Explaining complex things in simple words: Right to strike Russian territory, security agreements, legitimacy question

RIGHT TO STRIKE THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION TERRITORY

• Strikes on Russian territory are legal and comply with international law.
• We are grateful to the NATO Secretary General, the Ministers of Defence of the Netherlands and Estonia, and all those who promote the lifting of restrictions on the use of Western weapons on the Russian Federation territory.
• Ukraine must be able to neutralize Russian military facilities, from where missiles are launched, shelling is carried out, and offensive groups are concentrated.
• Existing restrictions on the use of Western weapons significantly reduce the effectiveness of partners' assistance and neutralize the efforts made.
• According to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, a balance must be found between the risk of escalation and Ukraine's need to defend itself

SECURITY AGREEMENTS

On May 27-28, Ukraine signed agreements on security cooperation with Spain, Belgium, and Portugal.

• International partners supported Ukraine during more than two years of full-scale Russian armed aggression. Today, we are transforming the mode of response to Russian actions into systematic cooperation in the security and defense spheres.
• Ukraine began concluding bilateral security agreements in accordance with the Joint Declaration of the G7 countries of July 12, 2023.
• 12 security agreements have already been signed since the beginning of 2024. We are also conducting negotiations with other our partners.
• Security agreements guarantee long-term support for Ukraine and mandatory mechanisms for responding to crisis situations.
• Ukrainian strategic course remains unchanged – it is full membership in NATO. Until Ukraine becomes a member of the Alliance, the security obligations regarding Ukraine established in these bilateral agreements will apply. 

LEGITIMACY QUESTION

The Russian Federation dictator, Putin, said that according to the Constitution of Ukraine, the powers of the president should pass to the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada.

• Despite having a legal education, Putin continues to publicly demonstrate his ignorance in the field of constitutional law.
• The Constitution and legislation of Ukraine clearly regulate the exercise of powers by the president BEFORE the newly elected head of the country takes office.
• However, the Kremlin continues its anti-presidential rhetoric, trying in vain to weaken Ukrainian resistance. After all, speculations on the topic of ‘’legitimacy’’ serve this purpose.
• These discussions are of no interest to anyone other than Russia, neither the people of Ukraine nor the international community, which has no doubts about the legitimacy of the President of Ukraine. 
• Putin's appeals to ‘’law’’ and ‘’legality’’ look not only pathetic, but also ridiculous. Especially in view of Putin's long-term usurpation of power in Russia, as well as the unhealthy desire of the Russian dictator and tyrant to destroy the world’s legal order based on international law.

Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security