Biden delivers statement following G7 leaders meeting on Ukraine

US President Joe Biden delivers a statement in Washington DC on Thursday, February 24, following a virtual G7 meeting on Ukraine. The leaders' meeting takes place following Russia launching a military operation in Eastern Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday. Ukrainian President Zelensky introduced martial law across the country in response. On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree confirming Moscow's official recognition of the independence of the Lugansk People's Republic (LPR) and the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) at a ceremony in the Kremlin. USA, UK, and Europe condemned the action and announced sanctions against Russia, which targeted several Russian banks, individuals, and bilateral trade.