UKRAINE – ALBA Reaction

Reacting to events overnight in Ukraine ALBA Westminster Leader Neale Hanvey MP said:

“ALBA condemns the violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russian recognition of the Donetsk and Luhansk as independent republics is a serious breach of the Minsk protocols.

“This is a moment for cool heads and careful words if we are to avoid a Cuban Missile Crisis in reverse. We need an intensification of diplomatic efforts, dialogue and restraint. A hot war in Europe could quickly spiral with catastrophic consequences stretching far beyond the economy.

“Sanctions can and should be introduced and in terms of dirty London money are long overdue but they must be carefully targeted if they are not to be counterproductive to our own economic security. The spike in energy prices is already being felt in every household across these islands.

“The task is, as it has always been, how to ensure respect for Ukraine’s rights as an independent country including the recognition of the rights of the Russian speaking minority as stated in the Minsk accords. All of which has to be reconciled with Russia’s own security interests. That requires our acceptance that assurances were offered in the 1990s about NATO expansion eastward which have not been kept.

“The emphasis at this critical moment should be on de-escalation not escalation. At the end of the day conflict can only be resolved through dialogue and negotiation.”