Former President Barack Obama released a statement on Thursday afternoon condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine as a 'brazen attack...in violation of international law and basic principles of human decency.' In outlining the stakes to the American people, Obama accentuated that '[t]he consequences of Russia’s reckless actions extend beyond Ukraine’s borders,' threatening 'the foundation of the international order and security.' In what could potentially be interpreted as a bit of shade toward former President Donald Trump and those who have supported his authoritarian tendencies, Obama also wrote: 'For some time now, we have seen the forces of division and authoritarianism make headway around the world, mounting an assault on the ideals of democracy, rule of law, equality, individual liberty, freedom of expression and worship, and self-determination. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shows where these dangerous trends can lead – and why they cannot be left unchallenged.' 'People of conscience around the world need to loudly and clearly condemn Russia’s actions and offer support for the Ukrainian people,' Obama continued. 'And every American, regardless of party, should support President Biden’s efforts, in coordination with our closest allies, to impose hard-hitting sanctions on Russia – sanctions that impose a real price on Russia’s autocratic elites. There may be some economic consequences to such sanctions, given Russia’s significant role in world energy markets. But that’s a price we should be willing to pay to take a stand on the side of freedom.' #Ukraine #ambazonia