Explaining complex things in simple words: Russia is a terrorist state; marking two years since victory near Kyiv; U.S. assistance

The Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security pursues efforts to provide a brief explanation to foreign audiences on the current topics of particular interest as regards Ukraine.   

RUSSIA IS A TERRORIST STATE

On March 31, the Russian Foreign Ministry in its statement accused Ukraine of organizing terrorist acts, in particular, the ISIS attack in Krasnogorsk.

▪ Russian accusations against Ukraine are groundless, false, and blasphemous. Publishing this statement on the second anniversary of the massacres committed by the Russian army in Bucha is especially cynical.

▪ It is Russia that violates the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. These are not just statements, but the conclusion of the International Court of Justice of January 31, 2024.

▪ Russia has been fighting Ukraine with terrorist methods since 2014, in particular, with the help of the “DPR” and “LPR” terrorist groups created by it.

▪ The so-called Wagner group, which is financed from the Russian budget, is recognized as a terrorist organization in the UK.

▪ Russia has been officially recognized as a terrorist state or a state sponsor of terrorism in Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Poland, and Slovakia.

▪ Similar decisions have also been taken by international organizations: the PACE, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, the European Parliament, and the OSCE.

▪ It is Putin and the representatives of his military vertical Kobylash and Sokolov who were put on the international wanted list under the orders of the International Criminal Court. 

MARKING 2 YEARS SINCE THE VICTORY NEAR KYIV

In early April 2022, the Ukrainian Defence Forces expelled the Russian occupiers from Kyiv Oblast and other northern regions.

▪ Two years ago, the Defence Forces won their first significant victory over the invaders, forcing them to flee from Kyiv and from northern Ukraine.

▪ The Russian enemy boasted that it would take Kyiv in three days. The invaders underestimated the strength of the Ukrainian people and their troops.

▪ Having exhausted Russian troops near Kyiv, the Defence Forces launched an operation to encircle the enemy group. This is what made the Russians flee.

▪ The victory near Kyiv saved Ukraine from defeat. It thwarted the Kremlin's plans to destroy Ukrainian statehood and commit a large-scale genocide on an all-Ukrainian scale.

▪ It was thanks to this victory that the world discovered the truth about Russian war crimes: mass executions of civilians in Bucha, Motyzhyn, and other settlements of Ukraine.

▪ Russian propaganda still justifies the retreat of its troops by an alleged voluntary decision to “drastically reduce military activity.” But the invaders did not come to our land for the sake of “gestures of goodwill.”

▪ Today, Kyiv is much better protected than it was two years ago. Strong fortifications have been created; our troops are ready to repel any attempts to invade the country from the north. 

U.S. ASSISTANCE

The House of Representatives of the U.S. Congress will be able to consider the issue of assistance to Ukraine immediately after returning from the Easter holiday on April 9.

▪ The promised U.S. assistance, which provides for USD 60 billion, is crucial for the defense of Ukraine from Russian aggression.

▪ The decision-making process has been unprecedentedly delayed. The upper Chamber adopted a positive decision back on February 13, but discussions have been going on since December last year.

▪ With the passage of all bills funded by the U.S. federal government, Congress no longer has good reason to delay the aid process.

▪ Every day of delay costs Ukraine dearly. Ukrainian defenders, civilian Ukrainians are dying, Russia is destroying Ukrainian cities and villages.

▪ Supporting Ukraine and punishing the aggressor is something that meets the national interests of the United States and is a prerequisite for preserving peace based on the rule of international law.

Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security