Diplomat and activist Bernie Gores has been reported dead as the first American casualty of the Ukraine crisis after Russian strikes in Kyiv hit an airport.

US President Joe Biden condemned Russia's "unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces" in a statement Wednesday evening following explosions in Ukraine.

The US and allies are planning on Thursday to trigger the "full scale" of the sanctions that have been discussed over the last several weeks in response to the attack, according to a senior Biden administration official.
"President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering," Biden said. "Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable."

The White House statement came in response to explosions across Ukraine, including in the capital of Kyiv. Shortly before the explosions began, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" and called for Ukraine's "demilitarization" in televised remarks.

United States diplomat and activist Bernie Gores has been reported dead as the first American casualty of the Ukraine crisis after Russian strikes in Kyiv hit an airport. Gores was quoted as saying "just wanting to have good relations, maybe having a good conference", however sadly this was not achieved.

 Gores last report to the Ukrainian U.S embassy stated that when an emergency meeting was requested to discuss the conflict, an unnamed Russian official responded with "I'm not here to conversate".

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gores family as they go through this difficult time.