BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - RUSSIA’S invasion of Ukraine is not sitting well with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), as more than 1,030 lives have been lost thus far.
In a media statement issued late yesterday (Feb. 24), the community “strongly” condemned the military attacks and invasion of Ukraine by The Russian Federation and called for “the immediate and complete withdrawal of the military presence and cessation of any further actions that may intensify the current perilous situation in that country”.
Tensions have been significant between the two nations for several years after the Russians annexed a part of Ukraine, but Kyiv has sought to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), much to the displeasure of Moscow.
Now, after several weeks of denying that there would be an invasion, Putin approved military exercises within Ukraine and CARICOM has lashed out at the decision.
“The recognition by The Russian Federation of the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk represents a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.
“The hostilities against Ukraine go counter to the principles of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of another sovereign state and the prohibition on the threat or use of force, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, which are the bedrock of this Community,” the statement read.
CARICOM said it maintains that the principles of universal respect and adherence to the principles of international law are fundamental, and “calls on all parties involved to urgently embark on intensified diplomatic dialogue to immediately de-escalate hostilities and work towards a sustainable peace”.
The international community has ramped up pressure on Moscow to de-escalate the situation since lives have already been lost, and the ripple effects will be felt across the world, from gas to food prices will spike.
In Basseterre, the effects have already begun as the price of gas at the pumps have started to increase, and with no clear end in sight many across the world will begin to feel the effects in their pockets.
