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Transcript/ScriptFOR USAGM SHARE
((PLAYBOOK SLUG: NATO RUSSIA UKRAINE FRIDAY (TV)
HEADLINE: NATO Triggers Response Force as Russian Forces Advance on Kyiv
TEASER: Ukrainian president again calls on Western allies to offer military assistance; pro-Ukrainian protests erupt across the world
PUBLISHED AT: Friday, 02/25/2022, 8:31p
BYLINE: Henry Ridgwell
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: London
VIDEOGRAPHER: Henry Ridgwell
VIDEO EDITOR:
PRODUCER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: BR, Bowman
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA, APTN, Reuters
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB _X_ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT: 3:31
VID APPROVED BY: Reifenrath
TYPE: VPKGN
EDITOR NOTES:))
((INTRO)) [[Following an emergency meeting Friday, NATO triggered its Response Force for the first time to defend the eastern flank of the alliance as Russian forces continue their invasion of Ukraine. Kyiv has again urged its Western allies to provide military help. More from Henry Ridgwell.]]
((VIDEO: AGENCY OF RUSSIAN MILITARY IN UKRAINE))
((NARRATOR))
A European democracy under attack; an ally of NATO invaded by Russia.
As Moscow’s troops advanced on Kyiv, Ukraine’s president gave a televised address Friday.
((Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian President (in Ukrainian) ))
“The world's most powerful forces are watching from afar. Did yesterday's sanctions convince Russia? We hear in our sky, and see on our earth, that this is not enough.”
((VIDEO: AGENCY FOOTAGE OF E.U. MEETING, THEN KREMLIN, RUSSIAN BANKS))
((NARRATOR))
Europe, the United States, Canada, Japan and Australia have announced wide-ranging sanctions against Russia – aimed at blocking its banks from accessing euros and dollars and freezing the Kremlin out of Western financial markets.
Russia’s currency hit an all-time low against the dollar; its stock market plunged 40 percent. But will these measures be enough to change Putin’s mind?
((Nora Müller, Körber Foundation Analyst (in English) ))
“If we look at Putin's actions so far and the kind of decision making that we can analyze, then he always put a higher priority to security considerations than he put to economic considerations.”
((VIDEO: AGENCY OF UKRAINIAN FORCES))
((NARRATOR))
Ukraine wants direct military support – which NATO has explicitly ruled out.
((James Heappey, British Armed Forces Minister))
“British and NATO troops should not, must not, play an active role in Ukraine.”
((VIDEO: AGENCY OF NATO MEETING))
((NARRATOR))
NATO heads of state met virtually Friday in a rare emergency summit, joined by non-NATO allies Sweden and Finland. For the first time ever, members triggered NATO’s Rapid Response Force – enabling the quick deployment of troops and armor to defend the alliance.
((Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General (in English) ))
“NATO allies and the European Union have already introduced significant sanctions. And many of our partners around the globe have joined us. We must stand ready to do more, even if it means we have to pay a price, because we are in this for the long haul.”
((VIDEO: AGENCY OF PROTEST OUTSIDE NATO))
((NARRATOR))
Outside NATO headquarters in Brussels, demonstrators called for tougher action.
((Artemii Sattarov, Ukrainian in Brussels (in English) ))
“My message is we need help. We are fighting for the whole democratic world here. If we don't stop them in Ukraine, they will go next to the European Union.”
((VIDEO: AGENCY OF DESTROYED TANKS))
((NARRATOR))
Ukraine’s armed forces have slowed the Russian advance, aided by weapons from Western allies, including the United States and Britain. But analysts say there is a limit to the military aid that the West can deliver.
((Nora Müller, Körber Foundation Analyst (in English) ))
“You cannot just deliver arms, especially when it's like complicated military systems and say, ‘here it is and you do with it whatever you like’. You do have to train people. And we may be beyond that stage already.”
((VIDEO: AGENCY OF WORLDWIDE PROTESTS))
((NARRATOR))
Anger at Russia’s actions – and frustration at the Western response – have triggered protests in cities across the world - from London to Pretoria, Amman to Buenos Aires.
((VIDEO: AGENCY ARRESTS IN ST PETERSBURG))
And in Russia itself, thousands of people have been arrested following anti-war protests.
((VIDEO: VOA / AGENCY OF EIFFEL TOWER, BRANDENBURG GATE IN UKRAINIAN COLORS))
Western allies are showing solidarity with Ukraine; landmarks lit up in yellow and blue.
Symbolic gestures – but Ukraine says it needs weapons, not words.
((Henry Ridgwell, for VOA News, London))
NewsML Media TopicsConflict, War and Peace
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateFebruary 25, 2022 20:49 EST
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
