European ambassadors have called for a just international order where people around the world can benefit from peace, stability and prosperity.
This was the content of a statement marking two years of Russia – Ukraine war signed by Ambassadors of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, Romania and Sweden.
According to the statement, the United Nations (UN) Charter provides a clear framework aimed at preserving peace. This includes respect for the sovereignty of a country, whether a neighbouring country or a country further away.
Russia’s war against Ukraine goes against international agreements and the United Nations Charter. The Russian invasion of Ukraine creates a dangerous precedent for the rest of the world.
Sovereignty and territorial integrity are the cornerstones of international order. Russia undermining Ukrainian sovereignty undermines the international institutions we have built together.
On their input in the war, the statement read, “Our countries are not at war with Russia. Our countries support Ukraine with weapons because it has the right to defend itself. Russia attacked Ukraine without justification, violating international law and the UN Charter.
“People sometimes claim that Europe or NATO provoked the Russian attack. We are not at war with Russia, nor do we seek confrontation. Before the illegal invasion, European countries like ours and Russia enjoyed certain levels of cooperation, including through trade.
“NATO also did not look for confrontation with Russia. NATO is a defensive alliance. Countries can request membership of NATO and NATO respects every nation’s right to choose its own path.”
On why Europe supports Ukraine with weapons as against other countries, the Ambassadors said that they are committed to contributing to safety and stability in the world.
“In West Africa for instance, we finance the UNDP Regional Stabilisation Facility in the Lake Chad Basin in Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon. We have also been very clear that we support ECOWAS as a regional organisation in relation to the developments affecting the security and stability of the region.
“Furthermore, our countries have given assistance to Nigeria’s fight against insurgency multiple times, including support to Nigeria’s military.
“Concerning Ukraine specifically, the Russian war against Ukraine also has a direct impact on the security of Europe. For that reason, continued military support remains crucial for Ukraine to defend itself against Russia, but also for Europe as a whole,” the statement reads.
