Italian President Says Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Cannot Be Solved by Rewarding Moscow’s Aggression

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Italy’s president told the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine cannot be resolved by rewarding its aggression and that peace can only come when sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Ukraine will be restored.

Sergio Mattarella said Italy, which now chairs the G7 meetings, and many international partners came to Ukraine’s defense to support the principle that solidarity must be given to nations attacked by acts that violate international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

“No state, regardless of its power or threatening nuclear arsenal, can think of violating principles, including the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of another country, without exposing itself to sanctions,” did he declare.

Mattarella said the end of the two world wars and the collapse of the Soviet Union had brought new hope to Europe and that “Russia has shouldered the great historical responsibility of bringing war back to the heart of the European continent “.

The Italian president stressed that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is not just a regional conflict since Moscow wants to exert global influence. Russia is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, responsible for ensuring international peace and security, with veto power.

The war in Ukraine, once one of the world’s major breadbaskets, has created food and energy shortages, particularly in parts of Africa, he said.

Mattarella added that the peace dividends that prompted resources to be allocated to development rather than armaments after the end of the Cold War have been squandered as Russia turns back the clock and begins a new arms race.

With the war in Ukraine now in its third year, he said Italy, its international partners and people around the world are determined to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict.

“But not just any solution, much less one that would reward the aggressor and humiliate those who are attacked, thus setting a dangerous precedent for everyone,” Mattarella said.

“If peace is to be just and lasting, it must be based on the noble and inalienable principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations,” he added.