Norway must stand up for the Ukrainians – Our Country
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It may not be so easy to take in the consequences of a war on European soil. If Russia invades Ukraine, it will mean great loss of life, perhaps tens of thousands. It will also mean great human suffering, enormous humanitarian needs and a refugee dream that Europe has not seen for decades. With its 42 million inhabitants, Ukraine is a large country in Europe, with the consequences a war will have for the continent.
Rapid Russian occupation
Sources in American intelligence have warned that an attack could happen already this week, if it happens at all. There is probably no one but Vladimir Putin himself who knows if an attack will come, and when it will happen.
If the Russians attack, Norway and other Western allies of Ukraine should stand up for the Ukrainian people. The refugees must be allowed to come to European countries, and the humanitarian aid to the Ukrainians must be massive. As a great humanitarian power, Norway can and should take on an important leadership role.
– Our country
If that happens, it is likely that the Russian military will be completely superior to the Ukrainian defense. In such a situation, Ukraine will be occupied in a very short time.
If the Russians attack, Norway and other Western allies of Ukraine should stand up for the Ukrainian people. The refugees must be allowed to come to European countries, and the humanitarian aid to the Ukrainians must be massive. As a great humanitarian power, Norway can and should take on an important leadership role.
War is contempt for life
In addition, an invasion will provoke Norway’s military position on Ukraine’s independence. The right thing to do would be to support Ukraine militarily against Russian aggression. At the same time, it would be entirely appropriate for a possible Russian invasion to have consequences for the Norwegian Armed Forces. A massive strengthening of the defense budget should be one of the most important priorities. The situation in Ukraine shows that European security alone cannot depend on relations with NATO. The country must prepare itself.
War is contempt for life. Wars are civilians lying dead in collapsed buildings. Wars are bombers and rockets that destroy a European capital. It is therefore absolutely crucial that all attempts at diplomatic solutions are thin until the last second, as long as there is hope and opportunity. It owes all the Ukrainian people.