#PrayforUkraine: Russia invades Ukraine, attacks rock major cities
In a chilling message prior to the attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a televised address, "To anyone who would consider interfering from the outside - if you do, you will face consequences greater than any of you have faced in history."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already cut diplomatic ties with Moscow, declared martial law, and tweeted, "Russia has embarked on a path of evil, but Ukraine is defending itself and won’t give up its freedom."
Important world leaders and organizations urged Russia to stop the invasion and choose a peaceful and diplomatic way of mitigating the conflict.
Following the massive attacks, thousands of Ukrainian people tried to flee the country and the answer to what their future holds is yet unknown.
Sanctions from Western countries and Japan were already imposed on Russian businesses and individuals. US President Joe Biden condemned Russia's attack as "unprovoked and unjustified" and vowed the world will hold Russia accountable for a "premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering."
According to reports, Russia's demand for ending NATO’s eastward expansion contributed to tensions that led to its recent full-scale military invasion.
Ukraine was part of the 15 Soviet republics that made up the USSR along with Russia until it gained independence in August of 1991.
Former Miss Ukraine Khrystyna Stoloka called for everyone to pray for her country in a post on social media. She said: "Russia attacked my country today. I, like all of you, are afraid for our future, for our loved ones."
"There is nothing good in the war and there are no winners, but there is only the number of dead."
Photo: Miss Universe Ukraine Liliana Gorova and Miss Universe Russia Oxana Fedorova during the Miss Universe 2002 pageant held in Puerto Rico
