Ukrainian Foreign Ministry: Kyiv has activated its right to self-defense

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has released a statement regarding the latest developments in Donbas.

"President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin announced the start of a new wave of aggression against Ukraine. The goal of the Russian military offensive is the destruction of the Ukrainian state, the seizure of Ukrainian territory by force, and the establishment of occupation control," the Foreign Ministry said.

The statement notes that Russian troops are targeting peaceful Ukrainian cities, shelling them in various directions, particularly from the temporarily occupied Donbas and Crimea and the northeastern region.

"This is an act of war, an attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, a gross violation of the UN Charter and the fundamental norms and principles of international law. Ukraine has activated its right to self-defense under international law.

The fighting spirit of the Ukrainian military is as high as ever; our defenders are ready to give a decisive rebuff to the aggressor state and will defend the Ukrainian land with all their might.

Ukraine calls on the international community to act immediately. Only united and decisive steps can stop Vladimir Putin's aggression against Ukraine," the statement reads.

The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine called on partners to immediately activate a new sanctions package.