prime Minister Xavier Bettel's base pay were to be distributed to Luxembourg's 596,992 citizens, each would receive 48 cents. While Bettel's salary is one of the highest in the world, the citizens of Luxembourg trail no other nation on this list in terms of individual wealth.

9. Sebastian Kurz

• Title: Chancellor of Austria

• Annual salary (in USD): $328,584

• Time in office: 1 year, 3 months

• GDP per capita: $45,478.96

Chancellor of Austria Sebastian Kurz is much younger than his peers on the global stage, the youngest head of state in the world. When Kurz first entered political leadership at age 22 as chairman of the JVP political party in Vienna, it is unlikely he imagined he would be earning more than six times the average wage of Austrian citizens when becoming appointed as Chancellor only nine years later.

8. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz

• Title: President of Mauritania

• Annual salary (in USD): $330,000

• Time in office: 9 years, 8 months

• GDP per capita: $3,655.37

Mauritania is a critical port and rail system within China's Belt and Road Initiative, which is creating major economic and defense ties between China and Africa. Relations between Mauritania and China's leadership are stronger than ever, but the differences between the two nations is stark. China's GDP is 2,400 times Mauritania's GDP, yet President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz earns almost as much per month as Chinese President Xi Jinping earns per year, according to Saraya, a Jordanian online newspaper.

7. Jacinda Ardern

• Title: Prime Minister of New Zealand

• Annual salary (in USD): $339,862

• Time in office: 1 year, 5 months

• GDP per capita: $35,244.99

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is paid more than 20 times the economic output of the average kiwi citizen. Presiding over a land known for having more sheep than people, Ardern's salary would only provide each citizen with 7 cents if her annual base pay were to be shared across the country.

6. Angela Merkel

• Title: Chancellor of Germany

• Annual salary (in USD): $369,727

• Time in office: 13 years, 4 months

• GDP per capita: $46,719.29

German Chancellor Angela Merkel earns almost eight times the average wage of German citizens. Merkel's base pay of $369,727 eclipses the average german worker's income of $46,389. Merkel has served in the role since 2005, earning millions of dollars during her tenure.

5. Scott Morrison

• Title: Prime Minister of Australia

• Annual salary (in USD): $378,415

• Time in office: 7 months

• GDP per capita: $46,554.63

Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison earns more than seven times the average wage of Australian citizens. Unlike some of his predecessors, Morrison has had a career in public service, where his first job out of university was working as a national policy and research manager for the Property Council of Australia, where he worked for nearly a decade. Australia has no maximum term limits for a prime minister, and if Morrison matched the nearly 12 year held by John Howard in the late '90s and early aughts, he would amass a fortune of over $4 million.

4. Donald Trump

• Title: President of the United States

• Annual salary (in USD): $400,000

• Time in office: 2 years, 2 months

• GDP per capita: $54,440.90

U.S. President Donald Trump's salary of $400,000 a year is about seven times the average U.S. per capita GDP. Trump, however, did not actually take home any of this money as he made good on a promise to donate his entire salary.

3. Ueli Maurer

• Title: President of the Swiss Confederation

• Annual salary (in USD): $482,958

• Time in office: 3 months

• GDP per capita: $56,473.64

President Ueli Maurer of Switzerland earns $482,958 per annum – more than any other head of government in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The OECD is an intergovernmental economic organisation of the 36 highest income economies that are also dedicated to setting transparency standards for governments of global democracies. As part of the OECD standards, Maurer's salary will always be public knowledge.

2. Carrie Lam

• Title: Chief Executive of Hong Kong

• Annual salary (in USD): $568,400

• Time in office: 1 year, 9 months

• GDP per capita: $57,081.14

Chief Executive of Hong Kong Carrie Lam is known for being at the top of one of the best paid bureaucratic systems in the world. Hong Kong recently raised the salaries of all heads of governments by 12.4% based on the cumulative change in the consumer price index, an economic indicator that measures inflation.

1. Lee Hsien Loong

• Title: Prime Minister of Singapore

• Annual salary (in USD): $1,610,000

• Time in office: 14 years, 7 months

• GDP per capita: $86,810.78

The head of government in Singapore, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, earns more than 20 times the country's GDP per capita. Could a prime minister's high salary actually be a perk for citizens? The people of Singapore know one thing for sure: no one can buy off their leadership. According to "Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)," first released in 1995, which tracks nations' corruption trends, Singapore is potentially the least corrupt nation in the world. Comparatively, at $1.6 million, Lee earns 12 times as much as Russia President Vladimir Putin. An additional partial explanation for the high salary could be cost of living: Singapore is the most expensive city to live in the world.

Methodology

24/7 Wall St. reviewed publicly available annual compensation figures for the 20 highest-paid leaders in the world. Salaries are expressed in U.S. dollars that were converted from country of origin currencies as of April 13, 2018. Leaders of absolute monarchies such as Qatar, Brunei Darussalam, and Saudi Arabia were excluded from our list. Constitutional monarchies were included, except where the highest ranking officials have the power to appoint the government. In such cases, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and United Arab Emirates, state leadership compensation often is not publicly disclosed.

The head of state is by definition the highest ranking official in a sovereign nation. However, in cases where the head of government is paid a higher salary, she or he was listed instead. The identities and dates of election or appointment of these leaders were obtained from the CIA World Factbook, national government websites, and media sources.

24/7 Wall Street is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news and commentary. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.