Talking Points: Ukraine - Forced deportation, post victory rebuilding, and Russian aggression on the Black Sea. April 13, 2023
Talking Points: Ukraine - Forced deportation, post victory rebuilding, and Russian aggression on the Black Sea. April 13, 2023
Ukraine has already won.
Text Edited by: Sgt. (jr) Sarah Ashton-Cirillo of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Photo credit: Sgt. (jr) Sarah Ashton-Cirillo of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
1. The difference between the evacuation and deportation of children
Russia’s propagandist war criminals are parroting the messaging by Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's permanent representative to the UN, in accusing Ukrainian authorities of abducting children from parents who refuse to evacuate from combat zones.
● Nebenzya made his false statement at the UN Security Council, manipulating the organization in conjunction with Russia's current presidency of the body.
● The Russian lie about the alleged “abduction” or “deportation” of children from the frontline territories of Ukraine is an attempt by Russia to shift attention from its own crimes, crimes which have caused Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to be charged by the International Criminal Court.
● Comparison of the actions of Russia and Ukraine on the displacement of civilians are baseless and without merit:
In its role as the aggressor, Russia has brought suffering to the civilian population of Ukraine. The Kyiv administration has worked to alleviate the effects of Russian terrorism.
Russia, through its position as invading occupiers of certain parts of Ukraine, has clear obligations to the Ukrainian population under its temporary rule. These rules are stipulated by the conventions of international humanitarian law.
Contrary to international humanitarian law, Russia seeks to forcibly assimilate Ukrainian children into Russian society. This is attempted through changes in citizenship, separation from relatives, deportation to remote regions, illegal adoption, and mandatory re-education.
The only motive of the Ukrainian authorities for the evacuation of children is their safety.
Ukrainian authorities take the necessary measures to only evacuate children accompanied by parents or guardians. There is no attempt to separate them from their relatives.
Russia will not be able to evade responsibility for its war crimes and terrorism. Attempts to create false analogies with Ukraine through statements tinged with demagoguery will fail. Russia must return all illegally deported Ukrainian citizens, children, and adults alike.
2. Prospects for post-war reconstruction of Ukraine
The President of Ukraine took part in the meeting on the financial support of Ukraine with the participation of the Ministers of Finance from Ukraine's partner countries, representatives of the European Commission, and heads of international financial institutions.
● After the victory over the Russian enemy, Ukraine will face incredible challenges when tasked with reconstruction.
● The world supports Ukraine now; this will not change. Ukraine will not be left alone after peace comes.
● Allied partners have shown a high interest in participating in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.
● Russian assets and reparations will also be used to rebuild the country. Russian will literally pay for their war crimes and terrorism against Ukraine.
● Discussion of specific reconstruction plans at the international level is a sign of the expected Ukrainian victory by nations around the world.
● Ukraine will not be left in ruins. Post-war, Ukrainians will find their nation even richer and more modern than prior to February 24, 2022.
3. Russian aggression and the Black Sea region
On April 12-13, in Bucharest, the First Black Sea Security Conference is taking place within the framework of the International Crimean Platform. Participation includes more than 200 experts, politicians, and statesmen from around the world,
● Russian aggression has transformed the Azov-Black Sea area from an area of international cooperation into a theatre of military operations. Moscow brazenly and foolishly announced the complete annexation of the Sea of Azov.
● Prior to unleashing the full-scale aggression in the Black and Azov Seas, Russia undertook the occupation of Abkhazia and Crimea, through military and terroristic means.
● Russia’s behavior in these waterways threatens not only Ukraine but also other coastal countries, in particular, Romania. Moldova too is at risk thanks to its connection to the Black Sea through the Danube.
● Turkey's compliance with the provisions of the Montreux Convention to prevent the forces of other fleets of the Russian Navy from entering the Black Sea allowed the region to avoid an even greater escalation of Russian aggression.
● The Black Sea and the Sea of Azov are Ukraine's natural access points to the greater world. Marine export routes are of untold importance for Ukraine. Black Sea trade is so significant for Ukrainian dealings with trade partners that the international community forced Moscow to join the grain accords.
● To prevent Russian aggression in the Black Sea region in the future, it is necessary to completely de-occupy the territories of Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova. Furthermore, it will be necessary to eliminate the military threat posed by Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
I have long looked forward to helping Ukraine rebuild. Continue your great work, Sarah!
You might as well have accused the British government of kidnapping children during WW2 when children from London and other at-risk areas were evacuated, most into rural zones, and rarely with any relatives [who were usually working and unable to accompany them] and some were even sent to Canada [until the Nazis torpedoed a child ship]. The culture shock even of rural life was considerable for city children, and some chose to go back to the danger zones and familiarity. But it was, like the evacuation of children by Ukrainians in Ukraine, a temporary measure.
And no comparison to the stealing of children and announcing that they will learn to think in the 'right way'.