The international community is shocked by Russia's attack on Ukraine. Western heads of state and government say they will give Russia a strong response.

The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, sharply condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine. "We condemn Russia's unjustified attack on Ukraine in the strongest possible terms," von der Leyen wrote on Twitter the morning of Feb. 24.

"In these dark times, our thoughts are with Ukraine and the innocent women, men and children forced to face this unprovoked attack and now fear for their lives."

Von der Leyen added: "We will hold the Kremlin accountable."

European Council chief Charles Michel announced a new package of sanctions against Russia, Reuters news agency reported. It will be presented to the head of the European Commission, Ursuli von der Leyen, and then approved by EU governments, Michel said. He assured Ukraine of further political, financial and humanitarian aid.

Berlin: This is a black day for Europe. There is no excuse for this attack

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine "in the strictest terms." It is "a clear violation of international law" and "not justified in any way."

"Russia must immediately stop this military action," the German chancellor demanded, quoted by the AFP news agency. Scholz said G7, NATO and EU consultations will take place on Thursday. "This is a terrible day for Ukraine and a black day for Europe," Scholz stated.

German Foreign Ministry Annalena Berbock announced the toughest sanctions against Russia.

"We will impose a full package of massive sanctions against Russia," dpa news agency quoted Berbock as saying after a government crisis meeting in Berlin.

According to her, the sanctions response is being coordinated with partners in the EU, NATO and the G7 countries. Germany is shocked, but not helpless, Berbock stressed, announcing the sanctions.

"We woke up in another world today," the German foreign minister stated.

According to the Minister, Russia violates the elementary rules of international law and order. Ukraine has done nothing, notes Berbock, to justify this attack. People in Ukraine only want the right to democracy and peace. "President Putin, you can never destroy that dream. It's growing in Ukraine, it's growing in your country," said Berbock, quoted by Reuters.

Johnson: "Britain and allies will respond decisively."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised a strong response from Russia for attacking Ukraine. Johnson is stunned by the horrific events in Ukraine.

He said he had a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss next steps.

"President Putin has chosen the path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine. Britain and our allies will respond decisively," the British prime minister stressed.

Macron: "France stands in solidarity with Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine. He demands an immediate end to the aggression.

"France strongly condemns Russia's decision to wage war against Ukraine," Macron wrote on his Twitter page.

The French president called on Russia to immediately stop the military operation in Ukraine. According to him, France stands in solidarity with Ukraine and is on its side. Paris, together with its partners and allies, is taking measures to achieve an end to the war, Macron assured.

Biden: "The world will hold Russia accountable."

Russia has chosen the military option with regard to Ukraine, and it alone will be responsible for the consequences of these actions, U.S. President Joe Biden said.

"The United States, its allies and partners will respond in a unified and decisive manner.

The world will hold Russia accountable," Biden said in a statement released by the White House.

China is "watching closely."

China said it is "closely monitoring" the situation after Russia's attack on Ukraine. China's Foreign Ministry urged all parties to the conflict to "refrain."

"China is closely monitoring the current situation, and we call on all sides to maintain restraint and prevent the situation from spiraling out of control," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying.

China refuses to characterize the Russian attack as an invasion, justifying Russia's actions and criticizing the West for supplying Ukraine with weapons.

"Weapons can never solve all problems. Consequently, I don't think now is the time for anyone to pour oil on the fire. But we should give peace a chance," the Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman said.

The foreign ministry spokeswoman pointed to preliminary U.S. military operations abroad.

"They call Russia's actions an invasion, but I ask myself, when the U.S. took unilateral military action against Afghanistan and other countries, what words did they use then? Was it an invasion or something else?" asked Chunying, who was quoted by dpa.