Ukraine’s Foreign Minister sent a strong message at the Dubrovnik Forum regarding the imminent need for decisive international action to stop Russia’s aggression. He had been invited by Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman to speak, and he laid out what he sees as a clear way forward–put sanctions on Russia, work toward strength against Russia, and act together in solidarity with Ukraine.
It is important to note that this high-level diplomatic initiative was made possible to the Foreign Minister, given that Russia had just commenced yet another series of violent assaults against peaceful Ukrainian cities, just hours after rejecting a U.S. offer for a total, unlimited ceasefire. The senior leadership of Ukraine’s diplomacy believes that it will take a collective, coordinated, global response to stop the killing and to restore peace based on justice to Ukraine.
Russia Rejects Ceasefire, Escalates Attacks on Ukrainian Cities
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has now reached a critical point. Ukraine believes that international partners must shift from appeals to actions. The time for soft warnings has passed. What is needed now is collective strength and strategic pressure to make peace through strength a real possibility.
Tighten Sanctions and Isolate Russia Financially
To stop Russia’s war machine, Ukraine is calling for tighter, synchronized sanctions from the U.S. and European Union. These sanctions must not just punish but strategically weaken Russia’s ability to fund its aggression. The Foreign Minister urged allies to lower the oil price cap and cut Moscow off from key oil revenues.
Sanctions on Russia have proven partially effective, but gaps remain. Ukraine wants these gaps closed fast. The message is clear: starve the war effort by targeting the financial veins that keep it alive. This includes freezing assets, banning technology exports, and penalizing states or companies that help Russia bypass restrictions.
Boost Military and Economic Support for Ukraine
Ukraine cannot hold the line alone. It needs stronger backing, from weapons and air defense systems to economic aid. The country faces not only military threats but also the pressure of rebuilding its economy amid destruction.
Military aid must be timely and scalable. Economic support should help stabilize essential services and infrastructure. The Ukraine conflict will not end unless the country can both fight and function.
Strengthen Transatlantic Unity to Face Global Threats
Ukraine emphasized that transatlantic unity is not only positive but necessary. The United states and Europe must deepen their coordinated effort so cracks do not appear in their common position regarding Russia! The unity sends a strong message to Moscow and provides hope to Ukrainians who are enduring missile and drone attacks.
The Dubrovnik Forum acted as a conduit to reaffirm this unity. Ukraine called on partners to act collectively, communicate clearly, and avoid incoherent responses. Through aligned policies and objectives, transatlantic unity can lay the groundwork for a stable, peaceful international order founded on law and values.
Peace Through Strength
Ukraine’s message is bold and straightforward: peace will not come by waiting or wishing. It must be made through strength, action, and resolve. The Russia-Ukraine conflict is not just a regional issue; it is a global challenge to order and stability.
What Ukraine is asking of the world is not to battle its war-but to assist in enforcing a peace based on justice. If the world enforces sanctions on Russia, continues to support Ukraine’s resilience and unity across the Atlantic, it can help create a different future. A future in which aggression fails and peace prevails.
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