In 2014, the Russian Federation initiated a war of aggression against Ukraine, occupying Crimea and part of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. For eight years, Russia has been waging a hybrid war against Ukraine, killing Ukrainian soldiers and civilians in the East, and conducting disinformation campaigns and cyber attacks to destabilise the country.
In the spring of 2021, Russia further escalated the conflict by deploying 175 000 troops across the Ukrainian - Russian border. Throughout the year, Russia has been building up tensions, which peaked with Putin’s demand to the NATO’s leadership to provide guarantees regarding the non-entry of Ukraine and Georgia into the alliance. Furthermore, Russia recently demanded a withdrawal of the NATO military contingent from Romania and Bulgaria. During the beginning of 2022, the tension has grown and Russia has increased its military troops and equipment along the Ukraine - Belarus border. These actions show that the Kremlin is ready for another invasion of Ukraine.
Today, more than ever before, the threat of a full-scale invasion is real.
To stand up to the Russian threat, the solidarity of democratic countries is vital. Ukraine does not only need words of solidarity but also direct military assistance, so that in the event of an escalation, it can respond appropriately to Russia and preserve peace and democracy in Ukraine and Europe.
LYMEC and IFLRY, together with our Ukrainian member organisations Liberal Democratic League of Ukraine and European Youth of Ukraine, call on all our member organisations to reach out to their mother parties and governments and demand them to provide Ukraine with military support (including lethal weapons), clearly express their solidarity with Ukraine, and use every diplomatic and political effort possible in order to achieve a de-escalation and peaceful solution to the situation at the Ukrainian borders. In addition, EU member states should refrain from using Nord Stream 2, since it is used by Russia to put economic and political pressure on Ukraine.
Furthermore, we call on the EU to enhance financial aid to the affected territories in Ukraine and put additional financial and diplomatic pressure on Russia. In case the conflict escalates, the EU needs to help those who are forcibly displaced.
Lastly, Ukraine has to be able to apply for NATO membership and have the support of other countries to do so.
European Youth of Ukraine
European Liberal Youth (LYMEC)
Liberal Democratic League of Ukraine (LDLU)
International Federation of Liberal and Radical Youth (IFLRY)
Ukraine needs to be supported militarily and politically: Joint statement by young liberals in Europe