A Second World War monument with a Ukrainian flag reads 'Russian military boat, give up' in a village near Cherkasy, Ukraine, last March. EPA
A Second World War monument with a Ukrainian flag reads 'Russian military boat, give up' in a village near Cherkasy, Ukraine, last March. EPA
A Second World War monument with a Ukrainian flag reads 'Russian military boat, give up' in a village near Cherkasy, Ukraine, last March. EPA
A Second World War monument with a Ukrainian flag reads 'Russian military boat, give up' in a village near Cherkasy, Ukraine, last March. EPA


Opinion: Ending the Ukraine war must be a global priority


Dmytro Senik
Andrea Matteo Fontana
  • English
  • Arabic

February 24, 2023

As we mark one year since the start of Russia’s devastating war against Ukraine, we stand united in our condemnation of the ongoing aggression and its impact on the people of Ukraine. This war is a clear violation of sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and principles of international law as enshrined in the UN Charter. It is also a clear denial of the Ukrainian people’s right to freely decide their own destiny.

The brutality of this blatant aggression is on display every day: millions displaced and uprooted from their lives, homes and infrastructure destroyed, entire neighbourhoods left in the dark without heat or electricity, and thousands of lives, including many children, lost in a senseless and brutal war. The EU stands by Ukraine in its right to defend itself against the scourge of evil.

The food, energy and economic crises that have resulted from the war have had far-reaching effects, not only for the people of Ukraine but for most countries around the world. The EU and Ukraine, in collaboration with partners, have done everything in their power to mitigate the consequences in order to alleviate the effects on the countries impacted the most. The EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, launched in May 2022, is a case in point, providing a lifeline for the Ukrainian economy through crucial exports of its agricultural goods.

The EU and Ukraine have a long-standing, deep and comprehensive partnership, built on shared values and interests. We stand together in the face of this aggression. Over the past year, the EU has shown unwavering support for Ukraine by providing humanitarian aid, financial assistance, as well as political and military support. The EU and its partners have imposed some of the toughest economic sanctions on Russia.

The food, energy and economic crises that have resulted from the war have had far-reaching effects

The displacement of millions of people from their homes has created a severe humanitarian crisis that demands our immediate attention. Those Ukrainians who remain are faced with increasing attacks on vital infrastructure. The EU and Ukraine are working tirelessly to provide assistance to those in need. The EU and its member states have mobilised more than $50 billion to support Ukraine. This includes an emergency package focused on the immediate needs of internally displaced persons, including repair of damaged infrastructure, in particular heating, water and sewage facilities. The EU has also provided an unprecedented financial support package, in the form of highly concessional loans, with the first installment of over $3bn disbursed last month. This will not only help keep critical services running, but also ensure macroeconomic stability. The EU and its member states have also provided military assistance so that Ukraine can defend itself against its aggressor.

Global partners have also shown great solidarity with Ukraine. The UAE has supported Ukraine through diplomatic efforts, including its support for several UN General Assembly resolutions, in particular condemning the illegal annexation of parts of Ukraine. In addition, the UAE has provided $100 million in humanitarian aid and sent medical and relief supplies. More recently, the country sent 2,500 household electrical generators, to provide immediate support to citizens facing energy shortages.

Despite the efforts of the international community, the situation in Ukraine remains grim as Russia's violence continues to escalate. However, Russia is losing the narrative and on the battlefield. For peace to be achieved, Ukraine must win the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivers a speech during the Nato Summit in Madrid in June. EPA
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivers a speech during the Nato Summit in Madrid in June. EPA

This is why continued military assistance to Ukraine is a necessary and justified step towards restoring peace and stability in the region. The goal is for Ukraine to overcome its aggressor and put an end to this devastating war as soon as possible avoiding that it becomes a prolonged war of attrition. The alternative is continued death and destruction in Ukraine, greater insecurity in Europe, and ongoing suffering around the world as energy and food supplies are affected. Neither Ukraine nor the EU started this war, which we never wanted. The responsibility lies solely with Russia.

There are those who argue that more weapons will only prolong the conflict and risk further escalation, and that diplomatic negotiations are the only solution. While Europe will always be open to any serious attempts for a negotiated end to the war, any such efforts must be pursued on Ukrainian terms, with full respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia has so far made it clear that it intends to persist with the war. Until Russia changes its stance, the only way to end the war is to give Ukraine the means to defend itself and regain its territory.

The people of Ukraine deserve to live in peace, security and prosperity. This is why they have chosen a European path and aspire to become members of the EU. It is our responsibility to support them in this goal. The EU and Ukraine will continue to work together to promote peace and stability in Europe and to support the people of Ukraine as they work to rebuild their lives and their country.

As we mark one year since the start of the war in Ukraine, we renew our call for all nations to support Ukraine in its efforts to bring an end to this war. On this sad day, we urge all international partners to join us in this effort and to support a democratic, independent, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine.

On the occasion of the anniversary of the Ukraine war, The National is publishing a joint op-ed authored by the Ambassadors of Ukraine and the EU to the UAE on the ongoing war. The National also published an op-ed from the Ambassador of Russia to the UAE. In the spirit of reflecting their thoughts accurately, The National has published their articles in full, and the views expressed within them do not represent that of the paper.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

BIRD%20BOX%20BARCELONA
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirectors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20David%20and%20Alex%20Pastor%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGeorgina%20Campbell%2C%20Mario%20Casas%2C%20Diego%20Calva%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Venom

Director: Ruben Fleischer

Cast: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed

Rating: 1.5/5

The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000

Engine 3.6L V6

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm

Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km

Children who witnessed blood bath want to help others

Aged just 11, Khulood Al Najjar’s daughter, Nora, bravely attempted to fight off Philip Spence. Her finger was injured when she put her hand in between the claw hammer and her mother’s head.

As a vital witness, she was forced to relive the ordeal by police who needed to identify the attacker and ensure he was found guilty.

Now aged 16, Nora has decided she wants to dedicate her career to helping other victims of crime.

“It was very horrible for her. She saw her mum, dying, just next to her eyes. But now she just wants to go forward,” said Khulood, speaking about how her eldest daughter was dealing with the trauma of the incident five years ago. “She is saying, 'mama, I want to be a lawyer, I want to help people achieve justice'.”

Khulood’s youngest daughter, Fatima, was seven at the time of the attack and attempted to help paramedics responding to the incident.

“Now she wants to be a maxillofacial doctor,” Khulood said. “She said to me ‘it is because a maxillofacial doctor returned your face, mama’. Now she wants to help people see themselves in the mirror again.”

Khulood’s son, Saeed, was nine in 2014 and slept through the attack. While he did not witness the trauma, this made it more difficult for him to understand what had happened. He has ambitions to become an engineer.

At Eternity’s Gate

Director: Julian Schnabel

Starring: Willem Dafoe, Oscar Isaacs, Mads Mikkelsen

Three stars

Who has been sanctioned?

Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.

Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.

Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.

Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%20turbocharged%204-cyl%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E8-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E300bhp%20(GT)%20330bhp%20(Modena)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E450Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh299%2C000%20(GT)%2C%20Dh369%2C000%20(Modena)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C600rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C500-4%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.9L%2F100km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh119%2C900%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: February 24, 2023, 2:33 PM`