The Liberal Party is acutely aware of the rise in tensions in Europe in the face of a sustained campaign of blatant acts of sabotage and hybrid warfare driven by Russia.
This campaign has already passed the threshold that in less enlightened ages would have escalated to armed conflict as happened in August 1914 and September 1939 with the deplorable loss of life this entailed.
Whilst we welcome this weekend peace discussion in Moscow and Kyiv, the US Presidents at best ambiguous stance on peace in Ukraine, and his admiration for authoritarian leaders, such as in Russia has embolden the current hostile environment.
We believe that all parties must now work towards a permanent ceasefire and stability in eastern Ukraine and Russia, supported by international organisations such as the UN and the EU.