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.”

47 United Nations Members Condemn Russian Destabilization of Ukraine & Occupation of Crimea

Forty-seven member-states of the United Nations adopted on March 26 a resolution condemning Russia’s ongoing occupation of Crimea as well as the Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts in violation of international law.

The document was adopted on the seventh anniversary of the United Nation’s first of many resolutions denouncing Russia for defying the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

As the Russian war versus Ukraine shows no signs of abatement after seven years – while evidence shows to the contrary Moscow’s escalation of violence and numerous ceasefire transgressions – this action by nearly four dozen countries joins this year’s already intense global campaign that is maintaining requisite pressure on Moscow to cease and desist. Brushing aside diplomatic niceties, this resolution clearly states that Russia invaded Ukraine, violated its territory, and occupied three regions of an independent European country in a war that killed more than 14,000 people. The Russo-Ukraine War of 2014-21 is the only war on the European continent.

The UN members said that despite the clear demands of the UN General Assembly, Russia has not stopped its temporary occupation of Crimea. Russia, they said, is a partner to the conflict and continues flagrant human rights violations and abuses, and military build-up on the peninsula.

The international community has expressed its concern for Russia’s unlawful actions, which are inconsistent with international law, including the UN Charter, and are also contrary to the Helsinki Final Act.

The resolution was endorsed by permanent missions of Republic of Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Republic of Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, the Republic of Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Republic of Estonia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Latvia, the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Republic of Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Marshall Islands, the Republic of Moldova, the Principality of Monaco, Montenegro, Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of North Macedonia, Norway, the Republic of Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, the Republic of Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the Republic of Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

The resolution states:

Seven years ago, on 27 March 2014, the United Nations General Assembly by an overwhelming majority of UN member-states adopted resolution 68/262 “Territorial Integrity of Ukraine”. By this resolution, the international community affirmed, loud and clear, its full commitment to the sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

Despite the clear demands of the General Assembly, the Russian Federation has not stopped its temporary occupation of Crimea. On the contrary, it continues flagrant human rights violations and abuses, and military build-up on the peninsula.

These actions of the Russian Federation that undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its violations and abuses of the human rights of persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities on the peninsula and all others who oppose Russia’s occupation, prompted the General Assembly to adopt resolutions 71/205, 72/190, 73/263, 74/168, 75/192 “Situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine” and 73/194, 74/17, 75/29, “Problem of the militarization of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine, as well as parts of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.” In these resolutions, the General Assembly condemned the temporary occupation of Crimea and urged the Russian Federation, as the occupying power, to uphold all its obligations under applicable international law.

Russia’s actions have been of global concern, inconsistent with international law, including the UN Charter, and are also contrary to the Helsinki Final Act, as well as international humanitarian and human rights law. Russia’s attempts to legitimize the attempted annexation of Crimea are not, and will not be recognized.

We also firmly condemn Russia’s continued destabilization of Ukraine, especially Russia’s actions in certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, disregarding the commitments it made under the Minsk agreements. We reiterate our support for the efforts of the Normandy format and our firm commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, in line with the Minsk agreements and with full respect of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia is a party to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, not a mediator.

Yet again, we urge the Russian Federation to immediately end its occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, and fully implement the relevant UN General Assembly resolutions on the situation in Crimea. We welcome in principle Ukraine’s initiative to establish an International Crimean Platform to consolidate the international community’s efforts on Crimea.

Lithuanian President Cements Strong Bloc with Ukraine

I have enthusiastically promoted the idea of the former captive nations of Russian subjugation building a strong bloc for their mutual benefit, development, independence and sovereignty, and most of all defense in the face of continuing Russian aggression.

The example of Moscow’s seven-year war against Ukraine and its belligerent adventurism around the world cannot be demeaned. And in the wake of the free world’s insufficient active support of the x-captive nations’ needs, looking inwardly to their own traditions, abilities and wants is their sole recourse.

A giant leap in this direction has been the political and military arrangement among Ukraine, Poland and Lithuania called the Lublin Triangle, which must be given enough teeth for this triumvirate to stand up for its rightful independent path on God’s Earth. I have written on numerous occasions that this should be expanded to include all x-captive nations.

We have heard their similar statements at opening sessions of the UN General Assembly that warned the global community of Moscow’s expansionism.

The other day former president of Estonia Toomas Henrik Ilves struck a characteristically uncompromising tone in a recent interview in German daily Die Welt, in which he called for European nations to follow President Biden’s move in referring to Vladimir Putin of Russia as a killer. Individuals and nations alike have suffered because of his despotism.

Today, the President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda delivered a speech to Ukrainian lawmakers and the nation, which should 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.

But most of all, the oration warmed the heart of Ukrainians everywhere because President Nausėda spoke in the Ukrainian-language in the Verkhovna Rada hall, where some deputies frown up the heritage and culture of the people they represent. He began: “My Ukrainian brothers and sisters.”

Lithuania has long been known for its unwavering support of Ukraine, stretching back to the days of President Dalia Grybauskaitė, especially after Russia invaded the neighboring country and occupied Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk.

Noting their common past, Nausėda said “We will always be able to build on our common past. Thirty years ago, when Lithuania defended its freedom during the bloody events of January 1991, Ukrainian volunteers stood shoulder to shoulder with our freedom fighters. 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.

Nausėda recalled the nations’ defense of “the values that are dear to European civilization – respect for the rule of law, individual freedom and democracy” and today “Even seven years after the military aggression that destroyed the international order and peace in Europe, we, Lithuanians, continue to say with commitment and determination: Crimea is Ukraine! We strongly condemn Russia’s illegal actions, we support Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and welcome Kyiv’s initiative to establish an international platform for Crimea.”

This declaration and vow must have resounded with trepidation and rage in the halls of the Kremlin.

“Lithuania sees Ukraine’s tireless efforts in seeking a political solution to the conflict in Donbas. We unequivocally call on Russia and the groups it supports to immediately implement the requirements of the Minsk Agreements. Sanctions against Russia must continue until it withdraws from the illegally occupied territories of Ukraine,” President Nausėda said.

Noting that a strong Ukraine belongs in Europe, Nausėda pledged that “Lithuania will always support you on the path to the European Union and NATO.”

Reminding Ukrainian leaders that “successful reforms are essential for the well-being of the people and for the stability of the state itself,” Nausėda said Lithuania’s businesses are looking forward to working with Ukraine.

“Lithuania seeks to develop relations with Ukraine in the areas of telecommunications, information technology, and innovation. I believe that closer interaction between our countries in creating a digital economy could open useful avenues for the development of Ukrainian industry, for businesses, and for citizens. I believe this year’s Ukrainian-Lithuanian Business Forum will become yet another opportunity to strengthen existing and create new sustainable relations,” he said.

“Although we are currently experiencing temporary difficulties as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic, hopefully we will overcome this crisis with mass vaccination. That is why I am making personal efforts for the leaders of the European Union to agree on a solidarity mechanism for sharing vaccines with Eastern Partnership countries.”

Pointing out that the growing vulnerability of nearby Belarus is a direct threat to Ukrainian and Lithuanian interests, Nausėda also warned his neighbor about the unsafe nuclear power plant in Belarus, which Russia built, that not only endangers the health of the people in the region but with which Moscow also seeks to expand its influence.

“That is why today I want to call on the Ukrainian government and its people to support the position of the Baltic States on the Belarusian nuclear power plant and not to buy electricity produced in Ostrovets,” he urged.

Turning to the region’s energy needs, Nausėda said his country believes it is necessary to strengthen energy independence of the countries in the region to reduce Russia’s influence, an ongoing universal concern.

“Let me be honest: timely investments allowed Lithuania to minimize the direct threat posed by new Russian energy projects, such as the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline. We are therefore very glad to hear that Ukraine also intends to take the path of synchronizing its electricity grid with continental Europe,” he said.

The Lithuanian president said the two nations’ common history taught his people to “respect the freedom-loving Ukrainian nation and to cherish your independent character.”

He closed by affirming that Lithuanians “are happy to see Ukraine reborn again as a dignified European country that knows its value. Lithuania can help you on the path of reforms, and we will certainly do so in the future.

“Glory to Ukraine!” President Nausėda concluded.

In times of peace and war, the friendship offered by the Lithuanian nation must be respected and celebrated.

Denunciations of Russia at UN Leave Moscow Unfazed, Obstinate

Strong denunciations of Russia for its bloody aggression against Ukraine continued this week at the United Nations, which is a positive development in global politics.

Seven years ago, Russia invaded Ukraine and occupied Crimea as well as Luhansk and Donetsk in the eastern section of the country, claiming that they’re protecting Russian-language residents. Adolf Hitler also invaded neighboring countries, stating that he was protecting “Volksdeutsche.”

This wave of censures against the evil empire was compounded by President Biden’s unexpected admission that he thinks Vladimir Putin is a killer. This welcome affirmation yesterday in reply to a question by Good Morning America’s George Stephanopoulos is the first such dramatic accusation by an American president that a foreign leader is a killer since perhaps the days of Hitler’s reign over Europe.

The Permanent Mission of the United States at the UN, on March 17, condemned Russia’s official commemoration of its seizure and annexation of the Ukrainian Crimean peninsula. The Deputy Counselor for Political Affairs Trina Saha decried this faux tribute as Moscow’s “misuse of its seat on the Security Council” that aims to “distort the realities of the Russian-fueled conflict in eastern Ukraine and its purported annexation of Crimea.”

The reference to misuse of Russia’s seat on the Security Council bears credence in view of the fact that Russia is not a member-state of the United Nations. Yes, you might argue that it is a founding member. No, it isn’t. History shows that the now defunct Union of you know what was a founding member. However, former Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations, Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko, wrote in The Ukrainian Quarterly that after the downfall of the Soviet Union, the Russian Federation did not automatically assume the USSR’s seat in the UN, much less its Security Council. This technical mistake was never corrected. In other words, Russia is only entitled to wait outside the gates to the United Nations, on First Avenue, without any claims to diplomatic rights and privileges.

However, returning to the statement by the United States, Saha said the Russian-convened gathering this week was to recognize its “flagrant disregard for international law, including the UN Charter’s implicit principle that no country can change the borders of another by force.”

Saha emphatically stated: “The United States does not recognize the purported annexation, and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms. The United States is committed in its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Furthermore, she said, the United States “call on Russia to immediately cease its ongoing aggression in Ukraine, to implement the commitments it signed onto under the Minsk Agreements, and to return full control of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula.”

Noting the March 12 Arria-formula meeting on Crimea and the February 12 General Assembly Debate, Saha indicated that Ukraine has broad international support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Very true. This year has seen many such declarations by the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the former captive nations.

“When the General Assembly has voted on resolutions on the human rights situation and Russia’s militarization of Crimea in recent years, the voting record is clear: Russia lacks support from the majority of the international community,” Saha said.

Arria-Formula Meeting

The following is the joint statement following Russia’s Arria-Formula Meeting on the Situation in Crimea. It was endorsed by Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“Russia held an informal meeting at the UN today to promote a false narrative about its occupation of Crimea, which it seized in violation of international law in 2014. We condemn Russia’s human rights abuses and military build-up on the peninsula. We strongly reject Russia’s attempted annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. Russia’s actions are of global concern and inconsistent with international law, including the UN Charter, and contrary to the Helsinki Final Act.

“Today’s event distorted the realities on the ground in Crimea and only served the interests of Russia’s occupation. If Russia is truly interested in increasing understanding on the situation in Crimea, it would allow UN, OSCE, and Council of Europe envoys, as well as humanitarian workers, international human rights monitoring missions, and human rights non-governmental organizations, immediate and unimpeded access to Crimea.

“As we saw during the March 12 High-Level Arria-formula meeting on Crimea hosted by Estonia and with 23 co-sponsors, as well as during the February 23 General Assembly Debate, Ukraine has the support of the international community in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We call on Russia to immediately end its occupation, stop human rights abuses, release all Ukrainian prisoners it unjustly holds, cease its aggressive actions in Ukraine, respect its international obligations, and implement its commitments under the Minsk agreements. We reiterate our support for the efforts of the Normandy format and our firm commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, in line with the Minsk agreements and with full respect of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

It is obvious that Moscow is losing in the international court, where friends of Ukraine – countries that wield economic and political power and stand on high moral grounds – understand Moscow’s crimes against humanity and aren’t squeamish to say so.

On the other hand, Russia, as its habit has been, can’t be fazed by the world opinion. Consequently, the international community must sever relations with Moscow until it transforms itself.