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Medisina at Politika by Dr. Rey Pagtakhan  

A just peace in Ukraine in all its aspects

by Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan

G7On Tuesday June 10th, I received an e-mail from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) based in Winnipeg. It calls on the G7 nations – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and the United States of America – whose leaders gather for their summit on June 15-17 in Kananaskis, Alberta. The UCC e-mail has asked for “A Just Peace in Ukraine.”

Specifically, UCC has asked, among other things, for:

  1. a substantial increase in weapons and ammunition deliveries to Ukraine;
  2. continued provision of economic and financial support;
  3. a substantial increase in sanctions on Russia and the application of secondary sanctions to countries doing business with Russia;
  4. seizure of the $300 billion in Russian assets held in Western institutions and transfer of these funds to Ukraine for its defence and reconstruction; and
  5. an international tribunal that will hold Russia accountable for the war.

Recall that without any provocation, Russia invaded Ukraine on February 22, 2022. Yes, Putin’s unprovoked war on Ukraine is now in its third years. This is most certainly against international law! Most certainly a war against humanity. Most certainly based on one goal: Putin’s ambition for personal power, not for principle, not even for ideology.

It is laudable that Canada has repeatedly shown and expressed her full support for Ukraine and her people. Glad to watch that the European Union has been a pillar of unceasing commitment and vital support.

Sadly, however, the USA has in more recent times under President Trump equivocated on their support and, at times, might have unwittingly abetted Putin in his unbridled aggression and continuing occupation of parts of sovereign Ukraine. Many times it had appeared that way.

As of press time, the summit has not yet convened. Hopefully, the USA would have seized this year’s G7 Summit as the opportunity to once more unequivocally side with the Ukraine and her long-suffering people.

Hopefully, President Trump would have realized by now that Putin is not really interested in a ceasefire. Hopefully, the G7 Summit would re-affirm their collective support of Ukraine’s cause, and the USA would have joined in such a joint G7 statement.

Our Canadian Filipino community lends its support to UCC’s rally for “A Just Peace in Ukraine.” Indeed, it is a cry of humanity.

Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, is a retired pediatric chest physician, professor and former parliamentary secretary to the prime minister and cabinet minister in Jean Chretien and Paul Martin Liberal governments, including Secretary of State for Asia Pacific and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. He has lectured widely and published in medicine and on community affairs.