Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin condemns Putin for Ukraine invasion

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has officially begun, as President Vladimir Putin announced that he is launching a “special military operation” in the country.

Putin’s move was followed by reports of explosions in multiple major Ukrainian cities, including the country’s capital, Kyiv.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, once again voiced his distress about the conflict, calling out Putin for committing a “crime against the Ukrainian and Russian people.”

“Glory to Ukraine”

Stating that he is “very upset about Putin’s decision to abandon the possibility of a peaceful solution to the dispute with Ukraine and go to war instead,” the Russian-born developer once again took a public stance–making it clear to his 3.3 million followers on Twitter that he is not neutral on the matter.

Очень расстроен решением Путина отказаться от возможности мирного решения спора с Украиной и вместо этого начать войну. Это преступление против украинского и русского народа.

Хочу желать всем безопасности, хотя знаю, что не какой безопасности не будет.

Слава Украине.

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) February 24, 2022

“This is a crime against the Ukrainian and Russian people,” wrote Buterin, without hesitation, adding as a reminder “Ethereum is neutral, but I am not.”

This was not the first time Buterin voiced his position on the conflict. Earlier this month, the Ethereum co-founder called on Putin to “choose wisely” in making a decision–urging that “an attack on Ukraine can only harm Russia, Ukraine and humanity.” 

Нападение на Украину может только навредить России, Украине и человечеству.

Вернется ли ситуация на мирный путь или будет война, сейчас может решить не Зеленский, не нато, а @KremlinRussia

Надеюсь что выберут мудро.

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) February 11, 2022

Sanctions following the “barbaric attack”

This dreadful escalation after months of simmering instantly resonated in the global markets–crystallizing some of the investors’ long-felt fears.

Bitcoin fell to a one-month low, and other cryptocurrencies including Ethereum nosedived as well.  

While Ethereum is down 12%, other major players, including Cardano, Solana, Ripple, are also seeing double-digit losses.

How this new devastating chapter in Europe’s history unravels, remains largely contingent on the international response. 

With all eyes focused on Western leaders, the US and its allies are imposing “severe sanctions” on Russia after the attacks.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared to “weaken Russia’s economic base and its capacity to modernize” following the “barbaric attack” against Ukraine, reported CNN.

“We will freeze Russian assets in the EU and stop the access of Russian banks to European financial markets,” she added.

Such actions could potentially resonate loudly in the crypto market–possibly steering regulatory wheels in countries that are currently mulling over new comprehensive policies.