Ukraine’s allies should enforce harsher sanctions against Russia, following the invasion and bombing of the country in the early hours of this morning, according to Kyiv’s Ambassador to Albania Volodymyr Shkurov.
During a press conference in Tirana, Shkurov said that Ukrainians will protect their country at all costs.
“We call for harsher sanctions against Russia. Until now, 10 civilians have died, but we don’t have the full numbers yet.”
“In addition to sanctions, we have requested weapons and financial support [from our allies],” he stated.
In a statement provided to Albanian media shortly after the invasion, the Ukrainian authorities called the attack “an offensive military operation to destroy the Ukrainian state, to forcibly occupy Ukrainian territory, and establish occupying control.”
It continued that attacks had been launched on peaceful cities across the entire country.
“This is an act of war, an attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Ukraine.”
They called on the international community to act immediately as “only decisive action can stop Vladimir Putin’s aggression against Ukraine.”
In addition to sanctions, the authorities have requested assistance in the form of weapons and military equipment.
“Not only the lives and security of Ukrainian citizens, but also the security of citizens of all Europe and the future of the world order depend on our common response,” it continues.
Albanian leaders have been resolute in their condemnation of the invasion.
Prime Minister Edi Rama said he joins NATO and EU allies in condemning Russian aggression.
Foreign Minister Olta Xhacka said the invasion is ‘unprovoked”, endangers millions of people and violates the UN charter.
Albania’s ambassador to the UN delivered a speech at the Security Council meeting regarding the attacks carried out by Russia in Ukraine. During an intervention in the urgent meeting, Ambassador Ferit Hoxha stated that Russia is brutally punishing its neighbors, while adding that Albania supports the sovereignty of Ukraine.
“Albania condemned the unprovoked aggression of Ukraine. Russia is brutally attacking its neighbor whom it wants to deny its existence, freedom, land and dignity. “Albania called on the UN to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and its territorial integrity,” he said.
President Ilir Meta also commented, calling on Russia to withdraw military action against Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“Albania stands with Ukraine and its people in this dark hour,” he added.