Statement by the FSV UK Dean on the fourth anniversary of Russian aggression against Ukraine

On February 24, 2022, Putin's Russia launched a frontal aggression against Ukraine. Four years later, this unprovoked, illegal and reprehensible aggression continues. Hundreds of thousands of victims have fallen victim to the whims of the Kremlin dictator. Unfortunately, the very real alternative to war remains the subjugation of Ukraine and the liquidation of its independent statehood. Therefore, as long as Ukraine wants and can resist, its ability to defend its rights and resist aggression is more important than the pursuit of "peace" at all costs.

We should highly appreciate the Ukrainian resistance as an extraordinary example of courage, resilience and the ability to deal with unceasing invention and tenacity in adverse conditions. Regardless of the delay, insufficiency, and limitations of the aid that Ukraine receives, its defense is also a testament to the power of international solidarity, because thanks to it, the country is still able to resist aggression. Support for a defending Ukraine is a unique combination of a clear value position and practical interest. The aid must be continued both because it is morally correct and for pragmatic security reasons; in the Ukrainian defense lines against Russian aggression, without any exaggeration, the fight is also for a safe Czech Republic and Europe.

It is possible that peace conditions will eventually be imposed on Ukraine that it will not prefer, but will not be able to refuse. Even if the outcome of the conflict had more positive contours, in any case, at its end it will be an exhausted and devastated country. When the urgency of the threat of war passes, it will be increasingly difficult, but all the more important not to forget the solidarity that we should feel towards Ukraine.

Once it becomes clear that ending the conflict is realistically achievable, FSV UK is ready to offer its expertise for any meaningful activities aimed at the continued support, reconstruction and revitalization of post-war Ukraine, thus building on the previous activities of the Expert Group for Ukraine.

PhDr. JUDr. Tomáš Karásek, Ph.D.