UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force reaffirms support for Ukraine, condemns Russian aggression

By Muhammad Mussa

LONDON (AA) - The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), a British-led military coalition of northern European states, on Tuesday reaffirmed its support and commitment to Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion.

The coalition, which includes several nations bordering Russia, also reaffirmed its commitment to the restoration of peace and security in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and called on Moscow to cease its military offensives in the country.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms Putin’s brutal attack against Ukraine, its territorial integrity and people. This is a clear violation of the sovereignty, freedom and independence of a democratic European country and a flagrant breach of Russia’s obligations under international law,” the JEF said in a statement after a London meeting where British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hosted the leaders of the JEF countries.

“We call upon Russia to implement and uphold an immediate ceasefire to halt the developing humanitarian crisis and allow rapid and unimpeded access for Ukraine’s civilian population to food, water and medical aid. Russia must respect international humanitarian law,” the statement added.

The force called on the Kremlin to urgently implement a ceasefire in order to prevent the unfolding of a humanitarian crisis. Moscow should also enable rapid and unobstructed access to food, water and medical supplies to the civilian population affected by the military offensive.

The alliance also lent its support to the International Criminal Court, which has launched an investigation into alleged war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine. Further sanctions will also be imposed on Russia and its ally Belarus in acting as a launchpad for the invasion of Ukraine, it said.

“The world will hold Russia to account for its actions. (Russian President Vladimir) Putin must fail. We are working in lockstep with Allies and international partners to impose unprecedented sanctions on Putin’s regime in response to its illegal invasion, and to ensure that Belarus is also held to account for its involvement,” said the statement.

“We call on Putin to de-escalate, withdraw his forces and return Ukraine to its internationally recognised boundaries. We are steadfast in our commitment to support Ukraine in the face of this unconscionable attack and pay tribute to the courage and resolve of the Ukrainian people, led by President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy.”

The JEF assured European nations of its commitment to uphold the security architecture and infrastructure of the continent against Russian aggression by working with NATO and the EU and reducing the continent’s dependence on Russian oil and gas.

The Joint Expeditionary Force is a northern European security coalition of the UK, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway.