In a speech at the Atlantic Council's NATO Transformation Seminar 2015, a speaker addressed the significance of the Ukraine crisis and its broader implications. The speaker recounted an encounter with a student in Berlin who questioned the focus on Ukraine, asking why it mattered when Russia's actions did not pose an immediate threat to Germany or others.
The speaker emphasized that aiding Ukraine in achieving its democratic aspirations is crucial, as "Ukraine is not whole if its people are not free." The situation extends beyond Ukraine and Europe, challenging foundational principles of the transatlantic partnership and international order. Russia's actions in eastern Ukraine were described as more than just border violations; they threaten to establish new precedents where fundamental principles are debated.
These principles include respecting borders and territorial integrity, allowing citizens to decide their country's future, rejecting linguistic nationalism, and adhering to international commitments. The Budapest Memorandum was highlighted as a significant agreement where Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine gave up nuclear weapons for assurances on territorial integrity from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Russia. Violating this commitment poses questions about similar assurances being sought by countries like Iran.
The speaker stressed the importance of standing together to affirm these principles and resolve the conflict peacefully through adherence to agreements such as those negotiated by President Hollande and Chancellor Merkel. A critical step in resolving the crisis is restoring Ukraine's international border. Until this is achieved, sustaining pressure on Russia remains essential.
The address concluded with a call for compliance with agreements to ease sanctions and restore cooperative relations: "It is our most fervent desire that everyone comply with the Minsk agreement."