The only way to stop Russian aggression is to stand together United and never accept such aggressions – German ambassador

IN its most recent piece on Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, the Russian Embassy in Manila, through its press attaché, Mrs. Nina Prakapovich, insinuates that EU member states had immediately put heavy sanctions on Russia ("The many reasons why Putin's military is no paper tiger," The Manila Times, July 27, 2022). The contrary is true: over many years, Germany, in the framework of the Normandy Format, has intensively — and across all political levels — worked toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. At the same time, naturally, such processes can only be successful if all stakeholders are willing to negotiate.

Furthermore, in her letter to the editor, Mrs. Prakapovich conveniently withheld the aggressive statements made by Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov — statements that clearly unmask Russia as the aggressor and warmonger. After Russia's invasion of its neighboring country, thus bluntly violating international law and the sovereignty of Ukraine, after bombing schools and hospitals, killing thousands of civilians, forcing millions to flee to other countries, Mr. Lavrov now even demanded a change of government in Ukraine. All this shows Russia's most profound contempt for democracy and the sovereignty of Ukraine. Russia denies Ukraine and its people the right of self-determination and sovereignty. Against this background, it is obvious that we, the international community, must stand in solidarity with Ukraine, and support the country and its people in its defense against Russia, the aggressor. Mrs. Prakapovich also made no mention of the fact that it was Russia that was responsible for the occupation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014. She forgets to mention that it was Russia that started a full-fledged military invasion of Ukraine a few months ago. Let us be clear: there is no justification whatsoever for Russia's war. The place to sort out conflicting positions is at the negotiating table, not on the back of hospitals and schools that are being turned into military battlegrounds by Russia.