Yesterday, after a very nice family-like celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the ODED-GUAM in the GUAM Headquarters, located in the city center, on Maydan, we, the international personnel, together with Ukrainians, lived through yet another terrible night of horror organized by the “glorious Russian army”. It was unpleasant, but to be honest, it did not spoil the aftertaste of the cordial celebration in the afternoon. At least for me. Most people here in Ukraine, unfortunately, are used to such acts of terror.
Also, very unfortunate, as usual after such attacks, there are victims and destruction. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and injured, with all Ukrainians.
However, the sleepless night provoked some thoughts that I feel necessary to share with all for whom the destiny and future of nations and the world are of concern. Hope also to reach out to Russians, one more time. I did it on February 27, 2022, on the fourth day of the aggression. I believe the appeal is still relevant and can be read in Russian on our Facebook page. I also hope to address global leaders with some thoughts after years of observation here in Ukraine, since I live and work in Ukraine since 2016, including during the years of this brutal, illegal war.
Just an interesting observation. This was, the second time that Russian massive rocket attacks on Kyiv coincided with the GUAM’s jubilees. The first time was on October 10, 2022. Then we marked the 25th Anniversary of the GAUM as a regional initiative. And the attack was during the daytime. We counted 13 missile strikes that hit Kyiv. Then, for the first time, it caused some fear and panic among citizens. We spent over 6 hours in the shelter of Khreshchatyk underground station, which was full of people and their pets. Then I also wrote a post. Those interested can find it on the GUAM site.
This time the attack was at night, with more “sophistication” and “precision”, with modernized and new rockets and drones, and more massive, covering many regions of Ukraine. It lasted over 5 hours, causing yet another sleepless night for all of us. It should be noted that, compared with the previous attack, there were advance warnings from reliable sources, which proved true, and a timely air siren. So, people had time to take precaution measures.
This also means that for the last five years, Russia has been working hard on improving its war and slaughter machine. But will this change anything in the attitude of Ukrainians, and not only, towards this brutal, ugly war of aggression? NO! Not then, neither now, nor in the future!
It looks like this is something that Russians do not understand. The tactics of terror and intimidation aimed at breaking the spirit of Ukrainians, causing fear, etc., do not work. It is time to understand that this idiosyncratic language of “persuasion”, or “coercion and subjugation,” will have no effect. Moreover, it does not serve Russians well in terms of their perception. This creates nothing but hatred and curses, not only among Ukrainians.
Such attacks are perceived as acts of utter agony, desperation, and weakness. No more, no less. Russians are doing this because losing on the battlefield, at least not gaining. After more than 4 years! It is time to critically assess the situation and draw the right conclusions. You are losing this war, and now is the time to consider how to stop it. Slaughtering your own people and other nations is a serious crime, for which you will be made accountable. This war only increases the gap between Russia and other nations.
The statement of your (Russian) high representative that “international recognition and respect will return to Russia only after the completion of the Special Military Operation” is totally misleading, completely outlandish, and insane! Such an approach does not serve the long-term interests of Russians.
First and foremost, you need to understand that respect for Russians will not return until their recognition of the mistakes of their leadership in starting this war, and full repentance and responsibility for the crimes they have committed!
Until this happens, Russia and Russians will be recognized only as a pariah nation and will remain in isolation. Internationally.
I am stunned and concerned by the mental health of the Russian nation, the scale and degree of the brainwashed population. Full responsibility for this lies with the Russian leadership and elites. I personally view this as a crime against your own people, the future generations of Russia, and against humanity. All the official concepts and narratives are based on lies, falsifications, and cynicism of the Russian leadership.
Unfortunately, the state of the nation is fully reflected in the insanity and inhumanity of the Russian army, the zombie army of the zombified population. Most disappointing is the state of the senior officer corps. If, in the old days, notions such as honor, decency, and the officers’ dignity meant something, nowadays it looks like it’s all gone. This is very sad and painful to see and acknowledge. Nobody is threatening or attacking your country; what are you fighting for here in Ukraine, killing innocent people?
This aggression is the imperialistic burp of your leaders, baseless and hollow of any ideas. It smells of stale, bloody fumes. The new generation needs to rethink and remodel Russia. Think of what you can offer to others except death and destruction, and that will change the whole perception of your relationship with your neighborhood. Using force, intimidation, coercion, or subjugation will not work. Nobody will give up freedom and independence, and nobody fears you. The new leaders, with a new mentality, should take responsibility for the country’s future.
Another very disappointing aspect of this continuing illegal, criminal aggression is the stance and relation to it by global leaders, especially those who pretend to be the leaders of a unipolar or bipolar world.
My personal view is that the responsibility and outcomes of this war of aggression largely lies in them, in particular, and in the wider international community and its institutions, in general. It is difficult to see and understand the logic, the morality, and legality, coherence, and consistency in their attitude and actions towards the aggressor. Imitation of concern, chaotic situational actions, half measures, attempts to appease the perpetrator – all these looks shameful and disgusting and only prolong the atrocious war.
We all know the consequences of such acts of appeasement and of turning a blind eye to flagrant violations of international law, as seen in the examples of our member states. This is only understood as an invitation to new, more blatant violations and crimes.
What a cynical world we are living in! It seems that smaller countries, which suffer most, should organize themselves and take full responsibility for their destinies, their future, and hopefully for the future of humanity.
I shared my views out of a sense of urgency and responsibility. Hope it will find understanding and urge for action. The future of the world depends on all of us. I sincerely wish everyone Peace and Prosperity!
Altai Efendiev
GUAM Secretary-General
