Ukraine ambassador calls Russia's war 'more brutal than WWII'
Ukraine's ambassador to Moldova, Paun Rohovei, has called for a "just peace" for his country, describing Russia's war as "more brutal than World War II."
In an interview with the public broadcaster Moldova 1, the diplomat emphasized the importance of respecting Ukraine's territorial integrity and highlighted the solidarity of the United States and European countries in providing security guarantees for the Black Sea region. He also reiterated the commitment of both Ukraine and Moldova to join the European Union.
The ambassador said Ukraine wants to achieve peace more than anyone, but stressed it must be "just." "Because this war is not just a simple war; it's even more brutal than World War II. A great many crimes have been committed," Paun Rohovei declared on the "Dimensiunea Diplomatică" show on Moldova 1.
He warned against "a peace negotiated on terms imposed by the aggressor" and said failing to punish those responsible for war crimes would undermine international principles.
"If we do not hold accountable those who committed these crimes and who were at the heart of their planning, we risk trampling on everything we call civilization, values, international law, and international rules. From the very beginning, Ukraine has supported, based on the U.S. proposals, the initiative regarding a ceasefire. Only under such conditions—without preconditions from anyone—could we create a foundation for initiating peace talks," the Ukrainian diplomat pointed out.
Referring to his country's territorial integrity, the ambassador ruled out any possibility of concessions or land swaps.
"I would not talk about concessions or land swaps. We have a Constitution and a president elected through a free and democratic vote, who serves as the Constitution’s guarantor. We look to the future of our state as one whose territorial integrity and sovereignty will be respected. Otherwise, we risk taking a negative step in the history of international relations and in what we call international law. Violating the UN Charter, violating international law, would be a risk of chaos for the entire civilized world," Paun Rohovei cautioned.
In the same interview with journalist Ludmila Barbă, the ambassador highlighted the support Ukraine is receiving and the solidarity of European leaders and the United States.
"The territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine are the strong points from which any talks should begin," Rohovei stated, referring to the declarations of Western leaders after the Alaska summit.
He stressed that "the will, resilience, and heroism of Ukrainian soldiers, along with the support of citizens and leaders of the democratic world, are key to achieving a just peace." He added: "Ukraine wants to achieve this peace more than anyone."
"Ukraine is not only defending its independence"
Beyond defending its own borders, "Ukraine also protects democratic values," as well as all of Europe, Rohovei stressed.
"Practically, nothing has changed in this regard. (...) The entire civilized world is based on international law. I do not believe that this illusion of fatigue greatly influences the support that the entire democratic world is giving Ukraine today. Because more and more people are realizing that Ukraine is not only defending its independence but also the civilizational values shared by the entire democratic world," the diplomat emphasized.
In this context, the ambassador welcomed regional cooperation, especially the trilateral format between Ukraine, Romania, and Moldova, which demonstrates a consolidated stance against security challenges in the Black Sea region.
He said the foreign ministers of the three states discussed energy and cybersecurity, and countering Russia's hybrid warfare during a meeting in Chernivtsi in August.
The Ukrainian ambassador also wanted to address a special message of thanks to the citizens and authorities of Moldova for the support given to Ukraine, especially for hosting Ukrainian refugees, demonstrating "humanity and compassion."
"I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the people of the Republic of Moldova, the Government, the President of the Republic of Moldova, and Parliament for the political and practical support given to the country I represent. First and foremost, Moldova was the country that received a large part of the Ukrainian citizens who fled the war. Many of them have found a second home here," the diplomat recalled.
Paun Rohovei also reiterated the aspirations of both Ukraine and Moldova for EU integration.
"In Moldova, I have not met any ordinary person or dignitary who does not want a free future, a democratic future, or the conditions to prosper. Ukraine has made its choices and has become aware of the conditions under which these goals can be achieved: integration into a civilized world, integration into the EU," the Ukrainian diplomat concluded.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
