By Monsi A. Serrano
For those unfamiliar with the historical context behind Ukraine’s determined defense against Russian aggression, it is essential to understand the facts surrounding the unprovoked and illegal invasion launched by Russia on February 24, 2022. This invasion ignited a full-scale war—Europe’s largest and longest since World War II.
In 1994, Ukraine agreed to relinquish the world’s third-largest nuclear arsenal—leftover from the Soviet Union—under the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances. In return, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia pledged to respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and existing borders. This agreement was made in line with Ukraine’s accession to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as a non-nuclear-weapon state.
While France and China did not co-sign the Budapest Memorandum, both issued separate diplomatic statements echoing support for Ukraine’s security and sovereignty—conditional, again, on Ukraine’s decision to give up its nuclear weapons. Ukraine fully complied without reservation, trusting that these global powers would uphold their assurances.
It was a monumental act of good faith—and a leap toward a more peaceful, nuclear-free world.
However, this faith was shattered in 2014, not 2022 as some mistakenly believe, when Russia invaded and illegally annexed Crimea. This marked the first blatant violation of the Budapest Memorandum. Then, in 2022, Russia escalated its aggression into a full-blown invasion, aiming to dismantle Ukrainian statehood altogether. These acts represent not only a betrayal of Ukraine but also a violation of international law and a direct affront to the global non-proliferation regime.
The memorandum also stipulated that if Ukraine became the target of aggression, it could seek redress and assistance through the United Nations Security Council. Ironically, Russia—a permanent member of the Council with veto power—became the aggressor.
To put the power imbalance into perspective: Russia is nearly 30 times larger than Ukraine, both in territory and in military might. Similarly, China is over 30 times larger than the Philippines, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion compared to the Philippines’ 110 million. Neither Ukraine nor the Philippines could credibly pose a threat to such giants. Yet both are targets of bullying.
Peace-loving nations like Ukraine and the Philippines have historically shown restraint. But when pushed to the brink, they will not cower. They will resist aggression, as Ukrainians have done valiantly for over three years now.
So, who is to blame for this global crisis?
It is clear: The party that broke its word, ignored international norms, and chose imperial conquest over peace. In Ukraine’s case, Russia betrayed not just Ukraine, but also the world, undermining the very foundations of global nuclear disarmament and diplomatic trust.
The parallel with China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea is unmistakable. When powerful nations use their size to impose their will, they erode the rule of law and endanger global stability.
As the saying goes, “The reason why people fail is not because they are weak—but because they thought they were strong.”
Might does not make right. There will be a reckoning—not always swift, but surely just.
What do you think?
