Q: The Ukraine-Russia war is far from being over, isn’t it?

Satrajit Sardar: Almost eight months since Russia’s full-scale invasion, President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war against Ukraine continues to result in rising costs to civilians, with thousands killed or wounded and 13 million Ukrainian citizens forced to flee their homes; historic cities pounded to rubble, food shortages and skyrocketing food prices around the world; and instable energy markets. Just recently on October 10, the Kremlin launched horrific strikes against civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. Russian bombs hit children’s playgrounds and public parks in Kyiv; wave after wave of missiles struck Kyiv’s city streets and damaged targets without military purpose throughout Ukraine. Attacks cutting off access to electricity, heat, and water are particularly devastating as winter approaches.

Among other documented abuses and atrocities against civilians, credible reports are emerging of Ukrainian children being intentionally separated from their families or abducted from orphanages and forcibly transferred out of the country. This is a premeditated policy aimed at suppressing and erasing Ukrainian identity and preparing the ground for the Russification of areas of Ukraine annexed by the Putin regime.

Q: Is the United States continuing its support toward Ukraine? Have others joined in?

Satrajit Sardar: Just last week, 143 countries joined the United States in voting for a United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s attempted annexation of Ukraine’s territory. Territorial integrity is a central pillar of the United Nations, and Russia’s violent contempt for Ukraine’s national borders and sovereignty cannot and will not be accepted. By adopting this resolution, the assembled nations made clear: they will not tolerate an attempt by any UN Member State to seize land by force. The vote delivered a resounding rebuke to Russia for its aggression against Ukraine. The vote at the United Nations General Assembly is a powerful reminder that the overwhelming majority of countries stand with Ukraine, in defence of the UN Charter, and in resolute opposition to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and its people. The United States will continue to work with partners across the globe to support Ukraine’s people in defending their country in its entirety against Russia’s aggression.

We continue to support the people of Ukraine through security, economic, and governance assistance, and we will continue to provide humanitarian assistance for those in need. The international community has provided and pledged considerable support for 2022 and beyond.

Q: Why should the rest of the world, including the local community across Africa, care about what is happening in Ukraine?

Satrajit Sardar: Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine is not only a threat to Ukraine; it is a threat to the international rules-based order. Vladimir Putin’s unjustified, brutal assault on the people and government of Ukraine is an assault on the very heart of international norms, of the UN Charter, and of the international order that has undergirded nearly eight decades of unprecedented stability and opportunity for people all over the world.

Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, along with the global pandemic and growing pressures from the climate crisis, has raised food, energy and fertiliser prices, disrupted production and supply chains, and dramatically increased global food insecurity, especially for the most vulnerable. The war in Ukraine could add an additional 70 million people on top of the more than 190 million people who have been driven into acute food insecurity, many of these in Africa.

Q: What actions can be taken to end the war?

Satrajit Sardar: In recent statements, the G7 welcomed President Zelensky’s statements that this is a war that must end through dialogue and diplomacy. The United States stands ready to support the Ukrainian people and we will be there to support Ukraine when that negotiating table emerges. At the same time, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken made the US position clear during a recent UN Security Council ministerial. President Putin chose this war. He can end it. If Russia stops fighting, the war ends. If Ukraine stops fighting, Ukraine ends.

Q: Have there been further sanctions against Russia?

Satrajit Sardar: We are working with our allies and partners to ensure that Russia pays a severe economic and diplomatic price for its aggression against Ukraine. With our allies and partners, we have targeted the financial networks and assets of the Kremlin. As long as the Kremlin continues its aggression against Ukraine, the United States will continue to work with our partners to implement new economic measures against Russia.

Source: Seychelles Nation