The Treaty of Non-Aggression between Germany and the USSR, the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, was signed 87 years ago, on August 23, 1939. 

Two totalitarian monsters, the Third Reich and the Soviet Union, shook hands and agreed to divide Europe via secret protocols. 

Soon after, they tore apart Poland and triggered World War II. 

Soviet and Nazi troops even held a joint parade in Brest to celebrate their “achievement”. 

The consequences of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact for our region, Europe, and the world have been catastrophic: years of devastating war followed by decades of division, persecution, and subjugation for many nations. 

It is shameful that for decades, Putin’s regime has been making every effort to justify the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, conceal uncomfortable facts, and rewrite history to fit Russia’s ideological myths. 

Together, we must defend historical justice and not allow Moscow to manipulate the past. 

The lesson of 1939 for 2026 is clear: appeasement invites a bigger war instead of safeguarding peace.  

Today, there is no greater task than preventing a larger war in Europe by increasing support for Ukraine’s defense and raising pressure on Russia to make it end its aggression.  

To achieve this, we need unity in Europe and beyond in standing up for our shared values and principles.