France, Germany and Poland stand with Ukraine

Two years after Russia started its brutal war against Ukraine, the Foreign Ministers of the Weimar Triangle make an ironclad commitment to the independence of Ukraine.

Ten days ago, a pivotal meeting convened near Paris, uniting the foreign affairs ministers of France, Germany and Poland to reaffirm common determination to give a new energy to the trilateral cooperation. This setting, known as the “Weimar Triangle” originated in 1991 amidst the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Its primary purpose was to foster German-Polish reconciliation, following the French-German model. Europe is fully herself when breathing with two lungs – the Eastern and the Western.

Why does it matter today here in Manila, 10,000 kilometers away from European capitals?

Since Feb. 24, 2022, Europe is confronted with Russia’s full-scale war against a sovereign member of the international community. Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine is a flagrant violation of the prohibition of the use of force under the United Nations Charter. Russia has broken one of the most fundamental principles of international law by directly threatening the security and stability in Europe and in the world. This brutal war not only challenges the international order but has also brought unprecedented suffering to Ukrainians, killed thousands of innocent citizens, and also destroyed infrastructure and disrupted global food and energy markets. That is why Russia continues to be a threat to global security.

The war includes a complex hybrid warfare, masterminded by Russia. This warfare, characterized by lies and disinformation, cyberattacks and political interferences, seeks to destabilize our democratic institutions and undermine the very fabric of our societies and our ability to live in peace. As we approach the end of the second year of Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, the Weimar Triangle meeting served as a platform to reaffirm our shared values. Here, we pledged unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. Russia’s continued aggression and crimes in Ukraine demand for accountability. Russia should bear