“Escalating Human and Material Losses in Ukraine: The Consequences of Inadequate Responses Since 2014”
From the panel discussion, Photo: Boris Pejović
The losses—both human and material—sustained by Ukraine continue to rise, as announced today by the country’s ambassador to Montenegro, Oleg Gerasimenko.
This statement was made during a panel discussion commemorating the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, taking place at the European House in Podgorica.
photo: Boris Pejović
Today marks the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022.
Gerasimenko noted that this is the third time he has spoken at events commemorating the anniversary of Russia’s aggressive actions against Ukraine.
He remarked that at the first anniversary, he had hoped it would be the last time he would need to participate.
He emphasized that his earlier comments remain pertinent.
“Our losses—both human and material—are still increasing,” he stated.
Gerasimenko asserted that Russia’s war of aggression is the largest in Europe since World War II.
He added that “Russian aggression did not begin in 2022 but started in 2014 with the occupation of the Donbas region.”
“The lack of a strong response in 2014 paved the way for the war in 2022. Before the war began in 2022, a ceasefire regime was in place in Donbas. More than 200 peace talks have taken place since 2014, all of which Russia has violated,” he remarked.
He mentioned that Russian officials claim they are not planning an attack on Europe and that their military goals cease with Ukraine.
“The international community, particularly the EU, has not abandoned Ukraine. They have continued to provide assistance,” he stated, acknowledging Montenegro as one of the countries that supported Ukraine.
He expressed gratitude to “Montenegrin friends for their solidarity.”
“The security of Ukraine, Europe, and the United States is indivisible,” stressed Gerasimenko.
The Czech Ambassador to Montenegro, Janina Hrebičkova, remarked on the somber nature of today’s gathering, thanking Ukraine for its defense of peace—both its own and that of Europe.
photo: Boris Pejović
“When Russia occupied Crimea in 2014, we did not wake up enough,” she noted.
Hrebičkova observed that Russia’s territorial ambitions remain minimal.
She referenced Kaja Kalas, who stated that “Russia seeks to divide us.”
“The Czech people have supported Ukraine from the war’s outset, and the Czech Prime Minister remarked yesterday, in a square in Prague, that our country has welcomed the highest number of Ukrainian refugees per capita,” Hrebičkova added.
She emphasized that they are aiding Ukraine while mitigating the global negative impacts of the war.
Hrebičkova highlighted that her country remembers the negative experiences from Munich in 1939 and will not recognize “the occupied territories of Ukraine as part of Russia.”
“We must exert pressure on Russia during negotiations, not Ukraine. A defeat for Russia must send a message to other aggressive and authoritarian regimes near us,” she asserted.
Riccardo Seri, the Deputy Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Montenegro, stated that today is a sad occasion, yet he was pleased to be among friends.
photo: Boris Pejović
“Russian aggression poses a challenge to all of Europe. History has taught us, since 1939, that rewarding aggression leads only to more aggression. The EU stands united, and we recognize the territory of Ukraine as indivisible,” he stated.
Seri mentioned that Montenegro has provided over ten million euros in aid and noted that, per capita, it has contributed significantly alongside the Czech Republic.
“Recent military allocations reflect Montenegro’s commitment to collective security,” he remarked.
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