As Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day on August 24, marking 32 years since it emerged from Soviet rule, the country finds itself at a pivotal moment in its struggle for freedom. This battle extends beyond national borders, impacting Europe and the broader global community.
Svitlana Romanko, Founder and Executive Director of Razom We Stand, highlights that Ukraine has been enduring a brutal and unprovoked invasion by Russia for over a decade. Cities have been devastated, civilians terrorized, and sovereignty constantly under threat. The fight for Ukraine’s independence is not only a national issue but a global call for solidarity and action.
Recent developments underscore the urgency of this call. Last month, Russia launched a series of missile attacks targeting Ukraine, including a strike on the Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital, the largest pediatric center in the country. The attack, which resulted in at least 36 deaths and over 140 injuries, forced young patients to receive treatment outside while the hospital was evacuated. The destruction caused was estimated at $200-250 million—equivalent to Russia’s daily earnings from crude oil exports.
The financial resources fueling Russia’s aggression are derived from its oil and gas revenues. Each dollar spent on Russian fossil fuels contributes to the violence and suffering faced by Ukrainians. President Vladimir Putin is using these revenues to bolster his expansionist agenda and sustain his military campaign.
The international community must confront the root cause of this crisis: the dependence on Russian fossil fuels. Despite sanctions imposed by the EU, G7, and UK, Russia has exploited loopholes to maintain its financial resources. Since the full-scale invasion began, Russia has accrued over €700 billion from fossil fuel sales. With daily earnings of over €270 million from crude oil and around €600 million from all fossil fuels combined, these revenues significantly fund Russia’s military budget.
In addition to financing aggression, Russia’s substantial Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects have exacerbated climate change, costing the EU over €650 billion since 1980. However, there is a silver lining. The war in Ukraine has accelerated global efforts toward energy independence and sustainability. Europe ended the last winter with record levels of fossil gas in storage, showcasing the success of increasing renewable energy production.
Renewable energy sources are proving to be more cost-effective and reliable compared to fossil fuels. They present solutions to issues such as supporting authoritarian regimes, contributing to environmental degradation, and exacerbating economic challenges. The progress made by Ukraine and other nations in adopting renewable energy serves as an inspiring example.
To weaken Putin’s military actions and advance global energy security, it is crucial to eliminate Russian fossil fuels from the global market. The transition away from these fuels is essential for both undermining Russia’s war capabilities and achieving necessary climate goals.
As Ukraine reflects on its resilience and the high cost of its fight for freedom this Independence Day, Romanko calls on the global community to unite with Ukraine. The struggle for sovereignty, democracy, and human rights is a shared global responsibility. Immediate action is needed to sever the financial lifeline sustaining Russia’s war efforts.
The transition away from Russian fossil fuels is challenging, but the cost of inaction is far greater. The world must act decisively to prevent further loss of Ukrainian lives and uphold international law and human rights. This Independence Day should mark a decisive stand against tyranny and a commitment to global freedom and justice.
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