We support Ukraine and urge Cambodia to continue taking a moral position against Russian aggression

February 24, 2024, commemorates the second anniversary of Russia's disgraceful, unlawful, and unwarranted invasion of sovereign Ukraine. As EU ambassadors to Cambodia, it is imperative for us to demonstrate our commitment to an international order grounded in the rules and principles of the UN Charter, reassert our steadfast support for Ukraine, and persist in condemning Russia for its transgressions.

We commend Cambodia for maintaining a principled and brave stance in the face of this all-encompassing invasion.

This act of aggression violates the very essence of international law, especially the UN Charter. Russia has openly committed war crimes, infringing upon the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-aggression.

The consequences include tens of thousands of innocent casualties and millions of temporarily displaced civilians. Russia's strategy involves targeting civilian sites such as hospitals, schools, and cultural landmarks.

Simultaneously, the authorities show no hesitation in sacrificing numerous young Russians. Among the war crimes committed, Russia has abducted, forcibly relocated, and "re-educated" thousands of Ukrainian children without parental consent, robbing them of their families and identities.

Ukraine has now become the most landmine-infested country globally, necessitating decades of clearance, akin to Cambodia's ongoing situation.

The global impact of Russia's aggressive war has been consistently detrimental, setting a perilous precedent. A victory for Russia would not confine itself to Ukraine's borders and would encourage more significant states to commit acts of aggression against smaller neighbors, violating international law.

This illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified invasion has exacerbated global economic instability, disrupting food and energy markets and affecting the daily lives of Europeans and Cambodians. The Russian Federation's attempts to sow chaos involve manipulating information.

Since the illegal temporary occupation of Crimea and Donbas in 2014, Russia has continuously violated its international obligations. It persists in defiance even after the illegal annexations of additional Ukrainian provinces in 2022.

Russia has abandoned its legal obligations, international and bilateral agreements, and has employed military force against the UN Charter and international law.

This unrestrained use of force will deteriorate the security environment globally. Acceptance of such actions would mean allowing the commission of the worst atrocities with impunity. Russia's "offer" of partnership, evident in Ukraine and elsewhere, relies on intimidation, creating unilateral dependencies, and using natural resources as a geostrategic weapon.

As European ambassadors to Cambodia, we restate our unwavering support and solidarity with Ukraine, advocating for a just and enduring peace and a swift rebuilding process. President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, states, "Ukraine will prevail, and Europe will stand with Ukraine every step of the way."

We deeply appreciate Cambodia's principled and courageous stance in confronting this comprehensive invasion, aligning itself with the defense of territorial integrity, peace, and sovereignty in accordance with the UN Charter.

In affirmation of these principles, the Kingdom of Cambodia has consistently voted in favor of UN resolutions condemning the Russian Federation. Encouraging Cambodia to maintain this international stand and enhance its valuable assistance to Ukraine in demining efforts is crucial.

Ukraine's 10-point peace plan guides us towards a just and enduring peace based on UN Charter principles, addressing critical issues such as confidence-building measures, territorial integrity restoration, food and energy security, and environmental protection.

The EU and its member states wholeheartedly endorse this plan. Despite Russia's reluctance to negotiate, clinging to unacceptable demands, concluding the war will redirect attention to pressing challenges needing resolution.

We once again urge Russia to halt its neo-colonial war against a sovereign member of the international community. Let us remember that if Russia ceases fighting, there will be no more war, but if Ukrainians stop fighting, Ukraine will cease to exist. Ukraine did not choose war; Russia did.