In these dark times, as we watch Russia's unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine and follow massive campaigns of disinformation and information manipulation, it is essential to separate the lies – designed to justify the indefensible – from the facts. The fact is that Russia, a major nuclear power, attacked and invaded a neighboring peaceful and democratic country, which neither threatened nor provoked it. What's more, President Putin is threatening retaliation against any country that comes to the aid of the Ukrainian people. Such use of force and coercion has no place in the 21st century.
In doing so, President Putin not only seriously violates international law, but also violates the basic principles of human coexistence. His choice to bring war back to Europe takes us back to the days of the "law of the jungle," where force makes right. The goal is not only Ukraine, but also European security, as well as the entire international order based on the rules, principles of the UN system and international law.
His aggression results in the loss of innocent lives, and tramples on the human desire to live in peace. Civilian targets are targeted, which clearly violates international humanitarian law and forces people to flee. A humanitarian disaster is unfolding before our eyes. For months, we made enormous efforts to reach a diplomatic solution. However, Putin lied to everyone he met, pretending that he wanted to reach a peaceful solution. Instead, he opted for a full invasion, for an all-out war.
Russia must immediately stop military actions and unconditionally withdraw from Ukrainian territory. The same applies to Belarus, which must immediately stop its participation in this aggression, and return to respecting its international obligations. The European Union is unique in providing strong support to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. This is a matter of life and death. We are preparing a package of emergency measures to support the Ukrainian armed forces in their fight.
In response to these events, the international community will now opt for the complete isolation of Russia, in order to hold President Putin accountable for this aggression. We are imposing sanctions on those financing the war, dealing a blow to the Russian banking system and their ability to access international reserves.
The European Union has already introduced extensive sanctions aimed at Russian leaders and elites, targeting strategic economic sectors controlled by the Kremlin. Our desire is not to harm the Russian people, but to weaken the Kremlin's ability to finance this unjust war. We operate in full alignment with our partners and allies – the US, Canada, the UK, Japan, South Korea and Australia. We are witnessing that many countries of the world are joining together to protect the territorial integrity of Ukraine and its sovereignty, including our friends in the Western Balkans. Together we stand on the right side of history, against the horrifying Russian attack on a free and sovereign state.
In order to justify their crimes, the Kremlin and its allies launched a massive disinformation campaign, which began a few weeks ago. We have seen how Russian state media and their media ecosystem spread falsehoods on social media to manipulate and deceive. For too long, the Western Balkans have been the target of the Kremlin's disinformation operations, and they know very well when they are exposed to information manipulation.
Propagandists from the Kremlin called this invasion a "special operation". This cynical euphemism, however, cannot hide the fact that we are witnessing a comprehensive invasion of Ukraine, which aims to destroy its freedom, legitimate government and democratic structures. Calling the government in Kyiv "neo-Nazi" and "Russophobic" is nonsense: any form of Nazism is prohibited by law in Ukraine. In contemporary Ukraine, the candidates of the extreme right are a marginal phenomenon, with minimal support and chances, without the possibility of passing the census to enter the parliament. The Ukrainian government did not isolate the Donbas, nor did it ban the Russian language and culture. Donetsk and Lugansk are not republics, but Ukrainian regions controlled by Russian-backed separatist groups.
We know it, and many in Russia know it. Since the beginning of the aggression, we have seen brave protests in many Russian cities, demanding an end to the aggression against a peaceful neighboring country. We hear their voices, and we pay tribute to their courage. We are witnessing that many prominent public figures in Russia are protesting against this insane invasion.
I continue to work with partners around the world to ensure that the international community acts together against such actions by the Kremlin. On February 25, Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution condemning the invasion, while China, India and the United Emirates abstained. All over the world, countries condemn Russian aggression and it is necessary for the whole world to join forces and for the General Assembly to pass a resolution condemning this Russian aggression. Special thanks to Albania, which was a co-sponsor of this resolution.
People in the Western Balkans, unfortunately, know all too well what war is. They have experienced the suffering of innocent civilians and know why it is important to fight for freedom. They understand very well what the Ukrainian people are going through now.
Precisely because of bitter war memories and because they know that they appreciate the values of peace, the peoples of the Western Balkans want to join the European Union - the most successful peace project in the history of mankind. Both they and we know that they belong in the European Union.
After this war against Ukraine, the world will never be the same again. Now is the moment, more than ever before, for societies and alliances to join together and build a future based on trust, justice and freedom. It's time to stand up and speak up. Force does not make right. She never gave and never will.
The author is the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy and Security
Bonus video:
