Sibiha: Russia Is Trying to Divide the West on Three Levels

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in a speech at the Nordic Council plenary session in Helsinki that Russia's strategic aim is to weaken the unity of the West and Ukraine by splitting allies both internationally and within individual countries. According to the news site unian.net, Moscow is paying special attention to next year, when elections will take place in many European Union (EU) countries. This matters because support for Ukraine relies largely on allied unity.

Three levels of division

Sybiha cited information held by Ukrainian intelligence services indicating that Russia is working in three directions. In the minister's words, first, Moscow is trying to split Europe and the United States. Second, it wants to create disagreements between EU and NATO member states. Third, it is trying to divide European countries from within.

He stressed that next year will be especially important for Russia, as more than half of the EU's population will vote in elections.

The response: unity

Sybiha believes the answer must be unity on all three levels: between Europe and the US, between EU and NATO members, and within the societies of democratic countries.

The minister pointed to the importance of cooperation among Northern European and Baltic states, Poland, Ukraine and NATO allies in the Black Sea region. In his view, these countries share common values, a realistic view of Russia and a conviction that Europe needs to be strong and united.

"Enough of grey zones and spheres of influence. Together we must become a united force that decides its own fate," Sybiha said. He added that Europe and Ukraine need their own capabilities to protect their airspace and provide communications, including satellite communications.