Putin is an authoritarian ruler, and like all his likes, he responds only to the strength of his opponents. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly wrote this in a column for the Times of Malta on the eve of his visit to Malta.
The British diplomat called Putin's unleashed war against Ukraine the biggest threat to Europe's security since 1945. After all, the dictator's appetites extend far beyond Ukraine's borders.
"Vladimir Putin's ambitions do not end with the conquest and annexation of Ukraine. He wants to overturn world politics and end the international order. And if he succeeds, he will return us all to an era of violence and conquest. But we cannot and will not let Putin win. Malta and Britain will never accept his invasion of Ukraine. Nor his violent annexations. His violent actions are a clear violation of the UN Charter," Cleverly wrote.
The British foreign minister stressed: Ukraine bears the brunt of Russian aggression. However, its echoes are felt in all corners of not only Europe, but also the whole world...
"The world is paying an exorbitant price for the war unleashed by Putin. A tsunami of hunger threatens the world's poorest countries. Rising energy prices will drive millions of people around the world back into poverty. And we must not forget the Russian people. They, too, have been captured by Putin," Cleverly declared.
However, the diplomat is convinced that there is a way to stop the bloody war, and it is just one: a substantial increase in military aid to the Ukrainian army and the Ukrainian people.
"Like all authoritarian rulers, Putin responds only to the strength of his opponents. Last December, he rejected Vladimir Zelensky's 10-point peace plan. This is why Britain and Ukraine's friends are doing everything they can to ensure that Ukraine succeeds on the battlefield. And that is why I am glad that Germany and the United States are joining Britain in sending tanks to the Ukrainians. Giving the Ukrainians the tools they need to complete the job is the fastest - and even only - way to peace," Cleverly stressed.
He also expressed his belief that as Europe enters the second year of a major war, European countries will need even more determination and willpower. There are many challenges ahead. But unity in the face of a common threat, including at the level of the UN Security Council, which is chaired by Malta, in the end will inevitably help "to make the world a better place.
We shall remind you that earlier the British Ministry of Defense showed the training of tanks of the AFU on Challenger 2. These tanks Britain is transferring to the Ukrainian army to help it prepare for the de-occupation of Ukraine.
The British defence ministry did not disclose details of the training of the Ukrainian military. It only noted that the AFU tankers quickly mastered the equipment and continue training.