Putin's plan from February 2022, which assumed taking over the Ukrainian capital and installing a puppet regime, not only failed, but also ended in fiasco – write Radosław Sikorski, Johann Wadephul and Jean-Noel Barrot in an article published on Tuesday in “FAZ”. Their material was released on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the outbreak of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.
What support did the ministers promise to Ukraine?
What does Putin's February 2022 plan mean?
What are the goals of the Kremlin in its attack?
Why are Europeans ready to fight for freedom?
“Russia's aggression is part of a larger attack”
“Putin's strategy is clear: he focuses on harassing Ukraine,” the ministers write. The Kremlin's goal is the “illiberal world of autocratic states.” “Russia's aggression is part of a larger attack against the rules-based international order,” the authors explain.
Sikorski, Wadephul and Barrot assured continued support for Ukraine. They announced additional strengthening of air defense, support for the protection of energy infrastructure, aid in the amount of EUR 90 billion, sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine's membership in the EU. The ministers also called for punishment of those responsible for war crimes and assured continued assistance for Ukrainian refugees. The “coalition of the willing” is intended to secure lasting peace in Ukraine in the future.
According to the ministers, Ukraine will not deviate from the path of European reforms. The country is already institutionally strongly tied to the West. The goal is peace, but it is only possible if Ukraine negotiates from a position of strength.
“Our will to support Ukraine is unshakable,” the ministers assured, announcing that they would increase pressure on Russia.
“After four years of war, Ukraine has become a different country. Europe has also changed. It is a stronger, more resilient Europe. A Europe that knows the price of freedom and is ready to fight for it,” said Sikorski, Wadephul and Barrot.
