The Henry Jackson Society expresses its deep concern over Russia’s violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Russia’s action, which was pre-planned and followed days of escalating tensions in Ukraine, is in breach of international law, including Russia’s obligations under the UN Charter, the 1994 Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances, and Russia’s 1997 agreement with Ukraine on military bases.
Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine exacerbates the crisis situation in the country, and risks pushing Ukraine closer to economic default. The West should respond by deterring any further Russian military intervention into Ukraine, and ensuring Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The West’s response should make clear that Russia’s actions have no place in the twenty-first century.
At the very least, Western nations should use all available legal mechanisms, including the Magnitsky Act in the USA, to impose targeted financial sanctions on senior Russia officials involved in Russia’s military intervention.
Dr Andrew Foxall, Director of the Russia Studies Centre at HJS, said:
“There can be no excuse for Russia’s actions. If Russia feels that the security of its citizens in Ukraine is under threat, it should engage peacefully with the Ukrainian interim government and international mediating bodies.”
“President Putin’s actions are pushing Europe to the brink of war. Nobody stands to benefit from this, least of all Russia itself.”