In this dark hour, when we see the unprovoked and unwarranted invasion of Ukraine by Russia and massive disinformation and information manipulation campaigns, it is essential to separate the lies –invented to justify what cannot be justified– from the facts.
The facts are that Russia, a major nuclear power, has attacked and invaded a peaceful and democratic neighboring country, which neither posed nor provoked any threat to it.
(Follow the live minute-by-minute of the situation in Ukraine here).
Furthermore, President Putin threatens to retaliate against any other state that comes to the rescue of the people of Ukraine. Such use of force and coercion has no place in the 21st century.
What President Putin is doing is not only a serious violation of international law, it is a violation of the basic principles of human coexistence. With his decision to bring war back to Europe, we see the return of the “law of the jungle” where might makes right.
The goal is not just Ukraine, but the security of Europe and the entire rules-based international order, in the system of the UN and international law.
Their aggression is claiming innocent lives, crushing the desire of the people to live in peace. Civilian targets are attacked, which clearly violates International Humanitarian Law and forces people to flee. We see a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding.
(Keep reading: Moscow and Kiev will resume negotiations as Russian offensive continues).
A woman with two children walks with bags to leave Ukraine after crossing the border between Slovakia and Ubla.
The goal is not to harm the Russian people, but rather to weaken the Kremlin’s ability to finance this unjust war.
For months, we have made unprecedented efforts to achieve a diplomatic solution. But Putin lied to the face of everyone who met him, pretending to be interested in a peaceful solution. Instead, he opted for a full-scale invasion, a full-fledged war.
Russia must immediately cease its military operations and unconditionally withdraw from the entire territory of Ukraine. The same goes for Belarus, which must immediately cease its participation in this aggression and respect its international obligations.
The European Union is united in offering its strong support to Ukraine and its people. This is a matter of life and death. I am preparing an emergency package to support the Ukrainian armed forces in their fight.
In response, the international community will now opt for a full-scale isolation of Russia, holding President Putin responsible for this aggression. We are sanctioning those who finance the war, paralyzing the Russian banking system and its access to international reserves.
(It may interest you: ‘Putin is deceiving us’: in Kiev nobody trusts the negotiations).
The European Union and its partners have already imposed massive sanctions on Russia that target its leaders, elites and strategic sectors of the economy run by the Kremlin. The goal is not to harm the Russian people, but rather to weaken the Kremlin’s ability to finance this unjust war. In doing this, we are closely aligned with our partners and allies: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
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A Russian tank burns in front of the body of an unidentified soldier, during clashes in Kharkiv.
To justify their crimes, the Kremlin and its supporters have engaged in a massive disinformation campaign, which began weeks ago.
We also see many countries around the world coming together to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, including our close friends in Colombia.
President Duque and Vice President and Foreign Minister Ramírez have categorically rejected the attacks against Ukraine by RusiAy have joined the voices that, at the international level, demand the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops. We stand together on the right side of history in the face of Russia’s horrific attack on a free and sovereign country.
To justify their crimes, the Kremlin and its supporters have engaged in a massive disinformation campaign, which began weeks ago. We have seen the Russian state media and its ecosystem spread lies on social media with the aim of misleading and manipulating.
(Also: The disturbing movements of Vladimir Putin in Central and South America).
The propagandists of Kremlin They call the invasion “a special operation”, but this cynical euphemism cannot hide the fact that we are witnessing a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine, with the aim of crushing its freedom, its legitimate government and its democratic structures.
Calling the Kiev government “neo-Nazi” and “Russophobic” makes no sense: all manifestations of Nazism are prohibited in Ukraine. In modern Ukraine, far-right candidates are a fringe phenomenon with minimal support, not passing the barrier to enter parliament.
The Ukrainian government has not isolated Donbas and has not prohibited the use of the Russian language and culture. Donuts and Luhansk are not republics, they are Ukrainian regions controlled by armed separatist groups backed by Russia.
This we know, and many Russians too. There have been brave protests in cities across Russia since the invasion began, demanding an end to the aggression against a peaceful neighboring nation. We hear your voices and acknowledge your courage in speaking out, and we also see many prominent public figures in Russia protesting this senseless invasion.
(Read more: Russia’s currency, the ruble, depreciated to record lows.)
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A Ukrainian soldier stands near a burnt-out vehicle after overnight fighting in Kiev, Ukraine.
ANDRII NESTERENKO/EFE/EPA
I continue to work with our partners around the world to ensure joint action by the international community against the Kremlin’s behavior.
On February 25, only Russia vetoed a UN Security Council Resolution on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, with China, India and the United Arab Emirates abstaining. Countries around the world condemn Russia’s attacks and in the General Assembly, the entire international community must join forces and help end Russia’s military aggression by adopting the Resolution of the UN related. We thank Colombia for its active diplomatic efforts to raise support for the resolution.
(We recommend: Russia-Ukraine War: the shocking images of the conflict).
With this war in Ukraine, the world will never be the same again. Now, more than ever, is the time for societies and alliances to come together to build our future on trust, justice and freedom. It’s time to get up and speak. The force does not give the reason. He never did. It never will.
JOSEP BORRELL
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
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