Former US President Barack Obama on Thursday asked Americans to support President Joe Biden’s efforts to counter ‘Russia’s reckless actions’. In a note posted on social media, the 60-year-old described Moscow’s invasion as illegal and senseless. 

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“Last night, Russia launched a brazen attack on the people of Ukraine, in violation of international law and basic principles of human decency. Russia did so not because Ukraine posed a threat to Russia, but because the people of Ukraine chose a path of sovereignty, self-determination, and democracy,” Obama’s note read. 

Russia launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine early Thursday unleashing airstrikes on cities and military bases and sending in troops and tanks from three sides in an attack that could rewrite the global post-Cold War security order. Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky said 137 people were reported dead after first day of fighting. 

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Obama further added that the consequences of Russia’s actions extended beyond Ukraine borders. 

“This illegal invasion in the heart of Europe also threatens the foundation of the international order and security. For some time now, we have seen the forces of division and authoritarianism make headway around the world, mounting an assault on the ideals of democracy, rule of law, equality, individual liberty, freedom of expression and worship, and self-determination. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shows where these dangerous trends can lead – and why they cannot be left unchallenged,” the note read. 

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President Joe Biden announced a fresh set of sanctions against Russia on Thursday. The current Commander-in-chief described his Russia counterpart Vladimir Putin as the ‘aggressor’ who ‘chose war’. 

Obama asked Americans to support their President. 

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“People of conscience around the world need to loudly and clearly condemn Russia’s actions and offer support for the Ukrainian people. And every American, regardless of party, should support President Biden’s efforts, in coordination with our closest allies, to impose hard-hitting sanctions on Russia – sanctions that impose a real price on Russia’s autocratic elites.”