Explaining complex things in simple words: Russian terror, U.S. global role, SCO Summit

RUSSIAN TERROR

On July 3, the Russians once again attacked Ukrainian cities. As a result of missile attack on Dnipro city, 5 people died and 53 were injured. In Kharkiv, after the KAB strikes, elderly people and children were injured, including a 2-week-old baby.

• Russian attacks on Dnipro and Kharkiv with numerous civilian victims clearly demonstrate the utopian nature of all “peace initiatives” that offer Ukraine to “cease fire” and make concessions to terrorists.
• Only a powerful and painful fight back against Russia can force it to abandon terror. The absence of punishment and the rhetoric of reconciliation, on the contrary, inflame the bloodlust of the aggressor.
• The effective tool of de-escalation will not be talks, but F-16s are capable of driving away the carriers of KABs. We expect them to replenish the Ukrainian aircraft fleet in the near future.
• To stop the terror, Ukraine needs modern air defense systems and long-range missiles without far-fetched restrictions on their use.
• Ukraine will not be intimidated and forced to capitulate by terror. With every destroyed house and maimed baby, we only hate the enemy more. 

USA GLOBAL ROLE

The United States of America celebrates Independence Day on July 4.

• We congratulate the USA on Independence Day. For us, independence is the same fundamental value as it is for the American people.
• The United States provides significant assistance to Ukraine, thanks to which Ukraine has been restraining the Russian aggressor for over 2 years. We are grateful, in particular, for the latest packages of military aid— $2.2 billion under the USAI program and $150 million under the PDA program for weapons and ammunition.
• In the conditions of the formation of the new “axis of evil” by totalitarian regimes, the global role of the USA as a stronghold of democracy is growing. The burden of responsibility is no less now than during the Second World War and the Cold War.
• The level of global threats requires democracies to act faster, more effectively, and more decisively. The U.S. must demonstrate that it remains a leader capable of overcoming difficulties and leading. 
• Decisions made today will determine what kind of world humanity will live in tomorrow. Supporting Ukraine is in the long-term national interests of the United States. 

SCO SUMMIT

The annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization began in Astana with the participation of the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, the leaders of other states of the union, and the Russian dictator Putin.

• Putin is trying to take advantage of the desire of other states to cooperate in solving current regional problems and get out of international isolation, legitimizing his usurpation of power in the Russian Federation.
• Moscow's participation in the discussion of the problems of combating international terrorism looks not only cynical, but also paradoxical, considering the purposeful campaign of Russian terror against the civilian population of Ukraine.
• In the presence of political will, the SCO summit could really contribute to the quick end of Russian aggression against Ukraine. After all, the economy and defense industry of Russia today critically depend on the states represented today in Astana.
• One meeting between Xi Jinping and Putin at the SCO summit could be enough to put an end to the Russian adventure in Ukraine.

Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security