Marc Botenga MEP, a Belgian politician, is known for his opposition to the supply of arms to Ukraine and the sanctioning of Russian oil and gas. In his opinion, the best way to stop the Russia-Ukraine war is through diplomatic initiatives and negotiations. In this article, we will delve into his stance on these issues and his recommendations on how to bring peace to Ukraine.
Supplying arms to Ukraine is not the solution: Marc Botenga MEP
Despite being appalled by the atrocities committed by the Russian army in Ukraine, Marc Botenga is against the supply of arms to Ukraine. He believes that adding more weapons will not bring a quick ceasefire. Instead, he calls on the European Union to take a diplomatic initiative to obtain a ceasefire. He notes that since the start of the war, many countries have made attempts at mediation or diplomatic initiatives, but the European Union has not made any major diplomatic initiatives. He introduced a proposal, but it was rejected.
Marc Botenga believes that any war is a failure of diplomacy. He notes that negotiations have been ongoing between Ukrainians and Russians, under the aegis of Turkey. He wonders why it is the Turkish President who should take this initiative rather than the European Union. He feels that the European Union has a long tradition of negotiations and should take the lead in diplomatic initiatives. He emphasizes that we need to do everything to achieve a ceasefire; otherwise, people will continue to die.
Marc Botenga’s thoughts on sanctioning Russian oil and gas
Marc Botenga does not support the request for a total embargo on gas and oil from Russia. He notes that the sanctions imposed by the European Union since 2014 have not stopped Vladimir Putin from doing what he is doing. He also believes that there will be a direct impact on companies and workers in Europe if the embargo is implemented. Finally, he believes that the embargo will have an impact on the rest of the world.
Marc Botenga recommendations on How to Stop War in Ukraine through Negotiations
Marc Botenga believes that the military stalemate in Ukraine creates an opportunity for a political solution. He notes that the probability of Russia winning the war by occupying all of Ukraine militarily is close to zero. However, a Ukrainian victory, which is understood as the total liberation of Ukrainian territory from Russian occupation, is unlikely. Therefore, he believes that a political solution is necessary.
He calls for peace negotiations to stop the bombs. He notes that after a year of war, the number of dead is estimated to be around 200,000. Whole neighborhoods are destroyed, and the central infrastructure of the country is devastated. He notes that each additional day of war worsens this inhuman toll. He emphasizes that with the front line frozen for months, now is the time to take action.
Peace Between Russia and Ukraine through Minsk Agreement
The violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity by Russia is unacceptable, according to Marc Botenga, Russia’s recognition of the independence of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine is in breach of international law, and a return to the Minsk peace accords of 2015 is urgently required to de-escalate the situation. The conflict in Ukraine began when a pro-Western government was installed, and Russian speakers in the east of the country resisted the government’s decision to abolish a language law that gave Russian official language status in 13 regions. The Minsk agreements were designed to end the conflict, but Ukraine has not implemented the agreed constitutional reforms, and the conflict continues. Discussions must focus on a new security architecture for Europe, including a potential neutrality status for Ukraine to avoid an offensive by NATO on Russia’s borders. Putin is using maneuvers previously used by Western powers to justify Russia’s actions, and a precedent set by Western countries recognizing Kosovo’s independence and Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights. Respect for international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter must be the basis for a peaceful resolution of conflicts
In conclusion, Marc Botenga MEP is against the supply of arms to Ukraine and the sanctioning of Russian oil and gas. Instead, he calls on the European Union to take a diplomatic initiative to obtain a ceasefire. He believes that negotiations are necessary to bring peace to Ukraine. He notes that the military stalemate in Ukraine creates an opportunity for a political solution. He urges leaders to take urgent action to tackle the energy crisis and stop the bombs in Ukraine.
