The Torn Curtain 1991 Update

I invite you to read my latest post:
There are two major developments regarding the Russo-Ukraine War of 2014-21.

1. The European Parliament has adopted a resolution condemning Russia, which provides for the strengthening of sanctions against Moscow in form of an embargo on oil and gas exports, and disconnection from the SWIFT system in case of an invasion of Russian troops in Ukraine. The text of the resolution on Russia, the case of Alexei Navalny, the military build-up on Ukraine’s border, and Russian attacks in the Czech Republic (2021/2642 (RSP)) is published on the website of the European Parliament. The nonbinding resolution, supported by the five mainstream political groups in the European Parliament, was adopted by 569 votes in favor, 67 against, and 46 abstentions.

https://112.international/ukraine-and-eu/european-parliament-adopts-resolution-on-russia-embargo-on-oil-gas-exports-disconnection-from-swift-in-case-of-it-invades-ukraine-61010.html?fbclid=IwAR22v5Yqal6GJe8kf5jhP1CZGqoWyk74H14Rtdj2tM2DaNApZ9VbWTgC_Rg

2. It’s Easter in Ukraine but the war goes on. Fighting Escalates on Ukraine’s Eastern Front.

https://coffeeordie.com/fighting-escalates-ukraine-front-line/?fbclid=IwAR3QZ_N-GFHIxGdo9UvtYNuMRz7XY9ioWkkAmj_OSH017ZsnQokeTgw9tA8

Scroll for more stories about Ukraine and Russian imperialism and aggression. Be aware. You can keep the Russian iron curtain from being repaired and the prison of nations from returning.

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Let’s Take Putin to the Woodshed

No more Mister Nice Guy. The bully needs to be taught a lesson. The coterie of supporters of taking Vladimir Putin to the woodshed is growing.

Until very recently only those individuals and governments that experienced the pain, suffering and repression of Russian subjugation have called for extreme reprisals against Moscow for its unrelenting crimes against humanity. They argued that sanctions have been insufficient because Putin is still heading a regime that is perpetrating a wide range of crimes against his people and nations near and far.

Former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Antanas Linkevičius comes to mind as such an outspoken advocate of using collective force against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine and other violations of international law and order.

And they’re right. After all, the free world united to defeat Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany.

This fraternity has now grown with the addition of Benjamin J. Rhodes, former deputy national security advisor for strategic communications and speechwriting under President Barack Obama.

In an MSNBC broadcast of The Rachel Maddow Show on April 23, Rhodes said its time to make the Russian führer think twice about, for instance, invading Ukraine again, by pushing back hard.

In setting up her discussion with Rhodes, Rachel Maddow, who also seems to understand the severity of Putin’s transgressions, used the Kremlin’s ultimate countermanding of the massive mobilization of Russian troops on Ukraine’ border as an example of the efficacy of pushing back against him.

In other words, he blinked first.

“President Putin is also apparently backing down this week on the international stage. Over the past few weeks, he’s amassed over hundred thousand troops along the Russian border with Ukraine, more than any time since he invaded Ukraine back in 2014 and took part of Ukraine for himself,” Maddow said, according to a transcript of the program. She recalled the “bluster” of his national speech, in which he warned the free world about crossing Russia’s red line.

“But, today, nevertheless, Russia announced its pulling back its forces from Ukraine’s border. Turning around and heading home after international consternation and pressure and rejection of that military menace. We just kind of (sic) how bullying works, right? I mean, you get this just pounding and threatening noise from a guy like Putin, but you push back, he backs down. Never mistake bluster for strength. It’s a good reminder in life. It’s a good reminder in these things, too,” she opined.

Rhodes, replying, said that in order to pursue his mission and to stay above the law – domestic and international – Putin seeks apathy. “He wants his own people to think it’s not worth standing up to corruption because that’s the way things are. It’s not worth standing up against what we are trying to do in Ukraine because inevitably I’m just going to wait you out,” he observed. Putin’s patience is visible in his prolonging of the so-called constitutional term of his presidency now expected to end in 2036.

Apathy makes sense. The more people look the other way, the more he’ll get away with committing crimes.

Rhodes suggested that the international community, not only Russians, must continuously monitor what Putin’s Moscow does. It must pay attention to Putin’s mercurial and unpredictable behavior and his obnoxious disregard for global opinion. “He leaves this episode communicating that if I want to kill Alexei Navalny, I can. He’s in my custody. If I want to move those troops in Ukraine, I can,” he said.

Consequently, the free world must constantly warn Putin, aptly characterized as a killer by President Biden, of the price for his criminal behavior. “I think that means it’s incumbent on everybody to make clear to him what the cost will be. And I think it’s not out of Russia. From the US, it should be, look, if Alexei Navalny, if you try to silence this man, there are not only people rise up in Russia, but around the world to expose Vladimir Putin’s corruption, to spotlight the corruption of Vladimir Putin and the oligarch network that supports him. To make Putin again think twice about, is this a time I might push too far and invite a backlash that fundamentally threatens the stability of this country?”

Pushing back against the Russian dictator’s intimidation, terrorization, aggression, etc., is “ultimately the only thing that is going to get someone like Putin’s attention,” Rhodes accurately stated.

Keep Putin’s legacy in mind when you’re faced with greeting him or his cohort.

European Support for Ukraine is Sadly Uneven

European support for Ukraine in its seven-year war against recurring Russian aggression regrettably isn’t universal even in the wake of the recent escalated, mass deployment of enemy soldiers on its border.

Yes, countries like Germany and France participate in the negotiations and hope the war will end soon for their own sakes regardless if Ukraine emerges damaged or weakened politically or militarily. Bonn and Paris are betting on a peaceful outcome of the useless, interminable talks, which are merely platforms for Moscow’s dissemination of false promises.

However, there are significant bright spots in how some countries are reacting to Moscow’s belligerence and treatment of Ukraine. Great Britain actively supports Ukraine and the former captive nations unequivocally stand in Ukraine’s corner. The latter experienced extensive repression while in Moscow’s subjugation and are doing all they can to avoid a return to that hell hole while building new sovereign lives for themselves.

Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak emphasized last week that Warsaw is closely monitoring what is happening on the eastern border of Ukraine, and the situation is causing concern in Poland. The minister knows intimately the ongoing goal of the Kremlin’s benevolent and malevolent actions.

“Undoubtedly, President Putin’s policy is aimed at restoring the Russian Empire,” Blaszczak was quoted as saying by Radio Poland.

He recalled the ominous historical prediction lately uttered by the late Polish President Lech Kaczynski regarding Russia’s possible plans for its neighboring countries: “First Georgia, then Ukraine, then the Baltic States, then, possibly, Poland.” This not outlandish maxim signals the fear of all former captive nations that when Russia launches its invasion against them, it will first have to conquer Ukraine and then the others will fall like dominoes. If Moscow isn’t stopped in Eastern Europe, Western Europe will then have to deal with its armies.

According to Blaszczak, Poland expects such an eventuality because Russia did invade Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine in 2014, when Crimea was annexed and the war in Donbas began. Yes, there were also other Russian military excursions in other regions before, during and after those events.

Blaszczak noted that since then there have been significant appropriate changes in the region’s security preparedness and NATO. Allied troops are now located on the eastern flank of the alliance, and American troops are present in Poland, he said, and Poland is modernizing its army and increasing mobilization.

If the region and world feel threatened by another world war, the oppressed nations cannot be blamed.

Earlier this month, Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. Zbigniew Rau confirmed during his visit to Kyiv a solid front of x-captive nations not only in defense of Ukraine but their mutual sovereignty and security. I have repeatedly called for the formal creation of such a bloc.

Rau explained his presence in the Ukrainian capital by saying it “was to reaffirm our policy that Ukraine is not alone in defending its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of its borders – and, he added emphatically – that Ukraine has every reason to defend itself.” That by itself is an affirmation that is upheld by numerous international covenants including the United Nations Charter.

Rau declared that an independent, secure Ukraine “is an inalienable part of a Europe,” which remains true to the fundamental principles of the Charter of Paris for a New Europe.

Despite Moscow’s hopes and plans to the contrary in the near term, Ukraine must demonstratively commemorate its 30th anniversary of independence with the enthusiastic participation of the free world.

In conversations with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Rau said both officials agreed that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline threatens Europe.

“We see clearly that this project allows synchronization of pressure—political, economic, and military. This pipeline, if completed, will create a state of clear and present danger to peace in Europe,” Rau said.

The massing of troops along Ukraine’s eastern border and in the occupied territory of Crimea should be taken into account when shaping and conducting policy of non-recognition of the annexation of Crimea and violations of the territorial integrity of Ukraine, he said. Then, addressing Kyiv’s partners, Rau said this course of events should lead them to be prepared to have “a serious debate on the scope and criteria of selective cooperation with states that are in breach of fundamental norms of international law.”

He reminded his Ukrainian colleagues that Poland will take over the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and will represent all participating member-states, which are interested in shaping a new Europe and effective implementation of the principles of the Paris Charter and the Helsinki Final Act, the latter being a historical document on rights adopted 45 years ago.

As Rau indicated, it is obvious that Ukraine and Poland have paved the way to cooperate in strengthening peace and cooperation in Europe and jointly countering attempts to influence the policy of European countries by means of military and economic pressure.

Indeed, a breath of fresh air will then blow through the European continent.

On the other side, there is the hesitant support offered by Germany and France.

Last week, to protect its coastline in the wake of rising tensions on the border with Russia, Ukraine asked Germany to supply defensive weapons – the use of German corvettes, anti-ship missile components, air defense systems and mine-clearing equipment, reported the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung.

However, Germany’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas did not agree with the idea of supplying arms to Ukraine, according to the same newspaper.

Paris is not convinced that a normal border between two countries is enough to contain aggression and has proposed that for the color blind the free world should designate red lines with Russia.

“This is the only way to be credible. I think that sanctions are not sufficient in itself, in themselves, but sanctions are part of the package. I do prefer constructive dialogue, but to have a constructive and efficient dialogue, you need credibility,” French President Emmanuel Macron said.

“I think we have to define clear red lines with Russia,” in order to be credible, Macron said.

He acknowledged that the international community has had what he called a “naive approach” with Russia, which may be overcome with a bright red line.

His argumentation belongs in the category of let’s go through the motions of making a serious suggestion about how to end Russia’s war against Ukraine – not, as most like to say, a conflict in the Donbas region of Ukraine.

Fortunately, Ukraine has on its side the United States. Last week the Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously approved a bill to deliver military assistance to Ukraine, including lethal weapons, to help the Eastern European country counter Russian aggression. The Ukraine Security Partnership Act would provide Ukraine with up to $300 million per year in military assistance until 2026, $150 million of which is subject to conditions. While it still needs to be passed by both the House and Senate and be signed by President Joe Biden to become law, the politically active Ukrainian American community will make sure that happens.

Russia withdrew its troops from the Ukrainian border, but large numbers of its soldiers still remain in occupied Crimea and Donbas. Moscow’s vast military machine is within an about-face of crossing Ukraine’s border. We have regularly underscored this eventuality by naming this blog “The Torn Curtain 1991.” Ukraine declared its independence in 1991 – three decades ago – and then along with the other captive nations finally destroyed Moscow’s iron curtain. However, Russia is primed to repair it and re-subjugate the now independent nations, some of which have come members of NATO.

Vadym Denysenko, executive director of the Ukrainian Institute for the Future; Ihor Popov, Ihor Tyshkevych and Ilya Kusa are experts at the Ukrainian Institute for the Future also expounded on this possibility in their recent article on The Atlantic Council website.

They wrote regarding Moscow’s withdrawal from the border:

“Even if the immediate danger has indeed passed, Vladimir Putin’s bout of springtime saber-rattling has succeeded in sending a clear and unmistakable message to Kyiv that Moscow has not yet ruled out a military solution to its Ukrainian problem…

“The Ukrainian authorities have no time to waste. What we have just witnessed was nothing less than a dress rehearsal for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine…

“Putin’s saber-rattling behavior is a wake-up call for anyone who believed the Russo-Ukrainian War was no longer a major threat to international security. Since 2014, Russia’s refusal to accept the loss of Ukraine has sparked a new Cold War that has reverberated across the globe. In this high stakes geopolitical confrontation, a dramatic military escalation cannot be ruled out. It is therefore in the interests of Ukraine and the entire Western world to deter Russia now before it is too late.”

Yes, it is up to the free world to prevent this from taking place on its watch.

150,000 Russian Troops on Ukraine’s Border

European officials have finally publically taken note that the only war in Europe today is on the verge of exploding across the continent.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who is remembered for unsuccessfully testing in March Russia's attitude to the European Union, declared that there are 150,000 Russian soldiers near the border with Ukraine, adding with trepidation that a spark could greatly enflame the seven-year Russo-Ukraine War. As a consequence, Ukraine, the Baltics and perhaps Poland could be engulfed in a war like the one that Nazi Germany waged.

The European Union’s tepid reaction thus far leads one to think that it’s actually waiting for such a fatal spark.

Borrell acknowledged this dangerous state of affairs at a meeting of EU foreign ministers to discuss the situation in Ukraine, at the European Council building in Brussels on Monday, April 19.

Despite dangerous developments in Europe and around the world, Borrell confessed after a virtual meeting of the EU foreign ministers that, “for the time being, there is no move in the field of more sanctions” to be imposed on Russia. Why not? Have they been punished enough? Have they been made to feel the pain of the war that they ignited? Have they been forced to withdraw from Ukraine?

As history has shown on more than one occasion, Moscow shows anger but quickly swallows the West’s punitive actions and goes on with its policies regardless of scorn or admiration.

Compared with other instances of Moscow’s crimes, Borrell said there’s nothing more dangerous at this time than the massing of Russian troops, including military field hospitals, and “all kinds of warfare.”

Looked upon objectively, all of what Borrell listed smells of an impending third Russian invasion of Ukraine after Crimea and Donbas.

“It is the highest military deployment of the Russian army on the Ukrainian borders ever. It’s clear that it’s a matter of concern when you deploy a lot of troops,” Borrell said. “Well, a spark can jump here or there.”

“There’s more than 150,000 Russian troops massing on the Ukrainian borders and in Crimea. The risk of further escalation — it’s evident,” he told reporters after the meeting. If it’s evident, then why doesn’t the EU do something about it?

Borrell declined to say where he got the 150,000 Russian troop number from, but called it “my reference figure.” It’s bigger than the 110,000 estimate provided by Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Taran last week.

The latest threat comes a few months ahead of Ukraine’s 30^th independence anniversary, an occasion that Russia certainly would like to eradicate. To be fair, the free world has stood up and condemned Moscow’s aggression against Ukraine and opposed the annexation but has been unable to do anything about it.

Ukraine, Navalny, the Czech Republic, Myanmar, Syria and the list of Russian transgressions could go on and on. Fortunately, countries are becoming more outspoken about Russia’s crimes. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, for one, denounced Moscow as the greatest security threat to Europe.

 “All in all, the relations with Russia, are not improving, but the contrary, the tension is increasing in different fronts,” Borrell said. “We call on Russia to withdraw their troops,” Borrell said. Vladimir Putin will certainly heed his demand.

However, others, like the United States and Great Britain are shunning words in favor of sending war materiel to Ukraine and warships into the Black Sea.

Pleas to the Kremlin usually fall on deaf ears. Russia is staying faithful to its mission of reestablishing its empire – its prison of nations on our watch. Our generation will have to answer for this immoral failure.

X-Captive Nations Bloc Needed Now More than Ever

One of the recurring themes of this blog has been the establishment of a comprehensive bloc of former captive nations of Russian subjugation. Today’s events near Ukraine and elsewhere demonstrate that such a regional alliance is needed more than ever.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and occupation Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk, the former captive nations have understood that their collective and individual destinies are also threatened. Moscow has never denied that its mission is to restore the so-called “glory of the Russian empire” and has warned the international community not to interfere with its plans.

In numerous news media Ukraine, the Baltic States, Poland and others admitted that they feel vulnerable to an attack by Russia in the wake of its relentless, shameless war against Ukraine.

The free world, led by the United States, has warned Moscow against escalating its seven-year war versus Ukraine and provided Kyiv with military and humanitarian aid and funding to endure and hopefully prevail over Russia. Moscow has been undaunted in pursuing the restoration of its empire.

With Russian tanks and troops mobilizing on the southeastern border of Ukraine, officials of the three Baltic States this week in Kyiv unabashedly cast their support for Ukraine and warned Moscow against crossing the border. This sends a palpable signal to Moscow and Washington that must be transformed into action. Russia must be expelled from Ukraine; no compromise; no frozen front lines. All of Ukraine must be returned to Kyiv’s authority. If the free world collectively doesn’t stand up and actively defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the former captive nations will protect themselves.

Speaking on behalf of his Latvian and Estonian counterparts, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis, declared that Ukraine will never be alone against the background of Russia’s belligerence.

“The main message of the Baltic states is that Ukraine will never be alone, and this should be clearly understood,” the Lithuanian foreign minister said. He emphasized the consequences for Russia if it crosses the “red lines.”

“We want to send a clear message to Russia that it must de-escalate the situation, cease its actions and return to the only path that we see as effective – the political path, negotiations in the Minsk format and the Normandy format. Because after crossing the ‘red lines,’ political paths will be less realistic, and I completely agree with those who say that the consequences cannot be avoided,” he said.

“The mission of the joint visit is to express strong support to Ukraine and reconfirm support for its territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Estonian Ministry spokeswoman Aari Lemmik told Reuters.

Landsbergis separately expressed support for Ukraine’s reforms and Euro-Atlantic course.

“We support the reforms. We support Ukraine's rapprochement with the European Union and NATO. We stand with you. We stand in solidarity with you and are ready to provide everything you need in the future and move you forward in your aspirations,” he said.

Last month, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda delivered a speech to Ukrainian lawmakers and the nation, which I wrote would be remembered by generations to come for its inspirational bi-national call to arms that also paid homage to the nations’ glorious past and succinctly pointed to a mutually beneficial future. Noting the commonality of Ukrainians and Lithuanians, Nausėda said: “And we, Lithuanians, were at your side every time the Ukrainian nation would rise to defend its dignity. For centuries, we had been next to each other and even built a common state. We traded, made cultural exchanges, fought back against a common enemy” – an obvious reference to Russia.

The expansion of the Russian empire throughout its former enslaved lands would certainly give rise to a new east-west division and an iron curtain, as Anaïs Marin, UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, said at the Urgent Debate on the situation of human rights in Belarus Human Rights Council 45th session. She urged the global community to help the small country before an iron curtain again descends on Eastern Europe. “Excellencies, Let’s not allow another iron curtain to descend on the European continent,” Marin pleaded.

Such a former captive nation’s alliance must be multifunctional to benefit all segments of their peoples, however, inasmuch as Russia is waging war in the region – and threatening other areas as well – the bloc should first endeavor to build a solid military group along the lines of the “Hetman Konstantyn Ostrohskiy” Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian Brigade (LITPOLUKR). According to military media and the brigade’s website, this unit represents a new era of multilateral security cooperation in Europe. Lithuanian, Polish, and Ukrainian efforts to bolster European stability in the wake of Russia’s destabilizing invasion of Ukraine led to the creation of the unit in 2015. The brigade’s website notes that each participating country contributes an infantry battalion, staff for the headquarters in Lublin, and specialized smaller units, to create a brigade between 3.5-4,000 soldiers, which perhaps might not be enough to serve a practical mission.

The brigade’s main task is to serve as a peacekeeping force to be deployed with the unanimous consent of all participating states. However, the brigade is also intended to bolster regional military cooperation.

The work of this joint military unit should reinforce in the minds of global leaders the comprehensive concept of what was a captive nation in Russia’s dungeon and what is a former captive nation, now independent state, ready to defend itself and assume its rightful place among the countries of the world. It is important for military leaders to know that they have a trusted, well trained and battle-hardened ally in this brigade as free world seeks to stem Russia’s aggression. They should also take note that if for any reason the free world fails to support the x-captive nations, they will then do so on their own.

Former Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Antanas Linkevičius, an outspoken critic of Russian imperialism, observed “It’s not just that we hear about threats but we testify them because they are real, they are not a big secret. Let’s remember the case of annexing the territory of Georgia, and recently they did so with the Crimea. We are asking ourselves how we can really resist it.

“If you are asking whether or not Russia is threatening our region, this is a different case. Lithuania is a member of NATO and the European Union, so there is no direct threat. However, there are insecurities in the region, and militaristic arguments are used in political debates. This is worrying and we have to understand it as a challenge and react.”

Linkevičius has pointed out that Russia’s threat, or hybrid war as he and others call it, is not only felt in his country but also everywhere around the world.

“It is not only present in the Eastern parts of Europe but also in the West. Inevitable are strategies used in war such as apply energy as a weapon, strategic communication, propaganda, cyberattacks. I think we should really take care of the threats and know how to resist them through best practices. We need to work closely so we cannot underestimate this threat,” he said.

Estonian Minister of Defense Juri Luik had said NATO is an answer. “Russia has become a threat again, and the need for NATO is stronger than ever. This is the framework holding the European defense together – an agreement between states that allows us to continue pursuing our strategic goal despite the internal political flutters,” Luik said. 

Short of the free world’s tangible involvement in safeguarding the independence of the former captive nations, NATO’s visible muscle and the West’s tepid attitude, the former enslaved peoples’ only salvation, as I am proposing again, is for them to form a regional mini-NATO, an updated Anti-Bolshevik Bloc of Nations (ABN), that would noticeably promote and safeguard collective security against Russia.

Moscow today is the world’s main exporter of various threats and instability. The Kremlin has extended Russia’s destructive influence because its leadership’s aggressive actions have not faced a formidable deterrent, as Linkevičius and others have suggested. The free world should learn from its post-World War Two mistake of rejecting warnings about Russian belligerence. Now is the time to build effective deterrents.

Ukraine and the region can’t wait any longer for decisive and principled international action under free world leadership to bring an end to Russia’s destructive ambitions.

The former captive nations must now seize the initiative and form a dynamic regional bloc.

Washington Continues to Pressure Russia to Stand Down

While Russia refuses to heed free world warnings about its massive mobilization of troops and armor on Ukraine’s border thereby threatening a wider war, Washington continues to pressure Moscow to cease and desist.

Following is a readout of President Biden’s telephone call today with Russia’s Putin:

“President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. They discussed a number of regional and global issues, including the intent of the United States and Russia to pursue a strategic stability dialogue on a range of arms control and emerging security issues, building on the extension of the New START Treaty. President Biden also made clear that the United States will act firmly in defense of its national interests in response to Russia’s actions, such as cyber intrusions and election interference. President Biden emphasized the United States’ unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The President voiced our concerns over the sudden Russian military build-up in occupied Crimea and on Ukraine’s borders, and called on Russia to de-escalate tensions. President Biden reaffirmed his goal of building a stable and predictable relationship with Russia consistent with U.S. interests, and proposed a summit meeting in a third country in the coming months to discuss the full range of issues facing the United States and Russia.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken also spoke today with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Brussels and reassured Kyiv that the United States stands firmly behind the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Ukraine. The following is a State Department transcript of their remarks to the press:

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good afternoon, everyone.  I am very, very glad for this chance to meet with Foreign Minister Kuleba.  We’ve – this is our first opportunity to meet in person.  We’ve spoken on the phone on several occasions.  In fact, President Biden has spoken with President Zelenskyy as well.  And I just wanted to reiterate what I’ve said to the foreign minister, and even more importantly, President Biden said to President Zelenskyy, which is the United States stands firmly behind the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Ukraine.  And I’m here to reaffirm that with the foreign minister today.

And that’s particularly important at a time when we’re seeing unfortunately Russia take very provocative action when it comes to Ukraine.  We’re now seeing the largest concentration of Russian forces on Ukraine’s border since 2014, and that is of deep concern not only to Ukraine, but to the United States, and indeed to many of our allies and partners.  The foreign minister just came from a session with NATO and I’ll be consulting with our close NATO allies and partners in the days ahead about the situation.

We’ll also have an opportunity to discuss Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, the very important work that Ukraine is doing to strengthen its democratic institutions, to advance the rule of law, to make key economic reforms, all of which are critical to NATO’s – to the Ukraine’s future, and to its integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions.

In short, we have a lot to talk about.  (Inaudible) I’m grateful to have you here today to see you, and look forward to our conversation.

FOREIGN MINISTER KULEBA:  Yeah, thank you, sir.  It’s a big pleasure to have this opportunity to meet you in person after we have met on the phone twice.  We had two very fruitful conversations.  This meeting is extremely timely given what is happening along the Ukrainian border with Russia and the occupied territories of Crimea, of Ukraine.  And I would like to mention that Russian buildup is taking place not only along the border of Ukraine, but along the border of the democratic world.  For thousand of kilometers, to the north and to the east of our border with Russia, there is no democracy.  So this is the struggle that is taking place between democracies and authoritarianism.  And in this struggle, the support of the United States is absolutely crucial and deeply appreciated.

It is, I think, a good symbol that we are meeting here in Brussels on the margins of the NATO events and the meetings because it once again reinforces a very simple message that Euro-Atlantic countries, they stand by Ukraine in its difficult situation.  And Ukraine stands by the principles and values of the Euro-Atlantic community.  And I’m sure that what has been already said publicly and through diplomatic channels to Russia in response to its aggressive actions will be supported by actions that will make it very clear for Russia that the price of its (inaudible) aggression against Ukraine will be too heavy for it to bear.  And we will be discussing today how we can jointly ensure stability and prevent Russian and further aggression against Ukraine.  Thank you.

Russia’s escalation of its seven-year war against Ukraine has certainly caught the attention of the free world. However, as is its custom, Moscow disregards all threats, advice, agreements and treaties. It is pursuing its mission of re-subjugating Ukraine and the other former captive nations and rebuilding its imperial prison.

The free world should take note that Ukraine will commemorate its 30^th anniversary of independence on August 24 and it is quite possible that Moscow intends to destroy Ukraine ahead of the observance. A unified, global commemorative declaration of unrestrained support for Ukraine may stop Russia from making a catastrophic, fatal mistake.

Ukraine Caucus Reaffirms Support for Ukraine in Face of Increased Russian Aggression

Today, the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Andy Harris (R-MD), Mike Quigley (D-IL), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), released the following statement as Russia amasses troops in and close to Ukraine and as violence intensifies:

 

“As co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, we are deeply concerned with the amassing of Russian forces in and next to occupied regions of Ukraine,” the Members said in the joint statement. “Yet again, we strongly condemn Russia’s illegal war in and on Ukraine that has caused the deaths of over 14,000 innocents and continues to undermine transatlantic security.”

 

“We were proud to spearhead Congressional efforts to increase Ukraine’s defense security assistance from $250 to $275 million for FY21, as well as to place mandatory sanctions on Nord Stream 2 through legislation. We agree with the Administration that the Kremlin should face serious consequences if it escalates its aggression against Ukraine. We must continue to raise the cost on Russia’s ongoing aggression through increased sanctions and putting an end to Nord Stream 2. Defenders of liberty from around the entire world stand with our Ukrainian allies.”

Large Field Base of Russian Military Supplies near Ukraine

Moscow is bringing the world to the precipice of another global war.

In addition to the already massive Russian military presence, including nuclear weapons, in the Ukrainian regions of Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk, Russian investigators with the Conflict Intelligence Team (CIT) OSINT team have discovered a new Russian army field camp some 170 kilometers (106 miles) from the eastern Ukrainian border in Voronezh region.

The startling amount of personnel and materiel is threatening and dangerous regionally and globally. This escalation comes seven years after Russia launched its war against Ukraine by invading and occupying the Crimean peninsula in the Black Sea and the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in eastern Ukraine.

This military encampment has caught the attention of President Biden, other free world leaders as well as NATO. The New York Times, the unofficial voice of the American establishment, wrote about it. All have demanded that Putin cease and desist. But Moscow arrogantly rejects any advice and pressure regarding its heinous internal policies and foreign actions.

Russia’s mission is to re-subjugate Ukraine and the other former captive nations and rebuild its evil empire. Surely it is obvious that Moscow intends to overrun Ukraine before it observes its 30^th independence anniversary this August. Such an immense invasion would aggravate the only bloody war in Europe and have consequences beyond its borders.

More than 14,000 Ukrainian civilians and soldiers have been killed in the war since it began in 2014, towns, schools and homes have been destroyed, and the environment poisoned.

The world has faced this danger in the past. Remember the Nazi blitzkrieg eight decades ago? It began with piecemeal annexations. However, the free world mobilized the will and strength to subdue the aggressors and today Russia is an aggressor as the United Nations has declared on several occasions.

Winston Churchill eloquently said as Hitler was beginning to ravage Europe: “We shall go on to the end We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”

President Roosevelt declared that “Yesterday, December 7th, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan… No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
“I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
“Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.
“With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God.

It is up to Americans and the free world to stop this threat before it turns into an intensified invasion of Ukraine and global conflagration. The Russo-Ukraine war of 2014-22 cannot be frozen in time and space for the sake of peace. True peace will come after Russia is expelled from Ukraine. Contact your elected officials in Washington and request:

• Additional humanitarian and military supplies be sent to Ukraine

• Mobilization of American troops on the Polish-Ukraine border

• Intensification of American sanctions against Russian officials and companies

• Recall of the American ambassador to Russia

• Cancellation of all trade, educational, political, cultural, etc., relations with Russia

Russia, which has lied about every truce that it said would be honored, has worsened the already deadly situation in Ukraine and it should be stopped and made to pay for its transgression against international law and the UN Charter.

Senator Menendez issued today the following statement on Russia's massive buildup of troops on Ukraine's border:

Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding Russia’s massive buildup of military troops near the border with Ukraine:

“I am deeply concerned by the Russian Federation’s continued movement of troops to the Ukrainian border as well as its troop movements in the occupied Ukrainian territory of Crimea. This aggression has coincided with a sharp increase in Ukrainian casualties along the line of contact, and I join the people of Ukraine in honoring those who have lost their lives in defense of their home.

“No matter what the Kremlin claims, its belligerent actions pose a serious threat to peace and stability in Ukraine and across Eastern Europe. The United States, along with our allies and partners, must reject these intimidation tactics. These types of aggressions are unacceptable and must never become the norm in international affairs. Putin must stop playing with fire, pull these troops back and resume participation in peace talks. I stand with the Ukrainian people in refusing to bow down to the Kremlin’s aggression, and the whole international community must make clear that they stand with the Ukrainian people as well.”