On September 28, Russia again celebrates the so-called “Reunification Day” with the territories that were illegally occupied, including the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. The Kremlin calls it “restoration of historical justice”. However, for the international community this day is a symbol of the violation of international law and the ongoing aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. According to the UN Charter and the principles of international humanitarian law, any attempt of annexation, especially by force, is illegal.
The Russian elections held in the Ukrainian occupied territories in September 2024 is a confirmation of attempts to legitimize the occupation. The international community does not recognize local elections in Crimea and Sevastopol, as well as any political processes under Russian control. Such elections are considered illegal and contradict the actual interests of citizens living in the temporarily occupied territories. According to international human rights organizations and the European Union, these elections violate international norms and deepen Russia’s political isolation.
In addition to political pressure, Russia systematically suppresses freedoms in the TOT of Ukraine. It includes religious persecution, when Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Muslims and representatives of other religions that do not support the Moscow Patriarchate are subjected to repression. Religious institutions serve as an instrument of suppression and control by the Russian occupation authorities, resembling totalitarian regimes in the past.
One of the unacceptable aspects of the Russian occupation is the forced cultural assimilation of Ukrainian children. Russia actively uses propaganda materials instead of the Ukrainian educational program in the TOT. Russian militarizes the youth, erasing Ukrainian identity and preparing children for possible participation in military actions. For example, Fundamentals of Security and Defense of the Motherland are taught in schools, which emphasize the importance of “defending the homeland” and justifying Russian aggression. This is a clear violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit the militarization of children under occupation.
On September 11, 2024, Russia approved a new “Strategy of the a State Cultural Policy,” which envisages integration of the occupied Ukrainian territories into the Russian cultural and humanitarian space. This is a confirmation of the systematic Russification policy and cultural assimilation aimed at destroying Ukrainian identity. The Russian government is actively promoting a policy of changing the ethnic composition of the population in the occupied territories by deporting Ukrainians and resettling citizens from remote regions of Russia. This is a clear attempt to erase the cultural heritage of Ukraine and subordinate these territories to Russian control.
A forced mobilization is also taking place. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, more than 90,000 Ukrainian citizens have been forced to serve in the Russian army. Moreover, Russia imposes its citizenship, which violates the international norms. Forced passportization and mobilization can be considered as part of the strategy of genocide of the Ukrainian people.
The territorial integrity of Ukraine is not a subject of a compromise. The complete liberation of all Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, is an important condition for restoring peace and stability in Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has presented the Victory Plan at the UN General Assembly. Basing on the principles of international law, it provides, among other things, concrete steps for returning all occupied territories of Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace initiative, known as the Peace Formula, supported by many international partners, is an important step towards achieving a just and sustainable peace. It is based on international principles, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and respect for human rights. The Peace Formula emphasizes the importance of de-occupation of all Ukrainian territories, which is in line with the UN Charter and international law, which prohibits the annexation of territories by force.
The international community plays a decisive role in ensuring a fair peace process, which includes the return of Ukrainian territories. Support for Ukraine is not limited to military aid, but also includes economic and diplomatic pressure on Russia, which contributes to achieving the peace plan. Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula represents a roadmap to restoring Ukraine’s sovereignty and ending Russian aggression.
International support of Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula and Victory Plan, presented at the first Peace Summit and the UN General Assembly, is essential for Ukraine to regain its territories and achieve a just and sustainable peace. If the world does not support Ukraine, Russian aggression will go further. Vladimir Putin, with his imperial ambitions, poses a threat not only to the post-Soviet countries, but also to all of Europe. Only active resistance can punish and stop Putin’s expansion. At worst, his actions would create a dangerous precedent that threatens global security and stability. Supporting Ukraine now is not only a matter of justice, but also of protecting all of Europe and the world.
