‘It is the free world’s duty to do all we can to stop Putin’

‘It is a battle between two concepts of society – two forms of civilisation’

The destiny of the world is playing out in Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky, with his spirit of resistance, his heroism and his uncompromising fidelity to democratic values, has the admiration of all. And Europe, like the US, has the political and moral obligation to stand, more than ever, at his side. We are outraged by the violence committed against the civilian population by the occupying Russian forces.

School classrooms are transformed into bomb shelters, hospitals are destroyed and children are born in fortified subway stations.

Faced with this, the Ukrainian army, reinforced by tens of thousands of civilians, are taking up arms, standing firm and defending their cities.

But let us be clear. They are not only defending their country. These hardened military brigades, these teachers, restaurateurs, labourers, dancers, these women and men from all walks of life, rising up, also defend our liberty. They fight for an open and free world. They fight, on the front line, for us, Europeans.

We should act, without delay, to end this war. We commend the sanctions taken against Russia by the EU, the US, Canada, Japan and others.

But more is needed and this is why we urge our governments to go further and adopt the following measures:

1. The international courts must consider all possible procedures that allow for action against Putin’s war crimes in Ukraine.

2. Countries providing urgent

military aid to Ukraine must ensure that their shipments are most useful for the current tactical situation: light man-held anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons; not heavy weapons that will be destroyed before even reaching the battlefield.

3. Bank data and Western intelligence about corrupt possessions of the Russian political and business elite must be disclosed to the Russian public.

4. In addition to Russian airlines, all Russian cargo shipping companies should be forbidden from access to European and US ports.

5. European and US companies should freeze, whatever it takes, all commercial activity, in whatever form, in Russia and with Russia.

6. Major social networks should block and ban all the accounts enabling the Russian government, and its affiliates, proxies and lobbyists to spread their propaganda.

7. Microsoft should block all access to its services and systems in Russia; Western cloud companies should, until further notice, be made inaccessible in Russia.

8. Personal sanctions should be

imposed not only on politicians and oligarchs; they should extend to senior military leadership and members of the administrative elite.

9. All sorts of foreign money accounts of Russian officials, whatever they are, should be frozen immediately.

10. Imports of Russian oil should, under further notice, be suspended in all of Europe; and Europe should work to diversify without delay, and permanently, its gas supply.

These sanctions, if resolutely put in place, can end this war – or at least force the Kremlin to de-escalate. They are practical measures that free citizens can demand of their leaders.

In addition, each of our personal actions will help. Donate to Ukrainian volunteer funds. Support in any way Russian civil society and Russian citizens protesting against the war.

Putin’s war of aggression against free Ukraine is not just a military affair. It is a battle between two concepts of society – two forms of civilisation.

Our future is at stake, and the fate of all those in the world who believe in democracy and wish for peace.