Diplomacy before the war: Truth Before Lies

And we do this together. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken was clear: The United States of America will not negotiate for Europe without Europe. We will not negotiate for Ukraine without Ukraine.

By Ambassador Jeff Havenier

The Real Threat 

Over the past two decades, Russia has invaded two neighbouring countries, intervened in elections in other countries, used chemical weapons to carry out foreign land assassinations, used gas delivery as a political tool, and violated international arms control agreements.

In 2014, after millions of Ukrainians protested the demand for a democratic future, Russia caused a crisis, invaded and occupied Crimea, Ukraine's territory, and orchestrated war in eastern Ukraine with Russian personnel and with its supporters guiding, training, providing, and funding. In this war more than 14,000 Ukrainians have lost their lives. Russia continues to occupy parts of Georgia and Ukraine today, and it has failed to abide by pledges to withdraw forces from Moldova. Russia's actions now, including the concentration of more than 100,000 troops on the Ukrainian border, are causing renewed crises not only for Ukraine but for the whole of Europe.

President Putin sincerely blames Ukraine for Russia's unprotested aggression. But, by nature, the military stance of Ukraine and the NATO alliance has always been solely protective. In contrast to Russia, Ukraine has respected its pledges in line with Minsk's agreements, reached between Russia, Ukraine and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, aimed at ensuring a ceasefire in Donbas.

Putin is actually afraid that democratic values and the exercise of basic human rights will continue to gradually erode his control of power. In response to this fear, Russia has been adamant in its efforts to undermine Ukrainian democracy through dezinformation and military intimidation. In brief, Russia's actions are dangerous and destabilizing.

Support for Ukraine 

The United States and Kosovo are committed to upholding Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Together with our allies and partners, we will help Ukraine in its efforts to protect against further Russian aggression. We will continue to support Ukraine's efforts to advance democratic and anti-corruption reforms and restore and secure its internationally recognised borders.

Europe, US Security Interests at Risk

As Secretary Blinken said when he spoke in Berlin on January 20th, many things are at risk. We are also talking about Ukraine's future but also about principles that have made the world safer and more stable for decades.

We are deeply invested in what is happening in Ukraine, because we respect principles that support international peace and security: that the borders and territorial integrity of a state cannot be changed by force; that it is the natural right of citizens in a democracy to make decisions for their country and determine the future of their country; that all members of the international community should abide by common rules and face costs if they do not fulfil their solemn pledges.

If Russia was allowed to violate those principles without punishment, it would send others the message that these principles are worthless.

Call for Action 

The United States wants to continue building the international coalition of partners in Europe and elsewhere, who see this threat clearly. Our friends in Kosovo are essential in this effort. Our common transatlantic unity and determination are the most effective means of opposing Russian aggression. We are committed to diplomacy and have made it clear that the diplomatic path allows for the only sustainable solution for all.

But if Russia chooses that second path and invades Ukraine deeper, we are ready and in line with our partners and allies to impose massive consequences on Russia, as recently confirmed by the G7, the EU and NATO. These would be significant sanctions -- financial, economic -- and others that we have not imposed in the past. According to the need, we would also strengthen the defence of Ukraine and NATO, doing exactly what Putin claims he does not want.

Russia's threat to Ukraine is a threat to democratic values everywhere. Americans and Kosovars must stay together with Ukraine to ensure a free and stable Europe, which is in the best interest of the people of democracies, whether they are Americans, Kosovars or others around the globe. / Metro/