Stano: Putin's speech proves his desperation after failures in Ukraine, signals international community that he's interested in war, not peace

BRUSSELS. Sept 21 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The "referenda" and partial mobilizations announced by President of Russia Vladimir Putin prove his desperation after the Russian occupation army’s failure in Ukraine, as well as signals the international community that he is interested in the war, and not peace.

Lead Spokesperson of the European Commission for Foreign Affairs Peter Stano said this during a press briefing in Brussels on Wednesday.

"The speech of President Putin and announcements both on these ‘referenda’ and on the partial mobilization. This is just another proof of Putin that he is not interested in peace, that he is interested in escalating his war of aggression. This is also yet another sign of his desperation with how his aggression is going against Ukraine and as I mentioned these announcements of this partial mobilization and together with the confirmation of the ‘referenda’ – this is a clear signal also to the entire international community, especially during this crucial week in the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York. This is a clear signal to them that he is only interested in further advancing and continuing his destructive war which had already so many bad consequences worldwide, not only for Ukraine, in terms of so many atrocities committed. But it has negative consequences for every country in the world because it is fueling the food crisis, the energy crisis," he said.

Stano also said that Putin’s speech "is just showing to the international community that he wants to continue, not to contribute to solutions of this crisis, but he wants to make this crisis deeper and continue with his war."

"This aggression has negative consequences not only for Ukraine, not only for the world community, but also for the Russian population itself. And it is not only an attack against Ukraine, it is an attack against the core principles of the international community, UN Charter and basically attack against every peace loving country that is subscribed to the principles of the international law," he said.

Asked whether the EU is in war with Russia, Stano said, "Of course we are not in war with Russia. We are supporting Ukraine’s legitimate, justified fight to defend its people, its territory. And Ukrainians are fighting not only for their territory, independence and sovereignty of their nation. They are fighting also for our principles and values. They are fighting for the respect of international law and UN Charter. And we are supporting Ukraine in this fight 100%, because, as I said, Putin is not only attacking Ukraine. Putin has decided to attack the whole international community that believes in the rules on which the current world is being based."