The Russian invasion has been ruthless and inhuman. Moscow’s war crimes are carried out almost every day in front of the eyes of the whole world. A few days ago, there was a threat of a nuclear disaster, and apparently this threat is still imminent because the nuclear power plant in Zaporozhye is in the irresponsible and criminal hands of the enemy. The employees of the station are being held at gunpoint and have become hostages. Who can predict the future behaviour of the enemy with a mentally ill leader who, incidentally, had threatened a nuclear response earlier? The matter of securing nuclear power plants in Ukraine has been addressed with the International Atomic Energy Agency. A war crimes complaint has been filed with the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
These appeals to international bodies may be ineffective because Moscow does not pay attention to international law and international institutions. We must recognise that the decision to condemn Moscow by the UN General Assembly with an overwhelming majority of 141 votes and only 5 against it was a great but only symbolic victory. All this is not only frustrating but very dangerous. We live in a lawless international community.
The most important thing for Ukraine today is establishing peace in the Ukrainian sky, a no-fly zone. America and NATO have declined to do so, citing the possibility of a NATO-Moscow conflict that could end in World War III. This caution is a bit confusing in light of Moscow’s nuclear threats and war crimes. Respected military experts point out that if the sky is closed, victory in the war may be on Ukraine’s side. Moscow has a great advantage over Ukraine in the sky, but Ukraine, because of its territory and indefatigable population, has an advantage on land. Therefore, we must insist and not abandon this position, pointing out that a possible but not certain clash between Moscow and NATO can bring victory and the defence of all Europe. On the other hand Ukraine’s loss could end not only in the spillage of Ukrainian blood, but also that of soldiers and civilians of Europe. Ultimately, In the end, Moscow’s missiles fired from the territory of occupied Ukraine can reach Washington. Therefore, caution should be rational and far-sighted. Let’s not fool ourselves once again with arguments of appeasement. Currently, immediate delivery to Ukraine of more Javelins, Stingers and finally War-hogs, the latter intended to shoot down Russian planes, is necessary.
There remain some unclear neglected matters: why aren’t Moscow’s diplomatic agents expelled from all our allied countries, firstly from the United States? Why don’t we Ukrainians find opportunities to confront these criminals. Why do we still purchase and use oil and gasoline from Moscow? A dear friend from Canada drew my attention to this. A discussion and mutual information amongst people across the globe are very useful, but it has to be constructive as in this case. The Arab world of allies must be involved in this in order to increase production and maintain a price balance. A single local city government (Newark, New Jersey) in the United States is suspending the licensing of Russian Lukoil. It needs to be done throughout. Protests should be held against American and other companies that continue to do business in Russia. The most striking example is the Coca Cola Company. I would suggest an avalanche of letters to this company from consumers as well as physical protests in front of the head office in Atlanta, Georgia. There is a Ukrainian organised community in Atlanta and it must act.
These suggestions are very real and easy. They should be applied as soon as possible. We need to understand that every day of war and resistance on the part of Ukraine is a defeat for Moscow, but we must remember that Putin is not a normal person, but a mentally ill despot and criminal capable of anything, even a nuclear strike in one form or another. .
All activities are useful. However, the demand to remove Russia from the UN Security Council will simply not be according to the UN Charter. It should also be borne in mind that sometimes it is better to have a diplomatic forum that includes Russia, because indeed, Russia is the greatest threat to world security, and a dangerous Russia is why the UN was formed. The formation of the UN is a good thing in spite of its inefficacy. Unfortunately, even the introduction of a UN no-fly zone in the Ukrainian sky requires a decision by the UN Security Council, where Russia has a veto. And then there is the issue of implementation. The UN does not have an air force.
In a previous writing I referred to a metaphor of us being like ants which I borrowed from a Ukrainian in southern Ukraine under constant fire. If we follow that paradigm and each work tirelessly, doing simply what we are meant to do, we will prevail. And Ukraine and the world will be saved. That is not hyperbole.
March 5, 2022 theAskold S. Lozynskyj
