John Kerry says climate change concerns 'equally important' as Russia-Ukraine crisis
WASHINGTON (TND) — Despite the potential beginnings of a bloody invasion in Ukraine by Russian forces, the White House’s international climate envoy, John Kerry, is urging Russia not to lose sight of global efforts to reduce green house gas emissions.
“I'm concerned about Ukraine because of the people of Ukraine and because of the principles that are at risk,” Kerry said during an interview with BBC. “I hope diplomacy will win. But, massive emissions consequences to the war – but equally importantly, you're going to lose people's focus, you're going to lose certainly big country attention because they will be diverted and I think it could have a damaging impact," he continued.
During the interview, Kerry questioned whether Russian President Vladimir Putin was aware residents in the northern part of his country “used to live on 66% of the nation that was over frozen land.”
“Now it's thawing, and his infrastructure is at risk,” Kerry added. “And the people of Russia are at risk. And so I hope President Putin will help us to stay on track with respect to what we need to do for the climate.”
Ukrainian officials confirmed Thursday the nation is being invaded by Russian forces on multiple fronts, NBC News reported.
“The future of Ukraine depends on every citizen,” said Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a news conference Thursday, according to a translation of his comments. “Since this morning, we have wounded soldiers. In those hospitals where blood is needed, please, I ask you, to join and become blood donors for our defenders,” he continued.
On Thursday, Zalensky added that weapons were being provided “to anyone who wants to defend the country,” urging Ukrainians to “be ready to support Ukraine in the squares of our cities.”
He also warned Thursday that Russian forces were close to taking over Chernobyl, a nuclear waste storage facility north of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. Ukrainian officials said a strike on the nuclear waste storage facility could release radioactive material that could blanket the country, according to NBC News.
The latest reporting from journalists on the ground in Ukraine indicates Chernobyl is now under the control of Russian forces.
