Vladimir Putin announced that Russia has invaded Ukraine: New Jersey officials react

When Russian troops entered Ukraine late Wednesday night, elected New Jersey leaders took to social media to express their views on the invasion.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a televised address that Russia would conduct a military operation in eastern Ukraine in response to threats.

President Joe Biden condemned Russia’s “unprovoked and unjustified attack.” to Ukraine and said the world would hold Russia accountable. The U.S. president will address the nation on Thursday to announce additional steps the U.S. will take next sanctions have already been imposed.

Here is how elected leaders of New Jersey reacted to this news:

Senator Bob Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement:

“Today I have a heavy heart for the people of Ukraine. If we pray for them in this dark moment of uncertainty, it is clear that history will show that Vladimir Putin’s decision to sacrifice the lives of countless Ukrainians and Russians was made out of fear – fear of allowing a neighboring independent, sovereign nation to achieve democracy and freedom.

“This unprovoked attack has underscored the need to expel the current Kremlin leadership from the international community. Today should be a historic shift in the way the world looks and treats the despot in Moscow.