Three years ago, the criminal Putin regime launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, seeking to deny Ukraine its independence and distinct nationality. Despite Russia’s numerical advantage and inhumanity, Kyiv continues to heroically fight back against the invaders, defending not only freedom in Ukraine, but the entire Free World. Ukraine is the embodiment of courage and heroism, which has become an example for each of us. It is a symbol of indomitable will and determination, proving that the spirit of freedom can resist any tyrant.
On the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, we firmly state our unwavering position: Vladimir Putin is a murderer, a war criminal, and a liar. All of the servants of the Russian dictatorship involved in aggression against Ukraine must be brought to trial and punished for their crimes. Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders of 1991 must be fully restored, without any compromise or concessions to the invaders.
We appeal to all democratic countries to increase their support for Ukraine by providing it with the most modern, high-tech, and effective weapons necessary to repel Russian aggression and restore its territorial integrity.
We also reject any talks with Putin and his regime. Putin is an international criminal who defies the entire civilized world. He will inevitably deceive any negotiating partner and use diplomacy as a smokescreen to advance aggression. Any attempts to appease the tyrant are doomed to fail and will only lead to further escalation. The negotiations that Russia is now conducting with the United States have nothing to do with peace. This farce is merely an attempt to impose capitulation on Ukraine on the aggressor’s terms. Under the guise of diplomacy, Putin seeks to divide and strangle Ukraine, using the Trump administration to advance his designs. The only path to lasting peace is total Russian defeat and the removal of Putin’s regime.
We strongly condemn US negotiations with Putin without Ukraine’s participation and consider President Donald Trump’s demands for the transfer of Ukrainian natural resources in exchange for aid to be absurd. Ukraine is the victim of unjust and unprovoked aggression, a tragedy that would never have happened had democratic nations taken a tough and principled stand against the Russian dictator from the outset. The continuation and strengthening of comprehensive support for Ukraine, including military aid, is not an act of charity, but a moral obligation and a strategic investment in the Free World’s own security.
We also support Ukraine’s decision to postpone elections in the face of Russian aggression. Ukrainians face an existential security crisis, which political division would only exacerbate. The notion that this makes Ukraine a dictatorship or in any way comparable to the Russian regime is dishonest and ahistorical: Great Britain did not hold elections in the face of the Nazi threat during World War II. Ukraine has repeatedly carried out a peaceful transfer of power, with six different presidents since independence in 1991. Putin, by contrast, has been in power for a quarter of a century.
The Free World must clearly understand that there is only one way to stop Putin and Russia: By acting with maximum determination and applying the toughest and most uncompromising measures. The dictator will not stop on his own. His goal is not only to subjugate Ukraine, but to push deeper into Europe, to upend international security, and to sow chaos. For him, weakness and concessions are a green light for further aggression. The aggressor can be stopped only by force. Russia must suffer a crushing military defeat right on the territory of Ukraine in order to not only preserve Ukrainian independence, but to safeguard the entire Free World.
Glory to Ukraine!
The Free Russia Forum Council,
24.02.2025
