Ukraine Seeks Justice for Russian War Crimes & Crimes against Humanity

Citing an International Criminal Court report that confirms the existence of sufficient evidence that Russia has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in its nearly eight-year war in Ukraine, Kyiv is pressing for a full investigation into Moscow’s violations of international law.

“The Prosecutor’s report clearly states that there are sufficient grounds to believe that the crimes committed in both Crimea and Donbas fall within the Court’s jurisdiction. These are war crimes and crimes against humanity. Among them is a significant number of crimes against civilians.” Yuriy Vitrenko of the Permanent Mission of Ukraine said this week in the United Nations.

In 2014, Russia seized and illegally occupied the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea and two eastern oblasts of Luhansk and Donetsk, ultimately renaming the latter two as the Luhansk and Donetsk Peoples Republics. Human rights violations have been committed by Russia and its foreign mercenaries in all three regions and have been condemned by the United Nations and other international organizations. In Crimea, Russia has forbidden Crimean Tatars from fostering their ancestral culture and religion and have suffered death and arrests for violating Moscow’s draconian laws. More than 14,000 people have been killed during the war that has resulted in more than 1 million refugees.

For example, in February to July of this year, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights found: “The number of ceasefire violations in the conflict zone considerably increased compared with the preceding six months, resulting in increased civilian casualties and damage to civilian objects. OHCHR documented 62 civilian casualties occurring in the reporting period, a total of 15 people killed (11 men, three boys and one girl), and 47 injured (30 men, 13 women, three boys and one girl), representing a 51 percent increase compared with the preceding six months. Thirteen civilian casualties resulted from active hostilities, two while 47 resulted from mine-related incidents3 and handling of explosive remnants of war. In addition, one man was also killed in a security incident and one woman was beaten by a soldier. Residents in the conflict zone complained about psychological distress due to the resumption of hostilities after a prolonged period of relative silence. The availability of weapons also resulted in grave incidents of domestic violence affecting women and children.

Vitrenko said in his address that Ukraine has met the criteria to have such an investigation opened and is “seeking judicial authorization to open such an investigation.”

Vitrenko pointed out that the declarations regarding these crimes have been made for an indefinite duration and “the ICC will be able to exercise its jurisdiction over such crimes regardless of the nationality of persons who have committed them, even if they were citizens of the third states.”

According to Vitrenko, “Ukrainian law enforcement agencies in cooperation with civil society organizations and human rights defenders continued to document and provide the Court with additional information, facts and evidences related both to the nature of existing armed conflict in Ukraine as international armed conflict caused by a foreign armed aggression as well as to numerous war crimes committed by the aggressor-state armed forces, its occupation authorities, its personnel and proxies in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.”

He concluded, “The demand of the people of Ukraine for justice, prosecution and holding to account all perpetrators of grave crimes committed in Ukraine remains unwavering, just as Ukraine’s government support of the work of the ICC.”

USA and Ukraine Sign Charter on Strategic Partnership

Following up on the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership inked by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Joe Biden on September 1, 2021, the heads of both countries’ foreign affairs departments this week enhanced that document with a Charter on Strategic Partnership that augments the previous manuscript while eliminating – or watering down – certain vital concepts.

While the earlier text was touted by both presidents as a U.S.-Ukraine Strategic Partnership, this one was given the official mandate to be designated as such and affirmed the commitments made to strengthen it.

The earlier statement, which covered many aspects of their bilateral relations, was signed on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence and emphasized that 30 years after restoring its independence, “the bonds between the United States and Ukraine are stronger than ever.”

This document, signed on November 10 by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba, was intended to reaffirm “the importance of our relationship as friends and strategic partners, based both on our shared values and common interests, including a commitment to a Europe that is whole, free, democratic, and at peace. Reiterate that the strategic partnership existing between our two nations is critical for the security of Ukraine and Europe as a whole.”

It also repeated both countries’ “unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, including Crimea and extending to its territorial waters in the face of ongoing Russian aggression, which threatens regional peace and stability and undermines the global rules-based order.”

Whether Kyiv’s enemies and other detractors of Ukraine’s accession to NATO want to admit, these words do passively at least confirm that if Ukraine’s independence is threatened more than it already is, Washington would be honor bound to resolutely defend Ukraine’s existence. The 90,000 fresh Russian troops and accompanying armor on Ukraine’s border certainly fall into the category of escalated danger. This danger not only threatens Ukraine but also the former captive nations of Russian subjugation and all of Europe.

The presidential document had underscored the point of Ukraine’s renewed independence while this one matter-of-factly accepted that Ukraine is a valuable independent, sovereign country that can contribute to the improvement of life in the region.

Both presidents had specifically pointed out that Ukraine is at war to safeguard its existence while this document notes that Ukraine is engaged in “direct and hybrid aggression” at the hands of Russia, which must be held accountable for including the seizing and attempting to annex Crimea and the Russia-led armed conflict in parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, as well as its continuing malign behavior. Moscow must also be held responsible for human rights violations on the territories occupied by its soldiers and mercenaries, the agreement states.

“Ukraine and the United States share a vital national interest in a strong, independent, and democratic Ukraine. Bolstering Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against threats to its territorial integrity and deepening Ukraine’s integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions are concurrent priorities,” the current document asserts.

Anticipating future lawbreaking by Moscow, the United States pledged “to support Ukraine’s efforts to counter armed aggression, economic and energy disruptions, and malicious cyber activity by Russia, including by maintaining sanctions against or related to Russia and applying other relevant measures until restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.”

Additionally, the document declares that the “United States does not and will never recognize Russia’s attempted annexation of Crimea and reaffirms its full support for international efforts, including in the Normandy Format, aimed at negotiating a diplomatic resolution to the Russia-led armed conflict in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine on the basis of respect for international law, including the UN Charter.”

As did the previous text, this one also iterated that the foundation of both countries’ relations are “universal values that unite the free people of the world: respect for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Strengthening the rule of law, promoting reform of the legal system and of law enforcement structures, and combating corruption are crucial to the prosperity of Ukraine and its people.”

While this document did not mention Nord-Stream 2 or warn against Russian abuses of energy deliveries, the United States did note that it “is committed to the energy security of Ukraine.”

The full text of the Ukraine-U.S. Charter on Strategic Partnership can be found at this link: https://www.state.gov/u-s-ukraine-charter-on-strategic-partnership/

Moscow’s Unbridled Imperial Plan – Just Check History and the Maps

Western pundits continue to wonder in an irritating sort of way about Russia’s intentions in Ukraine though they wrongly personify its aggression with the name of Vladimir Putin.

Just as the eight-year Russo-Ukraine War is the latest manifestation of Moscow’s unappeasable quest to subjugate Ukraine that has lasted since Andrey Bogolyubsky sacked Kyiv in 1169, Putin is today’s executor of this immoral, ungodly mission.

Most explanations can be found in general knowledge of the history of Moscow and Russia. With threats, proscriptions and invasions, Moscow has attempted to control Ukraine’s destiny while it ceaselessly plots to re-subjugate it.

Recent articles accessible to all have substantiated this assertion but sadly the experts haven’t been able to make reasonable conclusions.

One popular question asks how long this war – not conflict – between Moscow and Kyiv will last.

Former Swiss ambassador Toni Frisch, who spent years coordinating humanitarian aid in Ukraine, cast a mortal pall on the situation by predicting, “For me, it’s clear this conflict is likely to last a long time. I would call it a ‘tailor-made frozen conflict.’”

Certainly, a frozen conflict or zone will bring death and destruction to Ukraine for years to come. That outcome will certainly not benefit the victim and Europe.

Russians, on the other hand, suggested an end to the war that will obviously benefit only Moscow’s imperialistic objective.

In an article in New Eastern Europe, political scientist at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy and Editorial Advisory Board member of The Ukrainian Quarterly Taras Kuzio wrote that Dmytro Medvedev, the Kremlin’s second-rate political functionary who espouses Putin’s official line, said the war will go on until Ukraine becomes a second Belarus.

“Wait for the appearance of a sane leadership in Ukraine, which does not aim for total confrontation with Russia or organize foolish ‘Crimean platforms’ created to trick the country’s population and flex their muscles before the elections, but at building equal and mutually beneficial relations with Russia,” Medvedev opined. He also added the warning that “Russia knows how to wait. We are patient people.”

His words reveal much about Moscow’s policy toward Ukraine. The comparison with Belarus is the most deleterious. Today, Belarus and its president Lukashenko are akin to being the latest captive nation of Russia and its leader a mere administrator, weaker even than Ukraine’s ill-fated Viktor Yanukovych.

Medvedev indicated that Ukraine’s defense of occupied Crimea is foolish while cautioning everyone that Russia will wait until a Lukashenko appears in Kyiv – “Russia knows how to wait.”

And while waiting, it will continue undoubtedly to squeeze Ukraine until it starves the nation – literally and figuratively – and Kyiv surrenders, disrupting regional and global peace security. Simultaneously, Moscow is confident that the free world will come to Ukraine’s defense the same way it did in Belarus’ case.

Kuzio concluded: “Following this Russian nationalist logic, the only normal state of affairs for Ukraine is to resemble today’s Belarus.” In other words – surrender.

Putin upped the ante against free world expansion into what Moscow contends is its territory by warning that the enlargement of NATO military infrastructure in Ukraine crosses his red line. He’s sending an unambiguous signal to all concerned. Ukraine, independent or not, is its sphere of influence. Obviously, that’s why Moscow invaded and occupied Crimea and why it is waging an open war in the Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts of eastern Ukraine for almost eight years – the longest war in Europe. Furthermore, Putin is telling the free world’s military-political alliance what it can and can’t do. Don’t cross the red line.

Putin’s July 2021 essay “On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians,” read like a declaration of war against Ukrainian statehood. This was followed by f Medvedev’s own vitriolic anti-Ukrainian article, which dismissed Ukraine as a “vassal state” and argued that any talks with the current Ukrainian authorities were not only senseless but harmful. Putin claimed Ukraine was being functionally controlled by Western nations to foment anti-Russian sentiment.

“We will never allow our historical territories and people close to us living there to be used against Russia,” Putin wrote. “And to those who will undertake such an attempt, I would like to say that this way they will destroy their own country.”

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba rejected the notion of a Russian red line outside of Russia’s own borders, and said Kyiv had its own security to think about. “Putin’s red lines are limited to Russia’s borders,” Kuleba tweeted. “On our side of the Ukrainian-Russian border we can figure out ourselves what to do in the interests of the Ukrainian people, as well as Ukraine’s and Europe’s security.”

Moscow is not limiting its warnings to Ukraine. It is also dictating behavior to other regions of the world.

“We call on Afghanistan’s neighboring countries not to allow a military presence of US and NATO forces that plan to move there after leaving Afghanistan’s territory,” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said during a video conference held in Tehran after US forces evacuated.

It is evident that Moscow, the evil empire, is setting foreign policies for the free world rather than vice versa. As many have expected, Europe, hungry for energy and eager to acquire it anywhere, has made the devil’s choice and became a hostage to Moscow, hoping against hope that it will not escalate its war against Ukraine to Europe.

This fear has given the Kremlin carte blanche to ride roughshod over the international community, disregarding everyone’s concerns, admonishments and sanctions. Iuliia Mendel, President Zelenskyy’s former press secretary, recently correctly pointed out that Moscow is the root of global instability. “However, when it comes to fueling and exploiting today’s rising tide of international instability, one country, in particular, stands out. Russia has emerged over the past two decades as the world’s leading exporter of instability. This has become a central pillar of Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy, allowing Moscow to undermine potential opponents from within while enabling the Kremlin punch well above its true geopolitical weight,” she noted.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, an overseeing institution, expressed the same point of view that Russia is not only a party to aggression in eastern Ukraine, but the prime driver of it as Russia started the bloody confrontation and continues to fuel it.

“Last week, and most weeks, we in this Permanent Council hear Russia deny involvement in the conflict it initiated and continues to sustain in Ukraine.  Russia has brought peace negotiations to a standstill by refusing to participate unless Ukraine implicitly recognizes Russia’s proxies in Donetsk and Luhansk by directly engaging with them — a move which would only advance Russia’s false narrative that the conflict in the Donbas is an internal conflict,” Courtney Austrian, chargé d’affaires of the US Mission to OSCE, said at the OSCE Permanent Council meeting on September 30, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. According to Austrian, Moscow also attempts to mask the truth – “Russia is not only a party to this conflict but began this conflict and continues to directly fuel and lead it despite signing onto to a peace deal more than seven years ago.”

And to prove Moscow’s unmasked aggressive plans, this weekend several news media, including The Washington Post, reported about another buildup of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine that has international observers biting their nails.

The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the matter publicly, said the troop movements have reignited concerns that arose in April, when the largest buildup of troops by Russia near the Ukrainian border in years sparked an international outcry.

The renewed movements of Russian forces in the area come as the Kremlin embraces a harder line on Ukraine. Putin and other Kremlin leaders have escalated their rhetoric in recent months, attacking Kyiv’s Western ties, questioning its sovereignty and delineating a red line.

Can you blame Ukraine for using Turkish drones to destroy Russian military positions?

Videos have surfaced on social media showing Russian military trains and convoys moving large quantities of military hardware, including tanks and missiles, in southern and western Russia.

“The point is: It is not a drill. It doesn’t appear to be a training exercise. Something is happening. What is it?” Michael Kofman, director of the Russia studies program at the Virginia-based nonprofit analysis group CAN, was quoted as saying.

Officials in the United States and Europe began noticing the movements, particularly in recent weeks, after Russia concluded a massive joint military exercise with Belarus known as Zapad 2021 on its western flank in mid-September.

According to Kofman, satellite imagery shows that forces from Russia’s 41st Combined Arms Army, normally based in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, didn’t return to Siberia after the exercises, and instead linked up with other Russian forces near the Ukrainian border. Kofman also said imagery appears to show that Russia’s 1st Guards Tank Army, an elite unit based outside Moscow, is moving personnel and materiel toward Ukraine.

The new images taken by Maxar Technologies and shared with POLITICO show a buildup of armored units, tanks and self-propelled artillery along with ground troops massing near the Russian town of Yelnya close to the border of Belarus. The units, which began moving in late September from other areas of Russia where they are normally based, include the elite 1st Guards Tank Army.

Meanwhile, a new analysis by Jane’s today revealed that equipment from Russia’s 4th Tank Division has been moved to areas around Bryansk and Kursk close to Ukraine's northern border. The units are equipped with T-80U main battle tanks and self-propelled artillery.

Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraine’s national security and defense council, said in a statement that after the conclusion of the Zapad 2021 exercises, Russia left military equipment, as well as control and communications centers, at training sites along the Ukrainian border. Danilov estimated that the number of Russian troops deployed around the Ukrainian border at 80,000 to 90,000, not including the tens of thousands stationed in Crimea.

Putin’s saber rattling has no bounds. On Monday, November 1, he emphasized the need to strengthen Russia’s air defenses amid NATO’s military activities near its borders. Speaking during a meeting with military officials and arms makers in the southern Russian city of Sochi, Putin specifically noted the deployment of NATO’s US-led missile defense components in Eastern Europe and increasingly frequent missions by NATO ships near Russian waters in the Baltic and Black Seas. 

“Even now, a US warship has entered the Black Sea, and we can see it in binoculars or crosshairs of our defense systems,” Putin was quoted as saying in a reference to the USS Mount Whitney, the flagship of the U.S. 6th Fleet, deployed to the Black Sea. 

Indeed, US and Europe are in Ukraine’s corner – at least with their pronouncements. Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, Charles Michel, president of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, met in Kyiv for the 23rd Ukraine-EU Summit and issued a statement, which said at the start: “We gathered today to reaffirm our continued commitment to strengthening the political association and economic integration of Ukraine with the European Union, on the basis of the Association Agreement and its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area.”

Russia has regularly been mobilizing and bivouacking its vast army on Ukraine’s border only to withdraw it after a few weeks. Everyone’s concern evaporates but what if next time the Russians don’t evacuate?

It’s a no-brainer what Moscow is doing. It’s telling the world what it will do if Ukraine and the free world express their sovereign rights. Remember “Mein Kampf” by Adopf Hitler? The free world must act first by hogtying Moscow into submission.

Former Captive Nations Cite Russian Crimes and Invasion of Ukraine

Ukraine’s neighboring former captive nations of Russian subjugation took advantage of the opening session of 76^th Session of the UN General Assembly to address Moscow’s threats against their countries as well as violations of international peace, stability and security by invading and occupying Ukrainian territory. It was not only a sign of solidarity but also concern that they could be Russia’s next targets. To be sure, they also listed among the Kremlin’s transgressions its bullying of Belarus, Georgia and other countries.

Address of the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda.

“We also deplore efforts by Russia to exert pressure on Lithuanian judges and prosecutors who investigate the case of atrocities committed by the occupying Soviet army in Lithuania in 1991. Lithuania calls on all states not to execute related international arrest warrants…

“For the seventh year we are witnessing the continuing military aggression against Ukraine, as well as the illegal annexation and occupation of Crimea. These actions violate international law, the Charter of the United Nations, as well as the provisions of the Helsinki Final Act. They should be condemned universally.

“We must reinforce the policy of non-recognition of the occupation and annexation of Crimea. It is also extremely important to protect the rights and freedoms of the local civilian population. I commend the Ukrainian effort to keep this issue on the agenda by creating the International Crimean Platform.

“Lithuania respects Ukraine’s European and Euro-Atlantic choice and continues to support its reforms in this troubled period. Seeking to consolidate international efforts, we have co-hosted the Ukraine Reform Conference in Vilnius this past July…”

Address of the President of Latvia, Egils Levits.

“…The crisis in Belarus can only be resolved by new, free and fair presidential elections in the presence of international observers.

“Meanwhile, Russia’s military intimidation campaign against Ukraine continues. This confirms the need for the international community to support Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Latvia sees the newly established International Crimean Platform as a valuable format for keeping the issue of Crimean de-occupation on the international agenda. We call for the widest possible engagement of the international community in the Crimean Platform.

“Furthermore, the frozen conflicts in the Moldovan territory of Transnistria and the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, should be solved in accordance with international law, with full respect for the territorial integrity of Moldova and Georgia…”

Address of the President of the Republic of Estonia, Kersti Kaljulaid.

“Conflicts still ravage many countries and new ones have occurred.  Wars continue to be fought from Ukraine to Syria. Authoritarian regimes like Belarus, for example, have come up with new hybrid tools to attack democratic societies with innocent people. Those who suffer the most continue to be the most vulnerable in our societies – women, children and adolescents…

“That is why we have to talk about the repressions in Belarus, stand in solidarity against the aggressive and destabilizing behavior of Alyaksandr Lukashenkaʼs regime and remain convinced that the will of the Belarusian people should be the main guideline for shaping the future of the Republic of Belarus.

“That is why we can´t forget occupied Crimean peninsula and the situation in Eastern Ukraine. Ukraine has our strong and unwavering support for their sovereignty, territorial integrity and for non-recognition policy of the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia. Security is indivisible – Ukrainian security is also ours. As an elected member of the UN Security Council, we continue to keep the issue of Russia’s aggression in Donbas and illegal annexation of Crimea on the UNSC agenda…”

Address by the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda.

“…Unfortunately, tragic developments are unfolding also close to the Polish border and I have the impression that humanity seems to have forgotten about them.

“And yet, the pandemic has not stopped the war in Ukraine where over 13 thousand people died since the beginning of the Russian aggression with one state seizing the territory of another. In Europe after World War 2, in the 21st century, Ukraine has been assaulted.

“What was the response of the rich North to the drama of the Ukrainian nation fighting for its independence? The response was the construction of a large Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline which will carry Russian gas to Western Europe bringing further billions in revenue to the aggressor, and complete helplessness or even indifference to the fact that from that moment on Ukraine will find itself in an even bigger danger.

“Recently I have attended the Crimea Platform Summit in Kyiv being one of few leaders representing the rich North. I searched with my eyes for those who have constructed and approved the construction of Nord Stream 2. I did not find them…”

 Address by President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu.

“…In the spirit of Moldova’s Constitutional neutrality and international law, I would also like to reiterate that our position on the complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian forces remains unchanged. This includes the removal or destruction of ammunitions from the Cobasna stockpiles which pose a security and environmental threat to the region as a whole. We count on the support of the international community in this endeavor…”

Ukraine’s President Sounds Wake up Call for UN; Reminds Delegates about Crimea & Moscow Aggression

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy used his annual address at the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly on September 23 to shake the 76-year-old global body out of its doldrums and actively seek an end to Russian aggression against his country.

“It’s time to wake up,” Zelenskyy chided the UN bureaucrats and the other 192 member-states at the start of his address immediately following the opening diplomatic courtesies.

Ukraine’s head of state straightaway cited global unrest and dangers by revealing one that was close to home. He informed the General Assembly about the attempt on the life of his first aide. Twelve shots were fired and three of them hit the driver, who was hospitalized.

“Here is the price of change in the state, here is the price of reforms,” he moralized.

 Zelenskyy’s impassioned statement was filled with acknowledgements of the UN’s memorable history of achievements while he bemoaned that nothing has been done to compel Moscow to end its war against Ukraine and evacuate from the country. However, his low-key words were devoid of strong denunciations of Moscow’s crimes and demands for its evacuation from Ukraine.

On the other hand, Ukraine’s own history of serving as a battleground for numerous wars, the Holodomor murder of 7-10 million Ukrainian men, women and children as well as Babyn Yar and the Holocaust has awakened it many decades ago. “I can say without flattery and cunning: Ukraine did it a long time ago, since then it has not fallen asleep. It did not fall asleep when it survived the Holodomor, Babyn Yar,” Zelenskyy said. “Did not fall asleep when the whole world survived two wars, the Holocaust, lost 100 million people. This was the price for humanity to realize that all nations, all countries are equal, and all conflicts must be resolved through dialogues and only through dialogues, not tanks.”

Echoing criticisms by many others who have spoken at the UN rostrum, Zelenskyy professed that the two words known around the world – United Nations – do not represent real estate on the eastside of Manhattan island. “The UN is not a building, the UN is the leaders. And it was they who created the UN 76 years ago,” he said, referring to leaders of 193 member-states and their predecessors. In order to overcome today’s problems and resume a course of helping countries around the world, the global leadership embedded in the United Nations needs to believe in itself, he accentuated.

“The UN has long heard only criticism. The accusation that the UN can do nothing. And the worst accusation is that ‘the UN has become a League of Nations.’ And today the UN is like a retired superhero who has forgotten what he could do. He considers himself a burden, a weak, frail, useless old man, whose life was in vain. Or maybe the UN will remember something?” Zelenskyy continued his line of thinking.

Consequently, believing that conflicts must be resolved peacefully, he reminded his fellow diplomats that in 1945 Ukraine became one of the founding members of the United Nations.

And throughout its recent history, Ukraine has not shirked its global responsibilities. Despite worldwide turmoil, COVID-19 pandemic and terrorism, Ukraine has sought to contribute to the improvement of humanity, Zelenskyy said.

“Ukraine did not expect help from others. And helped others without waiting for gratitude. We sent our doctors to Italy, sent the necessary assets. Ukraine helped everyone who needed it at a time when the world had forgotten that the pandemic would not last forever, and that all nations would one day gather here again. But how will they look each other in the eyes now? Ukraine is not ashamed,” he said.

Consequently, “It has the right to say: we want to revive the UN. To begin with, its Charter must be revived,” Zelenskyy said.

Turning to Russia’s illegal temporary occupation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula, Zelenskyy said the battle for freedom and rights is being waged on Ukraine’s shores of the Black Sea. Supporting Ukraine’s sovereign rights in Crimea is a “commitment to the basic principles of the United Nations.” The recently concluded Summit of the Crimea Platform on the deoccupation of Crimes is a commitment to the UN’s basic principles, he said, adding that he is grateful to the 46 participants for their support. However, the lack of UN support for the platform is a demonstration of “some new, unapproved principles.”

Zelenskyy said Crimea embodies “the price of freedom, here is the price of fighting for your rights, for human rights.”

The President of Ukraine boldly said he expects “the support of the international community in the issue of the release of about 450 Ukrainians illegally detained in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and in the Russian Federation. I urge you to support the updated resolutions on the human rights situation in the occupied Crimea and the militarization of our Ukrainian occupied peninsula, which will be submitted to the General Assembly by the end of the year.”

With the recent formal inclusion of the agenda item on the “Situation in the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine” in the agenda of the current session of General Assembly, Zelenskyy thanked all states that mentioned Ukraine in their speeches here this years.

“It is very important. And many others who are not ashamed that Ukraine is their friend and partner. Who can call things by their names: call occupation occupation, and call aggression aggression, without fear that someone will leave this hall for everyone to see. It is not necessary to do this, it is a platform for dialogue. It will definitely not bring happiness to Ukraine. It could bring happiness to Ukraine if someone left our state territories, our state borders for everyone to see,” he said.

Russian occupation of Crimea and its abuse of the rights of Ukrainian citizens and the environment require greater UN’s attention, he said. “They made a military base out of unique nature. Instead of fauna and flora there is a fleet and soldiers. And in the souls of the Crimean people, there is a problem opposite to the world - not global warming, but global devastation,” Zelenskyy charged.

The United Nations was launched at the Yalta Conference in Crimea and now Yalta and Crimea have been occupied for eight years.

“Mr. President of the 76th Assembly spoke a lot about climate change and the protection of the environment and nature on the planet. In this context, Crimea needs even more UN’s attention. They made a military base out of unique nature. Instead of fauna and flora there is a fleet and soldiers. And in the souls of the Crimean people, there is a problem opposite to the world - not global warming, but global devastation,” Zelenskyy said.

Sarcastically questioning the appellation of debates at the UN General Assembly, Zelenskyy rejected that label, saying in reality it is “an active dispute between different parties.”

“This is an opportunity to ask direct, frank questions. For example, issuing hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians in the occupied territory of Ukraine hundreds of thousands of passports of another state. Isn’t it evidence of an international crime? Isn't it proof of impunity and disrespect for international law? Moreover, the Russian Federation itself officially declares it. And it forces our citizens of Ukraine to take part in the elections to the Russian parliament.”

Zelenskyy called on the United Nations to “support those who want to change the world for the better” among them Ukraine. He said his country is presenting a number of initiatives, platforms and summits. Let's take only one - the Crimea Platform. It must work under the auspices of the United Nations. If every nation has such an effective platform, approved by the UN, which solves problems and works 24/7, that means reviving the UN. Because it means to revive faith in the UN among ordinary people.

Ukraine Finally Comes into Its Own After Three Decades

Ukraine’s 30^th independence anniversary on August 24 was not merely a recognition of the passing of three decades as an independent and democratic country in Europe. This year’s commemoration was momentous on several plateaus each signaling to the nation and the world – friends and foes alike –  that Ukraine has genuinely come of age; that it is a political, military, commercial, technological, intellectual force to be reckoned with. However, tributes carry obligations.

None other than President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his anniversary address, summed up the national feeling in a simple manner that defused Moscow’s pointless though constant attempts at belittling if not erasing the memory of Ukraine and Ukrainians from civilization. President Zelenskyy poignantly proclaimed: “We are a young country with a thousand-year history.” Undeniably, the Ukrainian nation has existed, survived, endured and prevailed for 1,000 years ever since the reign of Grand Prince Volodymyr the Great, who baptized Kyiv-Rus in 988. Ukraine’s history has been filled with achievements and victories in everyday activities and numerous wars. They transpired long before Russia came into existence. Zelenskyy urged his fellow Ukrainians, who come from all regions of the country and from many ethnicities and religions, to take to heart his words: “Let’s remember the past, act today, think about the future.” Indeed, the Ukrainian nation has a long-standing documented bloodline of perseverance in the face of adversity. Ukrainians are acting today to improve their country and to safeguard it for future generations.

It was noteworthy that the president of Ukraine emphasized that the 30th anniversary of independence was not a sudden attainment, not an accomplishment without historical precedents. Ukraine’s commander in chief said, “And it is fairer, in my opinion, to say: the 30th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine’s independence! Because on August 24, 1991, Ukraine restored its statehood.” Indeed, as we have underlined in many blogposts, a century ago during independence war of 1914-19, Ukrainians declared their independence from tsarist and soviet Russia and then 80 years ago, in the throes of Nazi and Soviet invasions of World War II, they repeated the restoration of an independent state of Ukraine on June 30, 1941.

In line with this restoration, Zelenskyy rightfully paid tribute to all the men and women who through the ages fought and died for Ukrainian independence. “On this holiday, we must remember to whom we are thankful for being here. These are our defenders of Ukraine. Defenders of our independence. Heroes who gave their lives for it! Let’s honor their bright memory with a moment of silence!”

Internationally, Ukraine’s allies near and far welcomed its contemporary years of freedom. Ukrainians experienced conspicuous support of the free world for its efforts to preserve its independence in the face of Russia’s latest invasion and war. President Zelenskyy at last met with President Biden in the White House and signed on September 1 a joint statement that strengthened U.S.-Ukraine Strategic Partnership. In addition to recognizing the “restoration of independence,” the document formally called Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine a war – not a conflict, expressed opposition to Nord Stream 2, stated that the Washington, DC, does not oppose Ukraine’s accession to NATO but rather supports it, declared the US will never recognize Moscow’s occupation of Crimea, and detailed close cooperation in five vital categories.

“Thirty years after the restoration of Ukraine’s independence, the bonds between the United States and Ukraine are stronger than ever. Our shared values and commitment to a Europe that is whole, free, democratic, and at peace provide the basis for our strategic partnership. We are working together to address shared global challenges, including energy security and diversification, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our relationship serves as a cornerstone for security, democracy, and human rights in Ukraine and the broader region. We are committed to Ukraine’s implementation of the deep and comprehensive reforms necessary to fulfill its European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. We are also united in our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of continued Russian aggression,” the statement said in part.
Additionally, “Russia’s aggression, including the war in eastern Ukraine and its seizure of Crimea, has claimed more than 14,000 Ukrainian lives, destabilized Europe and the Black Sea region, and threatened the global rules-based order. The United States does not and will never recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea,” the statement emphasized.

Some four dozen countries joined the historic Crimea Platform that repeated the global community’s agreement that Crimea is Ukraine and demand that Russia evacuate from the Ukrainian peninsula. In no uncertain terms, the participants “condemn the continued violations and abuses and systematic undue restrictions of human rights and fundamental freedoms that residents of Crimea face, such as the right to peaceful assembly, the rights to freedoms of expression and opinion, religion or belief, association, restrictions on the ability to seek, receive and impart information, as well as interference and intimidation that journalists, human rights defenders and defense lawyers face in their work.”

They “reiterate their commitment to maintaining pressure on Russia to end the temporary occupation by Russia of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and to restore Ukraine’s control over the territory.”

American lawmakers joined the pro-Ukraine bandwagon and recognized the importance of supporting Ukraine because of its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, the former captive nations of Russian aggression and the evil empire. The Congressional Ukraine Caucus (CUC) Co-Chairs Reps. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Andy Harris (R-MD) offered their positive observations on these major bilateral events: “Ukraine is at the scrimmage line for liberty on the European Continent. Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations – free from Russian malign influence – are a noble and righteous cause. From providing security assistance that guarantees its defensive capabilities, to collaborating to rout the scourge of corruption, diversify its energy portfolio, and uplift its economy and its people – Ukraine has no greater friend than the United States House of Representatives.

“As it has done for nearly 25 years, the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus will remain a steadfast ally of these freedom-loving people, and looks forward to partnering with President Zelenskyy, civil society, and all Ukrainians to advance the solutions that ensure Ukraine’s well-being for all the generations to come.”

Their colorful usage of the football adage notwithstanding, we have said that Ukraine today stands as the bulwark of freedom, security and democracy of the free world against Russian aggression.

Ukraine’s precarious situation was a topic at the United Nations as well. The international body again adopted a resolution that said it will include Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea as an agenda item during the upcoming General Assembly session. The UN has already on several occasions condemned Moscow for invading and seizing the Ukrainian peninsula and called Russia an aggressor state for its illegal action.

While clearly Moscow opposes any public discussion of its occupation of Crimea – as it resisted all previous UN reviews of its unlawful activities going back to the early days of the cold war – Ambassador Serhiy Kyslytsya, permanent representative of Ukraine to the UN, eloquently observed on September 17, “Since the action of the Russian delegation started once again a kerfuffle, I have no other option but to try to make the best of it in order not to end up here, in the Assembly, in what the Russians call ‘balagan.’” Former US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power, current administrator of USAID, also enjoyed poking fun of Moscow’s balagan – mess.

Kyslytsya continued: “It is very and ominously symbolic that on the 17th of September the Russian Federation once again desperately opposes that this democratic body considers the agenda item on the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Let me remind to all in this chamber why:

“On this very day on the 17th of September 1939, implementing an agreement between Hitler and Stalin, signed by their foreign ministers in Moscow less than 4 weeks before that, the soviet troops moved in and occupied what was then the East of Poland, thus in alliance with Nazi Germany continued the invasion of Poland that started the World War II on the 1st of September. It is appalling that the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its Twitter account this morning called the occupation of Poland a “liberating crusade”.

“Having never cut the umbilical cord from its parent – the Soviet Union, the Russian Federation continues being the genetic copy-paste of its evil progenitor. Having installed its name-plate in the UN Security Council chamber against the UN Charter, which until today in article 23 reads (and you can easily verify it) that it is the Soviet Union and not the Russian Federation, which is a permanent member of the Security Council.”

The Ukrainian official succinctly integrated the crimes of Nazi Germany, Soviet Union and today’s Russia into one irrefutable package.

Kyslytsya’s touching discourse continued with pithy quotes from America’s favorite author: “Perhaps, the best way to illustrate this creative mathematics of the Russian Federation is to paraphrase the famous line of Mark Twain: ‘there are three kinds if lie: lies, damned lie and the Russian statistics.’

“It is clear that only by blackmail, intimidation and harassment that the Russian Federation raises some support of its position against the will of the General Assembly that has been confirmed on many occasions. And that includes its General Committee where only two members supported the Russian Federation two days ago.

“I call on my respected colleagues in this Assembly to vote YES meaning in favor of the agenda as recommended by the General Assembly and its General Committee. Let’s do it and go to work.”

Fortunately, the resolution was adopted by the General Assembly. Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea will be on the agenda of the 76^th Session which gets under way this week.

The irony of jubilant celebrations and the accompanying well wishes and tributes is that after the hangover wears off the partyers must face the new day by taking responsibility for their euphoric words.

President Zelenskyy must formulate his administration and policies according to the words that Ukrainians are an ancient nation who persevered in safeguarding their independence and freedom for a millennia. And they were victorious in restoring the nation’s independence. The defenders of the nation are fighting and dying in a war launched against Ukraine by Moscow. Then he, the government and parliamentarians must devote their work to improving the lives of Ukrainians today by shackling all of the oligarchs.

Ukraine’s allies should likewise pay attention to the explicit and implicit words of their accolades. You called Russia an aggressor, a violator of human rights, then treat it as such. Sanction it, ostracize it until Moscow changes its policies.

Applauding someone and then dealing behind its back with its enemy is backstabbing.

Congressional Ukraine Caucus Reaffirms Strengthening US-Ukraine Relations & Combatting Russian Aggression

The Congressional Ukraine Caucus (CUC) Co-Chairs Reps. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), and Andy Harris (R-MD) released the following statement reaffirming strengthening US-Ukraine relations after CUC members and allies met with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on September 1.

During Zelenskyy’s first visit to the United States, the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, a group of ardent Ukraine supporters in Congress, committed its support for strengthening the U.S.-Ukraine relationship, combating Russia’s ongoing brutal aggression and occupation of Ukrainian territories, countering corruption, and safeguarding Ukrainian and transatlantic energy security in light of the threat posed by the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

The statement said:

“We wish to thank President Zelenskyy and his delegation for today’s meeting on his first official visit to the United States.

“Ukraine is at the scrimmage line for liberty on the European Continent. Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations – free from Russian malign influence – are a noble and righteous cause. From providing security assistance that guarantees its defensive capabilities, to collaborating to rout the scourge of corruption, diversify its energy portfolio, and uplift its economy and its people – Ukraine has no greater friend than the United States House of Representatives.

“As it has done for nearly 25 years, the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus will remain a steadfast ally of these freedom-loving people, and looks forward to partnering with President Zelenskyy, civil society, and all Ukrainians to advance the solutions that ensure Ukraine’s well-being for all the generations to come.”

The congressional delegation attending the meeting with President Zelensky and his delegation also included Reps. Victoria Spartz (R-IN), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Garamendi (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Andy Levin (D-MI), and Doug Lamborn (R-CO).