Russia cannot and must not win

 

One year has passed since the beginning of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. It has brought war back to Europe: Countless dead innocent civilians, millions of Ukrainian refugees leaving their destroyed homes behind, cities devastated by heavy artillery, and massive missile attacks against civilian infrastructure.

Given the scale of the human suffering caused by these atrocities, Russia must immediately stop its war of aggression!

On the surface, this war might seem far away from Malaysia. However, one thing is clear: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a threat to the whole international community, not just to Europe. The consequences affect every country in the world. Malaysia is no exception to this.

Therefore, we are grateful for the fact that Malaysia has supported core United Nations General Assembly resolutions over the past year, condemning Russia’s blatant violation of the very basic principles enshrined in the UN Charter.

Russia’s invasion is an act against the sovereignty of an independent country and its people. It undermines any respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty, and international law. Principles that Malaysia considers to be of paramount importance in the conduct of states, as do the member states of the European Union (EU).

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine must be firmly condemned and sanctioned by the international community. Otherwise, a dangerous precedent could be set for the violation of international law in other world regions, including potential hotspots in Asia.

In addition, the global geo-economic impact of the invasion can hardly be overestimated. Its shockwaves are manifold: food insecurity, inflation, and disruption of supply chains in key markets.

Russia carries the sole responsibility for putting the global community at risk, especially with regard to the effects caused in the most vulnerable countries around the globe.

During the whole year since Russia’s full-fledged aggression against Ukraine has begun, the EU has put all its efforts toward countering these negative effects.

The EU engages with partners to ensure resilient supply chains, putting in motion corridors for the export and distribution of Ukrainian stocks of cereals, maintaining its level of humanitarian aid and even increasing it in some parts of the world, to countries affected by the consequence of Russia’s war.

In the World Trade Organization (WTO), the EU is actively engaged in supporting the food security agenda by advocating against unjustified export restrictions in favour of increasing transparency and promoting free trade.

Russia is accompanying its aggression against Ukraine with wide-ranging information warfare abroad. Its aggressive war propaganda and disinformation include justifying or denying atrocities, normalising annexations, and shifting the blame for inflation, food and energy crises on countries that support Ukraine. We cannot allow this disinformation campaign to remain unanswered.

It has been sobering and impressive to see the tremendous courage and determination of the Ukrainian people in defending their homeland. We owe them enormous respect as they fight to save their country and uphold universal values.

International law must prevail, the invaders must be brought to justice, and this war must end. The world needs a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine. - Mkini

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This statement is jointly issued by the EUROPEAN UNION, AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, CZECHIA, CROATIA, FINLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, HUNGARY, IRELAND, ITALY, NETHERLANDS, POLAND, SPAIN, SWEDEN, and ROMANIA.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.