Nevada leaders react to Russian attack on Ukraine

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a military operation in Ukraine and warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to "consequences they have never seen."

As Putin spoke, big explosions were heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv and other areas of Ukraine.

U.S. President Joe Biden denounced the "unprovoked and unjustified" attack on Ukraine and said the world will "hold Russia accountable."

Nevada's leaders have also issued statements Wednesday evening after the attack.

U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen:

My thoughts are with the people of Ukraine. Vladimir Putin's unprovoked attack tonight is a significant escalation and cannot go unpunished. The US, our allies, and the world must make it clear that we will not stand for this.

U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto:

Putin's decision to launch a violent, unprovoked attack on Ukraine must be met with crushing sanctions and a strong, unified response from the United States and our allies.

I stand with the Ukrainian people. Russia made a grave mistake and will be held accountable.

U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford:

This evening's attack confirms the worst fears of the free world. Putin's invasion will be an unmitigated tragedy for the people of Ukraine, and he must be held accountable by a united and resolute international coalition.

We stand with the heroic defenders of Ukraine, and pray for the innocent civilians who will soon endure senseless suffering.

Now is the time for the Biden administration to immediately implement the full range of prepared sanctions. My colleagues and I stand ready to join the administration in acting decisively to impose punishing costs on Putin and his accomplices.

No economic or diplomatic tool is off the table, and Putin should remember that our commitments to our NATO allies in the Baltics and Eastern Europe under Article 5 are absolute.

U.S. Rep. Dina Titus:

The unwarranted and brazen actions taken by Putin have unfortunately set the world down a path that could lead to unimaginable violence and upend the stability of the free world.

The United States must stand ready to support Ukraine and its citizens as they valiantly seek to hold back the onslaught from Putin's thuggish forces which seek to destroy Ukraine's autonomy and rip apart the Ukrainian people's right to self-determination.

I am continuing to monitor the situation and my prayers are with the people of Ukraine.

U.S. Rep. Susie Lee:

Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine cannot go unpunished. We must send a clear message that the United States, and all other countries that stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, will hold Russia accountable. The United States, in concert with our allies, must act decisively and swiftly to impose the most crushing of sanctions on Russia. As we do this, we must also work with our NATO allies to help Ukrainians defend themselves and to provide humanitarian aid where needed.