The embassies of Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines released a joint statement today declaring their solidarity with Ukaine on the occasion of the country’s 31st independence anniversary.
“Today, as we commemorate the 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, and in light of the ongoing brutal, unprovoked, and unjustifiable war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, we have greater resolve than ever to stand with Ukraine and affirm its right to uphold its sovereignty and territorial integrity, to defend itself, and to choose its own future,” said the group.
The Russia-Ukraine war has now lasted six months with no end in sight, after Russia invaded Ukraine in February in what Russian president Vladimir Putin said was a move to “demilitarize” and “denazify” its neighbor.
The 18 embassies said they “condemn and will not recognize Russia’s continued attempts to re-draw borders by force, which is a blatant violation of international law, and breach of the United Nations Charter. We reaffirm our strong opposition to any unilateral action that seeks to undermine the international rules-based system that underpins global peace, prosperity, and security. We continue to call on all states to join the growing chorus of condemnation for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.”
The group’s statement recalled how, “on August 24th, 1991, the Ukrainian Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, declared the country’s independence from the Soviet Union. In a referendum on December 1, 1991, the people of Ukraine expressed deep and widespread support for the Act of Declaration of Independence, with more than 90 percent of voting in favor, and 84 percent of the electorate participating. Over the last 31 years, Ukraine has established itself as a free, democratic and sovereign country.”
The war has also affected countries such as the Philippines, the envoys said. “The consequences of Russia’s illegal war are keenly felt in the Philippines, through increases in the prices of fuel, food, fertilizer, and other essential commodities. These effects are exacerbating poverty during a critical period of the country’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of this, we continue to commit to demonstrating global solidarity through working to address the international repercussions of Russia’s aggression, especially on the most vulnerable. We will also continue our international support to democratic institutions and advancing common values and principles, including free media and countering disinformation and interference in democratic processes.”
“We salute the courage and resolve of the Ukrainian people in their defense of their country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in their fight for a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future,” they added.