Joint op-ed from the EU delegation and member states in observance of the third anniversary (February 24) of the Russian invasion of Ukraine
IN 2024 in Port of Spain, the European Union (EU) was privileged to screen for the TT public the Academy Award-winning film, 20 Days in Mariupol, a documentary about the early days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Many of the patrons commented, after the screening, that seeing the war in this way brought home the reality of the carnage being thrust upon ordinary Ukrainians. Now, three years later, the war that Russia expected to last three days continues.
In Europe, World War II and the Holocaust reverberate to this day. We vowed never again. Yet, here we are, living the reality of another unjust and unprovoked war.
Sovereignty and territorial integrity are the cornerstones of international order. Russia is waging a neo-colonial, imperialist war against a sovereign member of the international community.
The UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, lamented that the number of civilian casualties increased by almost a third last year, a trend which, given the current intensification of fighting, seems likely to continue. In a report to the UN Security Council, she advised that, between February 2022 and December 31, 2024, at least 12,456 civilians were killed, including 669 children. In addition, 28,382 civilians were injured, including 1,833 children.
There can be no mistake; Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine threatens not only European, but also global security. Russia has internationalised the war through involvement of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) and Iran, and irresponsible nuclear sabre-rattling. The war has disrupted global food and energy markets and it has sent shock waves around the world, affecting everyone.
The EU's position is that if Russia is not stopped in Ukraine, other countries may feel emboldened to use force for territorial gains. A return to "might is right" is not in the interest of the international community. Rewarding the aggressor can never be an option. This is why the EU will continue to support the restoration of the full sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Time is not on Russia's side. Three years into the war, it has not reached any of its objectives, and will not reach them.
Time and again, Russia has proven that it cannot be trusted. It breaks international law, including the UN Charter, while being a permanent member of the UN Security Council. It completely disregards its own legal obligations, international or bilateral agreements and clear commitments it made to respect Ukrainian sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, whenever it wants to push its own interests. Russia has proven repeatedly that it will not hesitate to use military force to achieve what it wants in violation of the UN Charter and international law.
Yet, even under attack, Ukraine manages to safeguard its exports and contribute to
