Georgia, Montenegro condemn Russian attack on Ukraine

By Omer Faruk Yildiz

GENEVA (AA) - Georgia and Montenegro condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine on Wednesday.

Russia is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, “which is supposedly the guarantor of peace and security, its attack on Ukraine, a clear violation of international norms, is particularly worrying,” Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia said at the 49th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council.

“Ukraine cannot be punished because of the choice it made concerning its national security,” he said, adding that Georgia stands in solidarity with Ukraine.

“We reiterate our support for independent Ukraine within its internationally-recognized borders that included Crimea and Donbas,” added Darsalia.

He said Ukraine’s struggle for freedom would constitute a model for future generations.

Montenegrin Foreign Minister Dorde Radulovic argued that the Russian attack on Ukraine is a violation of UN principles.

“We call for an immediate cease-fire of the armed conflict that caused civilian deaths,” he said.

Since Russia's war on Ukraine began Feb. 24, it has been met by outrage from the international community, with the EU, UK and US implementing a range of economic sanctions on Russia.

At least 136 civilians, including 13 children, have been killed and 400 others, including 26 children, injured in Ukraine, according to UN figures.

Around 680,000 people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, the international body said Tuesday.​​​​​​​

* Written by Ahmet Gencturk