In response to the complaints of the Russian dictator, we emphasize that Russia once again confuses cause and consequence, black and white.
The United Nations General Assembly has officially, in a series of resolutions adopted during the 11th Emergency Special Session, recognized the Russian Federation as a state committing aggression against Ukraine in violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter.
International law, in particular Article 51 of the UN Charter, clearly provides for the inherent right to individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a member of the United Nations. No territorial limitations are imposed on the exercise of this right to self-defense.
This means that strikes against legitimate military targets on the territory of the Russian Federation are a permitted means of protection from the aggressor, including the protection of civilians from Russian missile and UAV terror. It is also worth noting that the aircraft were vulnerable to strikes precisely because they were fueled and armed for yet another attack on Ukrainian cities and communities—to kill our children, civilians, and military personnel.
We also underscore that there can be no equality between Ukrainian and Russian actions. Russia is the aggressor, which has carried out an illegal and unprovoked attack on our state. Ukraine is a country defending itself from the aggression. Therefore, Russian strikes are by definition acts of aggression and terror, while Ukrainian strikes are acts of self-defense.
It is also important to note that Ukraine strictly adheres to the norms of international humanitarian law, targeting only legitimate military targets and avoiding civilian casualties. Russia, on the contrary, mostly targets civilians and seeks to maximize civilian casualties.
We recall that Ukraine agreed to a full and unconditional ceasefire three months ago. This consent remains in force. At the same time, Russia persistently refuses to cease fire, continues its aggression and terror, and advances ultimatum-like demands instead of taking meaningful steps toward peace.
Therefore, Putin should stop whining about Ukrainian strikes on his planes and instead agree to at least a 30-day ceasefire, abandon unrealistic ultimatums, stop hiding from a meeting with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and begin good-faith negotiations to establish a just and sustainable peace. Ukraine is ready for this. Only Russia is dragging its foot and looking for pretexts to continue the war.