UK calls for urgent meeting of NATO leaders

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for an urgent NATO meeting after Russia's military intervention in Ukraine.

“This is a catastrophe for our continent,” Johnson wrote on Twitter.

“I will make an address to the nation this morning on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. I will also speak to fellow G7 leaders and I am calling for an urgent meeting of all NATO leaders as soon as possible,” he added.

Johnson earlier said he was “appalled” by the start of Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine.

“I am appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine and I have spoken to President Zelenskyy to discuss next steps,” Johnson said following a phone call with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's president.

Explosions have been reported in several Ukrainian provinces, including the capital Kyiv, and military vehicles reportedly crossed the border from Belarus into Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military intervention in Ukraine, just days after recognizing two separatist-held enclaves in eastern Ukraine. The recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk drew international condemnation and threats of tougher sanctions against Moscow.

Russia was accused of amassing over 100,000 troops around Ukraine in recent months, but Putin repeatedly denied any intention of invading.