On the 22nd (local time), two days before the one-year (24th) anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian flags are planted at Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine’s capital. These flags are to commemorate the fallen soldiers of their country. Kiiwu/EPA Yonhap News
[기고] Joseph Borel | European Union High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy
February 24, 2022 will forever be remembered as the day Russia carried out its brutal, unprecedented and illegal invasion of Ukraine. This invasion is a clear violation of the Charter of the United Nations. The war in Ukraine is neither a “European problem” nor a “Western v. Rest” problem. It’s about the world we all want to live in. No one is safe in a world where the illegal use of force by nuclear powers and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council is accepted as “normal.” International law must be enforced everywhere to protect everyone from power politics, blackmail and military aggression. A year after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, there is a danger that people may become numb and unwilling to witness war crimes. But it shouldn’t be. Because Russia violates the Charter of the United Nations every day and sets a dangerous precedent for the world with its imperialist policies. Russia is killing innocent Ukrainians every day and conducting missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. You are also spreading lies every day. For the EU and its partners, there is no alternative but a “triple strategy,” which boils down to supporting Ukraine, pressing Russia to stop Russia’s illegal aggression, and supporting the rest of the world’s response to the aftermath of the war in Ukraine. The EU has successfully implemented this strategy for a year. We have adopted unprecedented sanctions and greatly reduced our dependence on Russian fossil fuels. Close cooperation with key partners has allowed us to reduce 50% of Russian energy sales. We have also been able to mitigate rising food and energy prices by working with our partners. Ukraine needs means of self-defense. In response, for the first time ever, the European Union has provided arms to a country under attack and is taking the lead in providing military exercises to Ukraine. We are also providing significant financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. We also agreed to respond positively to Ukraine’s request to join the European Union. Finally, the European Union is working to hold Russia accountable for its war crimes. Ukraine has shown remarkable resilience, but Russia is becoming more isolated thanks to international sanctions and international condemnation by the overwhelming majority of UN members. It is an unchanging and common goal for a democratic country to win, to oust the aggressor, to fully restore its sovereignty, and thereby to re-establish international legitimacy. Above all else, we wish for a comprehensive and lasting peace to settle in Ukraine in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law. If the Russian invasion succeeds, the repercussions will be worldwide. Conflicts will increase in earnest in places where there are potential for regional disputes in Asia, such as the South China Sea, the East China Sea, and the Taiwan Strait. This is why European and Asia-Pacific partner countries must stand together against the Russian invasion. The support of many Asian countries for territorial integrity and sovereignty and the principles of international law was important. Another important fact is that the European Union is doing its utmost to ensure that international law is respected everywhere, not just in Ukraine. We are working for peace and security around the world, including in the Asia-Pacific region. It must be made clear that Russia is to blame for the global economic shock. While foodstuffs and fertilizers are traditionally excluded from EU sanctions, we are watching closely for any unintended negative effects. From a broader perspective, the Russian aggression marked the need to break away from heavy dependence on other countries in both Europe and Asia. We must strengthen collaboration to build more resilient and inclusive economies, protect democracies and strengthen social cohesion. History and justice are on the side of Ukraine. However, in order to advance history and bring justice, we must extend the “triple strategy”. The EU expects all partners to act with a sense of common responsibility and solidarity to ensure that the Russian aggression is foiled and that international law prevails.
