20/11/2024
By James Johnson
It is now a thousand days since the beginning of the full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine – a war that became one of the most destructive and bloody in modern history. It is a symbol of the incredible strength and bravery of the people of Ukraine to defend not only their independence but also the principles of international law and liberty. Ukraine has given a vivid demonstration to the world that even in the face of relentless aggression, it is both possible and necessary to defend one’s rights and one’s dignity.
Russia has pursued a strategy of terror and deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure and critical facilities since the first days of the invasion. Hospitals, schools, residential areas and energy installations have been attacked. This has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis, leaving millions without electricity and heating during the cold season. According to the UN, more than 11,000 civilians have been killed and over 22,000 injured, including women, children and the elderly. An estimated 8 million Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes and have become refugees, both within Ukraine and beyond its borders.
The destruction inflicted on Ukraine has been immense. The total damage caused by Russian aggression is estimated at $800 billion. Direct infrastructure losses exceed $200 billion, while damage to Ukraine’s ecosystems amounts to $65 billion. The war has also caused significant damage to the country’s cultural heritage – according to UNESCO, more than 450 historical and cultural sites have been destroyed or damaged.
Exacerbating the global food crisis, Russia is using food as a weapon. After withdrawing from the grain initiative in July, Russian forces began targeting Ukraine’s ports and grain infrastructure. This has severely hampered the export of Ukrainian grain, which is vital to countries in Africa and the Middle East. These actions have driven up food prices and caused shortages, threatening the food security of millions of people. According to the United Nations, one in eleven people in the world suffer from hunger, and Russia’s actions are only making the problem worse.
It is more important than ever for the international community to step up sanctions pressure on Russia to deny the aggressor the resources it needs to continue its war. Existing measures have already dealt a significant blow to the Russian economy, but they remain insufficient to achieve the goals of peace and security. Sanctions need to be expanded to include additional restrictions in key sectors, and loopholes for circumventing these measures need to be closed. It is also important to consider the targeted use of frozen Russian assets to rebuild devastated regions and compensate for the damage caused by the aggression. Such a move would not only be fair, but would also send a strong message to other nations that violations of international law will have serious consequences.
Ukraine is not surrendering and is actively developing its defence industry to strengthen its military capabilities, despite all the destruction and casualties. Ukrainian forces have liberated over 15,000 square kilometres of occupied territory, including strategic cities in the east and south, with the support of the international community.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has presented a formula for peace and a plan for victory to the international community. The aim of these initiatives is the establishment of a just peace on the basis of international law and the UN Charter. Main provisions include full ceasefire, withdrawal of Russian forces from occupied territory and restoration of internationally recognised borders of Ukraine.
The decision by the US, UK and France to allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons to attack military targets inside Russia is one of the most important developments. This will enable Ukraine to more effectively protect its citizens and critical infrastructure by striking strategic enemy targets. In order to increase pressure on Russia and bring the war closer to an end, Ukraine expects further support from its allies.
The Peace Formula also includes releasing more than 20,000 Ukrainian children forcibly returned to Russia. In response to these crimes, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, underlining the importance of holding those responsible for war crimes to account.
A just settlement of the conflict based on the principles of international law can only be achieved through the Victory Plan and the Peace Formula. These initiatives rule out compromises with the aggressor and aim to restore Ukraine’s sovereignty. Unlike the Chinese and Brazilian proposals, which are limited to general calls for a ceasefire, the Ukrainian initiatives demand concrete steps towards deoccupation and accountability for those responsible. This war is not just a local confrontation between two nations, but a global struggle for the future of the international order and the right of peoples to self-determination. Impunity for aggression would set a dangerous precedent worldwide, undermining stability and security.