Source: The Wall Street Journal
Russia’s aggressive and illegal invasion and occupation of parts of Ukraine have caused untold suffering and displacement for millions of people. The aggression of Russia against its neighbor has not only violated international law and the sovereignty of Ukraine but also poses a significant threat to global peace and security. In this context, defeating Russia as an aggressor becomes necessary for world peace.
If Russia’s aggressive war and annexation attempts in Ukraine go unpunished, it would send a message to other autocratic states that such actions can be carried out with impunity. This could lead to an increase in wars of conquest, ethnic cleansing, and other forms of aggression by states with similar intentions. It is crucial to establish the rule of law and uphold international norms by holding Russia accountable for its actions. Failure to do so would undermine the global legal order and risk normalizing aggressive behavior among states. We have already seen what followed the occupation of Georgian territories by Russia in 2008. Russia’s impunity in Georgia became an encouraging precedent for Moscow to implement aggressive measures, help autocratic regimes, occupy the territories of other countries, facilitate the migration crisis and change the world order.
Russia’s actions in Ukraine have demonstrated that Moscow is an irrational and neo-imperialist actor that threatens the existing legal order. By annexing Crimea in 2014 and invading Ukraine in 2022, Russia has shown that it is willing to use force to achieve its territorial ambitions and challenge the existing international order. This behavior has created instability in Europe and threatened the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in international law. The defeat of Russia would not only send a message that such actions would not be tolerated, but also reinforce the importance of upholding the existing legal order.
In addition to the legal or political implications, the defeat of Russia would have practical implications for regional and global peace. A defeated Russia would be less likely to engage in further aggression against its neighbors or other states, reducing the likelihood of conflicts and wars. Furthermore, it would demonstrate to other countries that the international community is willing and able to respond to threats to global peace and security.
Russia’s aggression in Ukraine threatens to destabilize the entire region, leading to a dangerous escalation of tensions and the potential for a wider conflict. If Russia is allowed to succeed in its attempts to annex parts of Ukraine, it may embolden other aggressive actors to make similar attempts in other parts of the world. This could lead to an increase in regional conflicts, threatening the stability of neighboring countries and potentially leading to a wider global conflict. Therefore, it is crucial that Russia’s aggression is defeated to prevent such a catastrophic outcome.
The Kremlin has threatened to use nuclear weapons since the war began. This is intended to set a dangerous precedent in the world because the leader of an aggressive state threatens the world and implies that if others do not allow him to win the war in favorable terms, he’ll use an atomic bomb. If such a precedent is created, then no state can be stopped from making an atomic bomb as a guarantee of achieving security or aggressive goals. Or another reality will be created: nuclear states will constantly threaten to use nuclear weapons in aggressive wars if the world does not meet their demands. This will be a nightmare scenario for world peace.
The economic crisis in the world and famine in developing countries have been made part of Russia’s aggressive war. The crisis in Ukraine has already caused significant disruptions to trade and commerce, and if the conflict continues, it could escalate into a full-blown regional or even global economic crisis. Moreover, Russia’s attempts to undermine and weaken the European Union could have serious implications for the stability of the global financial system. It is therefore in the interest of the international community to prevent Russia from destabilizing the global economy and to hold it accountable for its actions.
Russia’s actions in Ukraine have caused a massive humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced and thousands killed. The world has a moral obligation to help Ukraine and prevents such human suffering elsewhere. By defeating Russia, the international community would not only be upholding the principles of human rights and dignity but also sending a message to other aggressors that such behavior will not be tolerated. It is imperative that the global community stands in solidarity with Ukraine and prevent any further human suffering and loss of life. The precedent of Russia’s defeat as an aggressor is necessary for world peace. By holding Russia accountable for its actions, the international community can set a precedent that aggressive actions will not be tolerated, prevent economic and humanitarian crises, and protect the stability of the global system. It is time for the global community to unite in its efforts to defeat Russia and ensure a peaceful and stable future for all. Any other outcome would be disastrous for global peace. If Russia wins, the return of aggressive invasions will not only become the norm in the world, but Russia will become a role model for other autocratic regimes. They could start wars with or without Russia’s support and hope that the West will get tired sooner or later (as Russia is now hoping), then try to achieve their goal by using all their military resources and other means.
Giorgi Koberidze
Senior Fellow
The Foreign Policy Council 