Russia exploits memory of World War II to justify aggression; Ukrainian Ambassador to Moldova says Ukraine fighting for freedom

The Russian Federation is trying to turn the memory of the Second World War into a propaganda tool to justify a new act of aggression against Ukraine, warned Ukraine’s Ambassador to Moldova Paun Rohovey. In his speech at the national scientific conference, 9 May: Commemoration, Reconciliation and European Unity, the Ukrainian diplomat stressed that the world war had been made possible also due to the agreements between the Nazi and Soviet totalitarian regimes, as well as the inability of the international community to stop the aggressor in time.

“We must say it openly: the Second World War was also made possible due to the agreements between the Nazi and Soviet totalitarian regimes, as well as the inability of the international community to stop the aggressor in time. This lesson remains relevant today. Unfortunately, the Russian Federation is trying to turn the memory of the Second World War into a propaganda tool to justify a new act of aggression against Ukraine,” said Paun Rohovey.

The ambassador condemned the fact that, at present, Russian propaganda distorts reality by labelling defenders of freedom as “Nazis” and portraying military aggression as “liberation”.

“The reality is different: Ukraine is fighting for freedom, independence and the right to decide its own future,” the diplomat underlined, recalling that such cities as Bucha, Irpin and Mariupol have become symbols of war crimes.

Rohovey said that those responsible for such atrocities must be brought to justice before international courts, not honoured at military parades, and he welcomed the support of the international community in investigating crimes of aggression.

In his speech, the ambassador thanked Moldova and Romania for the solidarity shown with Ukraine from the very first days of the war. He also highlighted the essential role of education and the academic community in combating disinformation and propaganda.

“Europe is not just a geographical space, but a community of values: freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human dignity,” noted Paun Rohovey, stressing that Ukraine and Moldova are walking together on the path of European integration.

The diplomat noted that history must unite peoples, not divide them, and that lasting peace in Europe can be ensured only through unity and consistency.

The Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine started on February 24, 2022, a date that marked a profound change in European security and triggered a broad wave of international condemnation.

Moldova firmly condemned the invasion from the very first hours, expressing political, humanitarian and diplomatic support for Ukraine, including by hosting refugees and aligning itself with the European Union’s positions on sanctions against the Russian Federation.

For its part, the European Union condemned the aggression and has provided constant and substantial support to Ukraine through financial, military and humanitarian assistance, as well as by opening the prospect of accession, reaffirming its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.