OHIO — On Thursday, Russian troops launched a wide-range attack on Ukraine, receiving backlash from world leaders and lawmakers in Ohio. According to Ukraine officials, at least 40 people died because of the attack.

Civilians heard explosions in multiple Ukrainian cities Thursday, including Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odessa after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation taking place in the country. 

“Tonight, President Putin declared an illegal, unwarranted attack on the people of Ukraine. I condemn this latest Russian invasion of Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. This violation of the territorial integrity of a sovereign nation is unprovoked, is a flagrant violation of international law, and will result in senseless loss of life," Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, wrote in a statement. 

Portman is calling for the U.S. to take more immediate action and impose "devastating sanctions" to destabilize the Russian military. 

“The Biden administration promised tough sanctions. The administration must stand by that commitment. We can and we must cripple Russia’s military by starving it of financing," Portman wrote. "Next, we must impose export and import controls, especially of vital electronic goods like semiconductors. Doing so could restrict the tools Russia needs to manufacture and resupply its military."

Portman also suggested increasing Ukraine's military support and allies near the region, such as Poland, Romania, and the Baltic countries. 

“We must also improve the readiness of our own military as an act of deterrence during the current budget process in order to ensure our most innovative and effective defense technologies receive needed support and to also ensure that our current systems and military hardware do not fall into further disrepair," Portman wrote. 

Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, the co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus in the House and represents Parma — which has Ohio’s largest Ukrainian population — called it an "unconscionable attack."

"Ukrainians are a freedom-loving people, while Putin is a tyrant with the blood of innocents on his hands. The Free World must swiftly deploy full diplomatic, economic and defensive might for Ukraine," Kaptur wrote on Twitter. 

The Congressional Ukraine Caucus released a statement Thursday, saying the attacks are "a reprehensible violation of international law" and is encouraging allies to help Ukraine.

“Putin has repeatedly justified his aggression with lies, but the world must understand that he spills innocent blood because freedom and democracy are his true enemies. This invasion will inflict unimaginable suffering the likes of which we have not seen in recent memory," the statement reads. "The great conflicts of the past have taught us that Putin’s aggression cannot be tolerated. As missiles tear through Ukraine’s skies, and tanks begin to roll through its streets – the Free World must rise up in its defense. Together, the United States and our allies must unleash crippling sanctions against Russia, and swiftly bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities. The security and stability of Europe — and the preservation of global liberty — are all on the line.”

Congressman Tim Ryan, OH-13 and Senate candidate, echoed the sentiments on Twitter regarding condemning Russia's actions. 

"Putin has made his decision, and now we must make him pay," Ryan wrote. 

Allison Russo, the Minority Leader of the Ohio House of Representatives, called any sort of justification of the attack as "remarkably anti-democratic."

"Putin is an authoritarian dictator who has launched a war of aggression against Ukraine," Russo wrote on Twitter. "There is no justification for this invasion. Rationalizing Russia’s attack is remarkably anti-democratic."

Rep. Bob Latta, R-OH-5, sided with Ohio colleagues and said "Putin’s actions are unprovoked and despicable." Rep. Jim Jordan took to Twitter, writing "Pray for Ukraine. May God bless its brave citizens."

President Joe Biden said the attacks were "unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces" on Ukraine and said he will announce "further consequences" against Russia on Thursday after meeting with his G7 counterparts.

In a televised address aired before dawn Thursday Moscow time, Putin accused the U.S. and its allies of ignoring Russia’s demands to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and offer Moscow security guarantees. He said Russia’s goal was not to occupy Ukraine.

Putin urged Ukrainian servicemen to “immediately put down arms and go home.” In a stark warning to other countries, Putin said: “I have a few words for those who could feel tempted to interfere with ongoing developments. Whoever tries to impede us, let alone create threats for our country and its people, must know that the Russian response will be immediate and lead to the consequences you have never seen in history.”

Soon after, explosions were heard in the cities of Odessa and Kharkiv.

Biden tweeted Thursday night he spoke with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and said "We will continue to provide support and assistance to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.