Yvette Cooper, the UK foreign secretary, said she does not trust Russia when it comes to establishing peace in Ukraine, stressing that economic sanctions against Moscow should be tightened.
Speaking at the “Security Guarantees for Ukraine” panel held as part of the 62nd Munich Security Conference in Germany, Cooper said that despite Ukraine’s peaceful initiatives, Russia has continued to take steps that escalate tensions.
Strongly condemning Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Cooper said:
“They want to plunge the Ukrainian people into darkness, condemning families, children and the elderly to the cold during the harshest days of winter. And yet, we are witnessing a powerful resistance in Ukraine.”
Cooper argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a strategic mistake by underestimating Ukraine and its people, adding: “Ukraine’s security is our security. That is why, over the past few years, we have all supported Ukraine not only militarily but also in areas such as energy infrastructure.”
“Europe must invest more in defense”
Emphasizing that any threat directed at Ukraine in fact undermines the security of all of Europe, Cooper said this is why unity across the continent has been strengthened through initiatives such as the Coalition of the Willing.
“We know that more investment in defense is needed across Europe,” she said, noting that steps to increase defense budgets are critical to Europe’s long-term security.
Cooper stressed that security guarantees for Ukraine are vital to preventing future attacks, stating:
“I do not believe there will be peace without security guarantees. Ukraine needs the reassurance that Putin is not simply taking a pause in order to rearm and return.”
Warning that a lasting but unjust peace would bring stability to no one, Cooper shared her views on ongoing ceasefire talks:
“I remain skeptical about Putin’s commitment to peace. I hope these talks bear fruit and we reach a peace agreement. But even so, we must increase economic pressure on Russia. That includes the pressure we are applying to Russian oil, natural gas and commercial shipping.”
Emphasis on higher defense spending
During the panel’s Q&A session, Cooper said sanctions have dealt a significant blow to the Russian economy. Referring to an operation last month in the Arctic involving a Russian vessel intercepted by US forces, she said such activities—also involving the UK—would continue.
She noted that the security guarantees pledged to Ukraine include monitoring a ceasefire and supporting the Ukrainian armed forces. “Supporting the Ukrainian military is the most important part of this,” Cooper said, adding that a multinational force made up of troops from other countries to support, train and equip Ukraine’s army would also be crucial.
Cooper concluded by warning that the threat posed by Russia extends beyond the battlefield to cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns and election interference, stressing that these risks are enduring for Europe and make increased defense spending a necessity.
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