Putin will intensify aggression against Ukraine ahead of presidential elections – EU spokesperson
Photo: EPA
The Kremlin's statements about Russia wanting peace with Ukraine directly contradict its actions.
The EU expects an escalation of Russian aggression against Ukraine before the presidential elections in Russia, scheduled for spring, according to spokesperson Peter Stano, Rubryka reports, citing Ukrinform.
"The decisions and actions of Putin clearly indicate that he intends to continue the criminal aggression against Ukraine. There have been no real signs of peaceful efforts from the Russian side. So, Putin is not seeking peace," said the EU spokesperson. "During his presidential campaign for the upcoming spring elections, the results of which, I believe, are already known, he will intensify aggressive actions against Ukraine. He demonstrated this during the Christmas and New Year holidays and the current escalation, using weapons, missiles, and drones that increasingly target infrastructure and other civilian facilities."
Stano noted that the EU and the international community must continue to support Ukraine, highlighting the significance of the security adviser meeting on the Ukraine Peace Formula in Davos. Such efforts bring international attention back to Russia's criminal war, which is crucial because this aggression is directed not only against Ukraine but also against the entire system of international law and the UN Charter, he added.
Stano stressed that any peaceful initiatives must respect the basic principles of international law, Ukraine's territorial integrity, and sovereignty.
Commenting on Russia's statements about readiness for negotiations, the EU spokesperson noted that the words of the Russian leadership cannot be trusted, as they directly contradict the actions of the Russian government.
"We've seen that these declarations are not accompanied by any actions. Our decisions should be based on what they (Russians) do. We see that they continue aggression. They undermine the UN Charter and international law. They do not respect the lives of people, not only in Ukraine but also their own citizens, whom they send to this criminal war. The damage caused by this war to the Russian population is enormous, not to mention the losses in Ukraine," said Stano.
He stressed that under any circumstances, the European Union prefers peaceful solutions, but as of now, there is "absolutely nothing" indicating Russia's desire for peace. Ukraine is a victim of criminal aggression, and it will determine the conditions, parameters, and terms for any peaceful efforts.
"We consider the Ukraine Peace Formula as the most reliable and realistic basis for any peaceful settlement. Certainly, eventually, the war and conflict will end at the negotiating table, not on the battlefield. But the European Union's position is clear: Ukraine must win this war because Ukraine is exercising its legitimate right to self-defense. Putin has stated that he wants to erase Ukraine from the world map to end the existence of the Ukrainian nation. This must be stopped," said the EU spokesperson.
As reported, Ukraine hopes to hold a summit on the Peace Formula at the level of heads of state in a few months, after which each of the 10 points should be implemented based on the consensus of group members.
