In the latest development surrounding the ongoing Ukraine crisis, the United States has strongly condemned Russia’s narrative shift and actions, terming them hypocritical and far-fetched.
The U.S. representative, Ambassador Robert Wood called out Russia’s claims that its efforts to defend against an alleged illegal invasion by Ukraine are the very actions contributing to the crisis.
Wood described this narrative as preposterous and counterfactual, asserting that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine’s sovereign territory remains the core issue driving the crisis.
“Russia continues to falsely allege that it is in fact the unified support of Ukraine’s defense by over 50 nations that is exacerbating the war and hindering peace discussions.
Think of that, Colleagues. Russia is telling us that it is not the invading country that is responsible for the crisis, but rather alleging it is the country doing everything in its power to defend itself from an illegal invasion that is at fault. This narrative is hypocritical and preposterous, and it strains credulity to the breaking point.
It is Russia’s full-scale invasion of its sovereign neighbour that violates the UN Charter and constitutes a threat to international peace and security. Russia’s efforts to insinuate otherwise are farcical.
Again, Russia’s illegal invasion and continued aggression inside Ukraine’s borders – including daily rocket and drone attacks that hit civilian infrastructure and kill innocent people – is the undeniable cause “aggravating the crisis” and “undermining efforts to find a peaceful solution.” Every day in Ukraine, Russia continues these violations, which have united the international community in support of Ukraine and in support of the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right to self-defense. All in the Charter” he added
The U.S. Ambassador said Russia’s continuous aggression and unlawful activities within Ukraine’s borders, including the use of rocket and drone attacks targeting civilians, are pointed out as key contributors to the escalating tensions and adding that Russia’s nuclear rhetoric and its placement of nuclear weapons in Belarus, which heightens the volatility of the situation.
Furthermore, the U.S. criticised Russia’s attempts at seeking increased military cooperation with North Korea, which goes against UN Security Council resolutions that Russia had initially voted in favour of. The U.S. also condemned Russia’s alleged acquisition of armed drones from Iran and their use in lethal attacks against civilians in Ukraine.
“The Russian Federation is seeking increased military cooperation with the DPRK, including by pressing Kim Jong Un to sell additional arms to Moscow to fuel its war in Ukraine. Such arms transfers are a violation of UN Security Council resolutions – resolutions for which Russia voted in favor. The DPRK already made an initial delivery of weapons to the Kremlin-backed Wagner group last November, in violation of UNSC resolutions.”
The U.S. response further highlighted Russia’s reported aggressive behaviour in the Black Sea, including the firing of shots at a cargo vessel. Russia’s weaponization of food and attacks on grain facilities and ports along the Danube were also condemned as inexcusable acts of war.
“We have seen reports that a Russian warship fired shots at the Sukru Okan cargo vessel headed towards a Ukrainian port through the Black Sea on Sunday, August 13. We strongly condemn such actions. Russia is once again acting recklessly in the Black Sea, and the effects of its unlawful war of choice are having ripple effects in terms of shipping safety and commercial activity, as well as impeding the international community’s efforts to deliver food to those who need it most. Russia must comply with its international legal obligations and respect freedom of navigation.
We cannot forget Russia’s brutal, unrelenting attacks against Ukraine and its people for the last 18 months. Putin has shown no interest in meaningful diplomacy since first starting this unprovoked war nearly one and a half years ago. In fact, since we last discussed this topic in June, it is Russia that has escalated its brutalization of Ukraine’s people and weaponized food through its unilateral withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
The Government of Ukraine and the United States continue to work together to maintain safeguards against diversion while responsibly providing for Ukraine’s ability to exercise its inherent right of self-defense against Russia’s brutal war. Ukraine has been a transparent and willing partner as we stress accountability and ensure robust processes to counter any attempts at illicit diversion.
Battlefield losses occur in every conflict, and we cannot speak for what Russia does with the arms it captures. Pro-Russia forces pose the greatest risk of onward trafficking. Russia has even stated publicly that it will supply captured weapons to non-state actors. The best way to address this risk is for Russia to end its war of aggression”
At the end , the U.S Ambassador Robert Wood said the United States underscored that Western weapons provided to Ukraine are not the cause of the ongoing conflict, but rather Russia’s unrelenting aggression.
“Let’s be clear: Western weapons provided to Ukraine to prevent Russia’s brutalization of Ukraine’s people are not the cause of this war nor are they prolonging this war: that responsibility is the Kremlin’s alone. Russia remains the sole obstacle to peace in Ukraine.”
Wood then concluded that the US calls for Russia to end the war and withdraw its forces, emphasising that Russia remains the primary obstacle to peace in Ukraine.
“If Russia were concerned about reducing conflict and mitigating potential illicit weapons diversion, it would choose to end the war it started and withdraw its forces rather than escalate with nuclear rhetoric, barrages of missiles, human rights abuses and war crimes, crimes against humanity, and violations of various UNSC resolutions and the UN Charter. We once again renew our calls for Russia to do so immediately.”
