Who wouldn’t want peace in Ukraine? For almost a thousand days, “Ukraine is burning […] Blood is flowing. People are dying” wrote the head of the Greek-Ukrainian Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk.
Since the election of Donald Trump, Russia has intensified its strikes deliberately targeting civilians: “Every day we count our dead, on the front and behind” writes academic Anastasia Fomitchova (1). The terrible ordeal of the Ukrainian people continues to grow. Death from the cold and the paralysis of hospitals await on the threshold of winter: 80% of energy infrastructures have been bombed.
Donald Trump assured that he could bring peace in 24 hours. But under what conditions? Will he give in to the capitulation that Vladimir Putin would like to obtain: recognition of the capture of the 20% of occupied Ukraine and parts of the regions that he has not managed to conquer, change of political regime in kyiv to putting power under its control, Ukraine’s commitment not to join either NATO or the European Union…? Or will Donald Trump side with the attacked Ukrainian people and the continuity of international law?
Because that is what it is all about, as Constantin Sigov writes: “The Kremlin will not simply freeze the current conflict. The primary aim of Putin’s aggression, namely the destruction of the civilization of law, justice and rules, does not only concern Eastern Europe, but the entire planet. This virus is becoming more and more toxic,” (2).
Put an end to our cowardice
There is no longer any doubt about Russia’s desire to globalize this war. Its alliances are no longer limited to military equipment. They extend to the engagement of men from other countries, used as cannon fodder. These poor Sri Lankan soldiers deceived, finding themselves on the front even though they had been promised a job in Russia. The twelve thousand North Korean soldiers deployed in Ukraine constitute a « escalade grave » said Emmanuel Macron. Trained in Ukraine, will North Korea be even more of a threat to South Korea?
If Russia’s allies are there, Ukraine’s allies stand out for their cowardice: we still forbid it from destroying, in Russia, the military targets from which the hovering bombs that kill civilians come, depriving it of his right to self-defense. Unworthy contradiction: “Russian military bases are […] better protected by NATO than the civilian population in Ukraine” writes Anastasia Fomitchova (1).
NATO chief Mark Rutte called for “do more than just allow Ukraine to fight.” Kaja Kallas, high representative of European foreign policy, set the course: “Ukraine’s victory must be a priority. » Let us hope that these words will not go unheeded.
Because a disguised capitulation of Ukraine will not bring lasting peace to Europeans. The Kremlin will see this as a defeat for Europe and will take advantage of it, explained Xavier Tytelman, military expert. If Ukraine were dismantled, neutralized, Vladimir Putin would knock on our door. We have no choice but to have the courage to keep our commitments and act. Protect the Ukrainian skies by destroying Russian missiles. Equip cities with air defense. Allow Ukraine to target legitimate military targets in Russia. Do not bargain with international law. Only a just peace will sustainably repel war and allow Europeans to be free and strong actors in this century.
(1) The World14-11-24. (2). Liberation 10-11-24.
