Following the established pattern of European autocrats, and his own previous attacks against Georgia, Crimea and Eastern Ukraine, Russia’s ruler Vladimir Putin unleashed a savage multipronged Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 and warned the international community that intervening would lead to “consequences you have never seen.” Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are being killed by Russian invaders.

Article I Section 2 of the United Nations Charter states that one of this institution’s chief purposes is:

” To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace;”

Moreover, Article II, section 4 of the United Nations Charter states that:

“All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”

Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a democratic country with a people who have chosen to be Ukrainians, and have a history that stretches back centuries, is not only a crime against the people of Ukraine, but a violation of Article I Section 2 and Article II, Section 4 of the UN Charter.

The Russian dictator’s own statements reveal a desire to restore the 19th century Russian empire and also that of the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. This is an imperialist war.

Thus, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions not only violate the United Nations charter, but also make him a war criminal. The international community should immediately set up an international war crimes tribunal for Mr. Putin and any other Russians in the chain of command ordering the killing of any Ukrainians in this illegal invasion.

The Center for a Free Cuba condemns Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine, and calls for the international community to energetically denounce, severely sanction, and hold accountable the Russian regime.

We stand with Ukraine’s elected government and people, condemn Russian imperialism, and call for Russian war criminals to be brought to justice.