Non-recognition of the Russian annexation, joint international support for Ukraine and toughening of sanctions is the only acceptable response to the armed aggression and occupation of the Russian territories of Ukraine.

The international independent civil society platform CivilMPlus states that the repetition of Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories, as happened with Crimea in 2014, is another case of gross violations of international laws guaranteeing territorial integrity and sovereignty, both for Ukraine and other states that have become the object of Russian aggression since Vladimir Putin came to power. 

We call on politicians, public figures and citizens of the countries of the world to publicly condemn the annexation of the occupied Ukrainian territories and to hold the Russian leadership accountable for these actions. The lack of a proper reaction from the international community to the co-opting of a sovereign state’s territories through military aggression creates dangerous precedents for the fulfillment of territorial ambitions by other states and provokes further destabilization of the global security architecture.

Vladimir Putin and his accomplices are personally responsible for the lives and well-being of millions of Ukrainians who became victims of the treacherous military invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army, who lost loved ones, their homes and health, chances for education and a peaceful childhood during the war. Having unleashed a bloody war on the territory of a neighboring state, the leadership of the Russian Federation is damaging peaceful development on the European continent, taking away huge resources from victim support in the world’s crisis regions and developing countries and the prevention of global catastrophes, and at the same time is destroying the foundations of peace and prosperity in Russia itself, instilling fear and forcing citizens to leave their own country. Strategists, propagandists and executors of the Russian military expansion policy will answer for their actions before an international tribunal.

Active, consistent and comprehensive support for Ukraine in repelling the armed attack, restoring territorial integrity and infrastructure, and developing a democratic, inclusive society is a natural response to the Kremlin’s post-colonial policy. The restoration of international norms and the protection of the democratic rights and freedoms of the civilian population of Ukraine are a fundamental guideline for political decision-making by international institutions and the political elites of democratic states.

Ukrainian society needs active, daily and decisive support, including political, military, humanitarian and financial assistance. Ahead of us is the #WinterofSolidarity – solidarity with Ukrainians who have lost warm housing, an established and peaceful life, as well as with all those affected by the war.

When speaking about Russia, it is important to distinguish between the political regime with its accomplices and supporters and that part of the population that does not support the war and the imperialist ideology behind it. We call on Russian society, both inside and outside the country, to recognize its responsibility for the actions taken on behalf of the Russian people, for their devastating consequences, and to actively oppose the crimes of the Russian state in Ukraine and other countries.

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The CivilMPlus platform is an association of public organizations and experts from different countries and with different views that supports the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. The actions and positions of the platform participants are based on the values ​​of freedom and democracy, which Ukrainians are defending today.

The international independent civil society platform CivilMPlus was established in 2017 through the efforts of civil activists from different countries. It includes organizations and experts from Ukraine, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, France, Russia and other European countries. 

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The text of the statement does not necessarily reflect the position of all CivilMPlus member organizations. 

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