Shortly after Russia’s March 16, 2014 sham referendum, subsequent invasion of Ukraine and attempted annexation of Crimea, the United Nations General Assembly affirmed its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We all rejected Russia’s attempt to assert sovereignty over territory seized by force in contravention of international law. What has happened since?
Let’s discuss the facts.
Despite widespread and repeated international condemnation, Russia continues its aggressive behaviour towards other sovereign nations.
On November 25, 2018, Russia impeded the passage of Ukrainian naval vessels through the Kerch Strait in violation of international law and, in an unjustified use of force, rammed, fired on, and seized the vessels and crew. The Ukrainian crew members ‒ some injured ‒ remain detained in Russia, despite repeated calls from the international community for their immediate release. Today, the US remains as committed as ever to the success of a stable, prosperous, democratic and free Ukraine. Our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, including its territorial waters, is strong and unwavering. We support Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia and adopts reforms to increase prosperity, security and rule of law.
Russia has employed malicious tactics against the United States and Europe in an attempt to sow divisions within our societies
In the Crimea Declaration of July 25, 2018, US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo reaffirmed that the US refuses to recognise Russia’s claim of sovereignty over territory seized by force in contravention of international law and underscored our commitment to maintain this policy until Russia returns control of Crimea to Ukraine. He called on Russia to respect the principles to which it has long claimed to adhere and to end its occupation of Crimea.
Through its actions, Russia continues to act in a manner unworthy of a great nation and, instead, has chosen to isolate itself from the international community.
The threat from Russia has evolved beyond simply an external or military one. It includes Kremlin-orchestrated malign influence operations to undermine stability and democracy across the region and beyond. Often, the highest levels of the Russian state direct and resource these activities.
Russia has employed malicious tactics against the US and Europe in an attempt to sow divisions within our societies, drive a wedge in the Transatlantic partnership and undermine the political and economic successes that we have achieved since the end of the Cold War.
The corrosive effects of Russia’s malign activities are also increasingly felt in the media, economy, academia and culture. These tactics limit free expression, distort the political and economic environments, and seek to undermine the health and credibility of democratic governments and societies.
We cannot allow this, just as we cannot allow the continued destabilisation and occupation of parts of Ukraine to be presented in propaganda terms as some kind of triumph for democracy and pluralism.
We are actively working to counter Russia’s aggressive and destabilising activity, including its malign influence, in concert with Malta and our allies in Europe. As we continue to work together to identify and expose these campaigns, we must stand strong to reinforce this message to Moscow: this activity is unacceptable and will have consequences.
We want to see a Russia that respects the sovereignty of its neighbours and the rights of all within its own borders. Even as we have imposed unprecedented penalties for Russian aggression, we have been clear that the door to dialogue is open, should Russia take credible steps toward a constructive path.
Mark Schapiro is Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Malta.
This is a Times of Malta print opinion piece