Why support for Ukraine

RUSSIA'S ENCROACHMENT A GROSS VIOLATION OF UN CHARTER

- GJERMUND SAETHER

Most nations in Europe thought we had left behind the era of war and invasion against neighbouring countries after World War II.

The 50 million dead in World War II birthed the UN Charter which was meant to stop wars between states.

For decades, the number of inter-state conflicts decreased.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine takes us back to an era in which the state of play between countries is decided on the principle of "might is right", meaning the strong can do as they wish, without consideration of morals, norms or laws, and can deprive independent countries of their self-determination and violate their sovereignty.

Like big, bellicose European powers in the past, Russia blames the war on Nato's socalled expansion.

Norway has been a member since 1949. Like all the alliance members we joined it voluntarily after a democratic process.

Nato is a defensive alliance, and not a threat to anyone.

Today's Russia, on the other hand, is an existential threat to its neighbours.

It was Russia that invaded parts of Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine in 2014 and 2022.

The rest of Europe does not accept Russia's invasion, which is why Europe is united against its invasion.