Diplomacy before the war; Truth before lies

The world is watching Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s actions pose a threat not only to Ukraine but also to Europe and to the rule-based international order. Our goals are simple. We stand with our allies and partners in support of European cohesion, to strengthen transatlantic relations and to strengthen democratic states and institutions. We do this to improve the lives of the citizens of the United States of America and the citizens of Kosovo.

And we do it together. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has been clear: The United States will not negotiate for Europe without Europe. We will not negotiate for Ukraine without Ukraine.

President Putin insincerely blames Ukraine for Russia’s unprovoked aggression. But, by nature, the military stance of Ukraine and the NATO alliance has always been only defensive. Unlike Russia, Ukraine has complied with its commitments in line with the Minsk agreements reached between Russia, Ukraine and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, which aimed to secure a ceasefire in the Donbas.

Putin actually fears that democratic values and the exercise of fundamental human rights will continue to gradually erode his control of power. In response to this fear, Russia has been relentless in its efforts to undermine Ukrainian democracy through disinformation and military intimidation. In short, Russia’s actions are dangerous and destabilizing.

Support for Ukraine

The United States and Kosovo are committed to upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Together with our allies and partners, we will assist Ukraine in its efforts to protect itself from further Russian aggression. We will continue to support Ukraine’s efforts to advance democratic and anti-corruption reforms and to restore and secure its internationally recognized borders.

The security interests of Europe and the US are at stake

As Secretary Blinken said when he spoke in Berlin on January 20, many things are at stake. We are really talking about the future of Ukraine, but also about the principles that have made the world safer and more stable for decades.

We are deeply invested in what is happening in Ukraine, because we respect the principles that underpin international peace and security: that the borders and territorial integrity of a state cannot be changed by force; that it is the natural right of citizens in a democracy to make decisions for their country and to determine the future of their country; that all members of the international community must abide by common rules and face costs if they do not fulfill the solemn commitments they make.

If Russia is allowed to violate those principles with impunity, then it would send a message to others that these principles are worthless.

The call to action

The United States wants to continue building the international coalition of partners in Europe and elsewhere who see this threat with the naked eye. Our friends in Kosovo are essential to this effort. Our common transatlantic unity and determination are the most effective means we have to counter Russian aggression. We are committed to diplomacy and we have made it clear that the diplomatic path enables the only lasting solution for all.

But if Russia chooses that second path and invades Ukraine even deeper, we are ready and in line with our partners and allies to inflict massive consequences on Russia, as recently confirmed by the G7, the EU and NATO. These would be important sanctions – financial, economic and others that we have not imposed in the past. If necessary, we would also strengthen the defense of Ukraine and NATO, doing exactly what Putin claims he does not want.

Russia’s threat to Ukraine is a threat to democratic values everywhere. Americans and Kosovars must stand together with Ukraine to ensure a free and stable Europe, which is in the best interest of the peoples of democracies, be they Americans, Kosovars or others across the globe.

(US Ambassador Jeffrey M. Hovenier has written specifically for Metro. Distribution of this article is permitted with the permission of the author.)