The Atlantic Council of Montenegro strongly condemns the unjustified and unprovoked Russian attack on Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin once again showed his imperialist tendencies and chose the path of aggression against a sovereign and independent state.

This is a severe violation of the principles of international law and a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security. The sole responsibility for the death and destruction that this attack will bring lies with Russia and its President.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is not just an attack on a sovereign state, but a direct attack on democracy and its values. In order to protect his own authoritarian regime, Vladimir Putin is ready to endanger millions of lives. This horrible day for Ukraine and a dark day for Europe will have unforeseeable consequences, due to which the people of Ukraine and Russia will particularly suffer.

The fact is that Vladimir Putin will not stop in Ukraine. For that reason, special attention should be paid to the Western Balkans, which has proven to be a fertile ground for Russian operations. Putin will continue to destabilize this region and hinder its democratization and development.

For these reasons, it is crucial for NATO allies to show determination and strongly oppose the aggressor and the anti-democratic values that Putin is trying to impose on Ukraine, but also on the rest of Europe.

Also, at this critical moment, Montenegro must be a factor of stability in the Western Balkans that will lead the entire region on the path to the European Union. That is why it is of great importance to form a new European, pro-Western Government as soon as possible, which will stand up for the protection of Euro-Atlantic values, and which will oppose Russian influence both in the country and in the Western Balkans region.

President of the Atlantic Council of Montenegro

Dr. Savo Kentera