Ukraine warns Russia could redraw European borders like in 1939 Hitler-Stalin pact
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The Russian regime, just as it did 86 years ago during the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, is once again trying to divide Europe. The West must learn from history and prevent a repeat of past mistakes, reports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
"Eighty-six years ago, on August 23, 1939, the Treaty of Non-Aggression between Germany and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, known as the 'Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact,' was signed in Moscow, along with its secret protocols. In these agreements, Hitler and Stalin agreed to divide Europe," the statement said.
The ministry noted that this pact set the stage for World War II. The Nazi and Communist regimes jointly attacked Poland and divided it, marking the beginning of a multi-year slaughter that claimed tens of millions of lives.
Today, the lessons of that history remain critical. The Kremlin, like 86 years ago, seeks to carve out "spheres of influence" and redraw borders in Europe by force. Ignoring the threats posed by the Russian regime could result in a global catastrophe.
"At that time, the short-sighted and cowardly policies ultimately resulted in the deaths of 70 to 85 million people, unprecedented atrocities and destruction, and a global catastrophe for humanity. The international community must not repeat these mistakes today," the ministry said.
The ministry also emphasized that Russia, which launched the largest war in Europe since 1939-1945, is actively trying to distort reality and whitewash the crimes of the USSR. Combating Russian propaganda is essential to preserving historical truth.
"In the context of the current situation, we once again express our support for the efforts to achieve peace through strength, led by the United States and personally by US President Donald Trump, with the active role of European allies," the statement added.
To achieve a just peace for Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said that pressure on Russia must be intensified. A fair conclusion to the war would demonstrate that Western countries have learned the right lessons from the past.
"The law of force must never become superior to the force of international law, and the desire for peace cannot be a reason for appeasing an aggressor. The events of the past must be a lesson we have learned, not a mistake we have repeated. Together, we are capable of protecting the world from this," the ministry concluded.
Latest updates on the peace process
The ministry believes that Ukraine, the United States, and European partners are gradually making progress on security guarantees, despite Moscow's attempts to derail the peace process. At the same time, the Kremlin's leader is not ready for a meeting.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine does not want to impose additional conditions to start dialogue. According to Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian side is waiting for agreement on a specific date and location for the meeting. Meanwhile, Russia continues to issue new conditions.
