Russia’s war against Ukraine, and Moscow’s expansion of its hybrid confrontation with the West have upended and reshaped the security environment on the European continent. This dramatic crisis has also created a historic moment of opportunity for Kyiv to assert its international agency.

Ukraine must formalize its moral leadership as the main defender of freedom in the world against the vicious aggressive plans of Moscow and a new axis of destructive power which is taking shape in the world. The time has come to consolidate by political and legal means Ukraine’s role as the eastern pillar of Europe’s defence against the greatest threat to its peaceful future.

Recognizing that Russia is committing genocide against Ukrainians is critical for the international community's efforts to counter Russia's criminal policy.

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine goes beyond a war of territorial conquest - Moscow pursues a genocidal objective. The international community must build a “justice coalition” to drive legal and political action in international courts and organisations to stop Russian genocide, and bring its perpetrators to responsibility.

Western states have failed to adequately support Kyiv in its defence against Russia’s unprovoked and undeclared war. Without recognizing Russia as the aggressor waging interstate war on Ukraine, the West cannot avail itself of the tools under international law that can ensure Moscow’s aggression is repressed for a just peace in Ukraine.