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Ukrainians, Europeans, and people around the world all have an interest in opposing the kind of war of aggression that Russia launched two years ago. Failure to support Ukraine now will lead to a return to the dark past of military aggression, imperialism and colonialism, not just in Europe.
Written by Dmytro Kleba and Josep Borel
KIEV – February 24, 2022, when Russia marched hundreds of thousands of troops into Ukraine, marked the beginning of a major geopolitical earthquake. For the past two years, Europe has lived with the harsh reality of the continent’s largest war of aggression and widespread horrific atrocities since World War II.
What Russia is doing is a classic example of 19th century style imperial/colonial aggression. Ukraine has endured what many other countries have brutally suffered in the past. For Russia, this war was never about Ukrainian neutrality, NATO expansion, protection of Russian-speaking peoples, or any other fabricated pretext.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly asserted that Ukraine does not exist as a state and that its identity is artificial. This war has the sole purpose of annihilating independent nations, conquering lands, and reestablishing control over peoples who have decided to become masters of their own destiny. Russia’s imperial ambitions are no doubt well known to many countries around the world that were once subject to colonial rule and oppression.
The effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are being felt far beyond Europe. The war affected food security and energy prices and was accompanied by massive disinformation and political destabilization campaigns. These shockwaves were truly global. President Putin is leading the way in an increasingly transactional world. He deployed the Wagner Group in Africa, destabilizing other countries through coups d’état, engaging in economic coercion through threats of famine, systematically burning fields in Ukraine, targeting storage infrastructure, and destroying vital maritime export routes. By cutting off the supply of food, they provided grain that they had made themselves scarce. .
Therefore, war and its consequences concern all nations. If Russia gains the upper hand, she will send a very dangerous message that she may deliver justice. Every aggressive power in the world will be tempted to follow in Russia’s footsteps. If aggression ultimately pays off, why don’t all those with territorial claims against neighboring countries act on it? Because of this, Ukraine won’t win the war. will benefit many Asian, African and Latin American countries.
After all, this war is not about “the West versus the rest of the world.” Supporting Ukraine is not “pro-Western”. It is to reject war and terrorism. It is upholding the principles of international relations based on mutual respect and upholding the rights of Ukrainians to security and freedom. Ukraine and the European Union share a view of 21st century international relations that is diametrically opposed to President Putin’s Russia. Our vision is based on international law, respect and mutual benefit, not coercion, bribery and fear.
No one is more interested in ending this war quickly and restoring peace to the continent than we are. To achieve this, Ukraine has adopted a 10-point peace plan that not only envisages an end to hostilities, but also includes proposals to strengthen food security, nuclear safety, environmental protection, energy security, international justice, and humanitarian assistance. The EU has proposed a formula, which the EU fully supports. Respect for rights and the Charter of the United Nations.
This formula is the only serious peace proposal on the table, and we call on all countries committed to peace to join us in making it a reality. Ukraine is currently hosting the World Peace Summit in Switzerland, and the EU is actively supporting this process. Leaders around the world will strive to agree on a common vision for a just peace in Ukraine, based on the United Nations Charter. Russia will then be presented with this strong position representing the majority of the world and will have no choice but to work in good faith.
As the war enters its third year, our message is about resilience in the face of invasion and terrorism. We cannot and will not allow aggression to be rewarded in the 21st century. Instead, we mobilize to counter it. The only way to achieve a just peace is to double aid to Ukraine. The EU has been doing just that in recent months and plans to further expand its support in 2024.
Our common goal is to help Ukraine turn the tide of the war in its favor so that a just peace can be achieved as soon as possible. Global support is essential to achieving this result. It is in everyone’s interest that international law is respected and cooperation is paramount. We must not return to the dark past of military aggression, imperialism and colonialism, either in Europe or elsewhere.
Copyright: Project Syndicate. This article was published by Project Syndicate on February 21, 2024. The opinions expressed in the editorial section are those of the author.
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