Putin attacks, Trump Cala

In the cold dawn of April, another Ukrainian city woke up under the sound of sirens and explosions. Sumy, located a few kilometers from the Russian border, was violently attacked. The terror that fell over defenseless civilians is another proof, if necessary, that this war is not just a territorial conflict: it is a battle between democracy and tyranny.

I know Ukraine well. I visited the country several times before the invasion of February 2022 and was in Kiev two years ago, already in the middle of war. I saw with my own eyes what Ukrainian courage represents. I saw young people who, instead of crossing their arms or running away, were rebuilding schools, organizing solidarity campaigns, resisting with hope. I saw a nation determined to be European, to live in freedom.

Therefore, when Sumy is attacked, it is Europe that is being challenged. When a school is destroyed or a hospital is reached, the founding values ​​of the European Union – peace, solidarity, human dignity – are concerned.

We cannot get tired of Ukraine. We cannot distract or accept as ‘normal’ that a sovereign state is bombarded weekly. Each attack is a brutal reminder that peace is never guaranteed: conquers, protects itself, defends itself.

Unfortunately, we watched an disappointing response of international figures who should be advocates of freedom. Donald Trump chose to relativize the attack on Sumy, treating him as a smaller episode in a ‘distant’ conflict. This stance is not only morally indefensible, but strategically dangerous. To minimize Russian aggression is to make room for a regime that has proven that it does not respect borders or agreements. But it is also unfortunately revealing the agenda of the current White House tenant.

Russia continues, without shame, to ignore any appeal to ceasefire and lie about its intentions. Diplomatic statements are emptied of meaning whenever missiles fall on residential neighborhoods, whenever the Putin regime turns into target what should be protected by humanity: schools, hospitals, families.

The European response must remain firm and united. Military and humanitarian support is essential, but it is not enough. We need a clear commitment to the reconstruction of Ukraine, to its European future, with its young people. Because the Ukrainian people want to live in democracy, freedom, with opportunities – like anyone in Lisbon, Paris or Warsaw.

The attack on Sumy is not just another news in the newspapers. It is an appeal to action. It is a sign that our struggle for western values ​​continues. And, as always, it is up to us to be on the right side of the story.