Biden: G7 agreed to a batch of sanctions against Russia

The US President Joe Biden announced that the G7 agreed to proceed with a package of sanctions against Russia over its military operation in Ukraine.

"This morning I met with my G7 counterparts to discuss President Putin's unprovoked attack on Ukraine and we agreed to move forward with devastating sanctions packages and other economic measures to hold Russia accountable, and we stand with the brave people of Ukraine," Biden said in a tweet.

Earlier today, Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that the military operations taking place in Ukraine, which were launched today, are an emergency measure.

Putin said, during a meeting with Russian businessmen, that "risks in the field of security have formed such that it is no longer possible to reach a solution by any other means," noting that "the risks could have affected our existence and we have prepared ourselves for any sanctions."

He added, "What is happening now in Ukraine is an emergency measure," adding, "We do not intend to harm the world order of which we are a part, and our partners must understand this matter.".

He continued, "Had we not taken this step, we would have faced a threat that I do not know how our country would have continued after," stressing that "the situation is difficult, and I hope that we will be able to work together in a solidarity and effective manner."