One year ago today, Russian troops invaded Ukraine. Vladimir Putin’s war had commenced, changing the lives of everyone in Ukraine.

Cities turned from places full of life, to literal battlefields. Instead of places where people would walk to work, take children to school or shop, buildings were levelled, streets were filled with broken down or destroyed vehicles, including ones used by the military such as tanks.

The world looked on in horror as so many people were killed. War had returned to Europe.

The Ukrainian government put up a tremendous fight, not only holding off Russian forces, but even pushing them back. The bravery of the Ukrainian people is there for all to see.

But so many lives have been lost on both sides – Ukrainian and Russian soldiers, and also so many innocent Ukrainian civilians. The war could easily be described as a mass tragedy.

Soldiers who pass away leave behind loved ones who mourn them. Families have been torn apart.

People fled from Ukraine to neighbouring countries in the hope of remaining safe.

Then there are the reports of Russian atrocities, such as the mass grave in Bucha. Once the war is over, those who committed war crimes and atrocities must answer to justice.

The international community has imposed sanctions, many Western businesses left Russia, but the war still goes on.

Malta is currently the President of the UN Security Council. It is a role which the country doesn’t take lightly.

While Malta must call for peace and an end to the war, it is obvious that the only way peace can be achieved is by Russia leaving Ukraine.  The international community must keep up the pressure on Russia. A strong message must continue to be sent, that it is not acceptable to invade your neighbour.

The war has also had international repercussions. The cost of certain goods, for instance, is linked to the ongoing war. But regardless of this, Ukraine must not be left on its own. EU countries have done well to support it.

Countries came together to help the Ukrainians who were displaced by the war. We must continue to help these people. Humanitarian aid is also being provided, and Malta is doing its bit to help in that regard. The importance of such aid must not be downplayed.

One hopes that the Russian Military will withdraw from Ukraine, so that peace can again return soon. In a world where people are so close today than they were in the past, war shouldn’t have any place. All the resources that have been wasted because of Putin’s aggression could have been put to helping solve other crises around the world.

Global warming, climate change, poverty… these are all issues that must also be a priority. The sooner peace comes, the quicker we can focus on them.