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Gov. Kemp says he’s ‘mindful’ of how Russian attack on Ukraine could impact Georgia troops

ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp tweeted a statement Thursday morning in response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

Thursday’s attacks began with explosions before dawn in the capital Kyiv and other cities. The attacks followed weeks of escalating tensions in the region.

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Kemp issued a statement on his Twitter account condemning the attack and the possible impact on Georgia troops.

“As Putin and the Russian army violate Ukraine’s sovereignty through this callous, indefensible invasion, we stand with our allies and condemn this aggression of tyrants. We are praying for a quick, just end to this conflict, the safety of Ukraine’s citizens, & the defeat of democracy’s enemies,” Kemp wrote.

“We are also mindful of how this could impact the brave men and women of our military, including Georgia servicemembers who are on heightened alert. @GAFirstLady, the girls, and I ask that you join us in praying for their safety, for their families, and for the well-being of all those who fight for liberty around the world.”

Georgia National Guard troops were deployed last week to help prepare U.S. Air Force troops in Europe in case of an invasion. The 165th Airlift Wing was deployed Feb. 16 from Savannah with a tactical airlift package to supply logistical support and military aid.

“Collectively, this force is trained and equipped for a variety of missions to deter aggression and to reassure and defend our Allies,” military officials told Channel 2 Action News.

U.S. troops are currently not engaged in combat. The National Guard serve as support troops.

At least 40 people have been killed Thursday in Russia’s attack on Ukraine, according to Oleksiy Arestovich, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Arestovich told ABC News that several dozen others have been injured so far.

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In a televised address as the attack began, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned other countries that any attempt to interfere would “lead to consequences you have never seen in history.

From the White House, President Joe Biden said the world will “hold Russia accountable.”

The Carter Center issued a statement calling on Russia to immediately withdraw from Ukraine.

“The Carter Center condemns Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to send troops into the sovereign nation of Ukraine, a clear violation of international law and the human rights of the Ukrainian people. We call on Russia to immediately withdraw its forces and engage with Ukraine’s leaders and the international community to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis.”

The statement continues saying the center stands in solidarity with Ukraine.

“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Putin’s recognition of two areas of Ukraine as independent states undermines fundamental democratic principles and exacerbates a humanitarian crisis that began with its annexation of Crimea in 2014. Conflict caused by Russian-backed separatists has already led to some 14,000 deaths and forced an estimated 1.6 million Ukrainians from their homes. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who in recent years have made great strides in strengthening their democracy and institutions, and who have the right to live free from violence and to chart their own future.”

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