OHIO — Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, and Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., issued a joint statement Friday condemning Russia's attacks and is asking for the world to form a united front.
DeWine and Walz serve as the co-chairs to President Joe Biden's Council of Governors, which allows governors to exchange views and information with the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Homeland Security and the White House Homeland Security Council on matters that involve National Guard, homeland defense, civil support and more.
“At the direction of President Vladimir Putin, Russian forces have invaded Ukraine in violation of international law. This is unacceptable, and all freedom-loving people should stand against this unprovoked invasion,” said DeWine. “Ukraine has been a sovereign and independent state since the collapse of the former Soviet Union in the 1990s. The United States and Ukraine share common values including freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people.”
Russia launched an attack on Ukraine on Thursday after the country's president Vladimir Putin ordered a "special military operation" on its neighbor. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr confirmed 137 Ukrainians were killed in the first 24 hours of Russia's invasion, with more than 300 people wounded.
“We stand with Ukraine and condemn Russia for these unprovoked and unlawful attacks,” said Walz. “We stand ready to support the federal government in guiding our nation through this violent time, and I am committed to standing together with leaders at all levels of government, regardless of political party, to work towards peace. It’s time to unite, protect democracy, and work together to end this violence and hold Russia accountable.”
The U.S. Army said 3,800 soldiers from Fort Stewart, Georgia, are among additional forces deploying to Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Biden announced Thursday that around 7,000 troops total would be making their way to Europe in the coming days.
Biden also announced Thursday a broader set of severe financial penalties and sanctions on Russia, which targets Russian banks, oligarchs and high-tech sectors. They target the largest of Russia’s financial institutions, amounting to restrictions on nearly 80% of the country’s assets, according to the Treasury Department.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.