The EU will continue to meet Ukraine’s urgent military and defense needs, including supplies of much-needed ammunition and missiles.
European Council President Charles Michel, European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and European Parliament Robert Metzola issued a joint statement on the eve of the second anniversary of the start of Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine. The text of the statement was distributed on February 23 in Brussels, reports Interfax-Ukraine.
“The European Union will continue its strong and stable political, military, financial, economic, diplomatic and humanitarian support to help Ukraine defend itself, protect its people, its cities and critical infrastructure, restore the integrity of its territory, return thousands of deported children and end the war,” the statement said.
EU leaders noted that Ukrainian heroes have shown courage and determination in defending their homeland and fighting for their freedom and common European values, and that the European Union will always support freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
European Union leaders have declared that the beginning of Russia’s long-term aggression against Ukraine began with the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol 10 years ago.
“Russia and its leadership bear full responsibility for this war and its global consequences, as well as for the serious crimes committed. We remain determined to bring them to justice, including for crimes of aggression,” they assured.
EU leaders noted that Ukraine faces continued brutal and indiscriminate attacks from the Russian Federation on a daily basis.
“More than ever, we remain united and committed to our commitment to support Ukraine as long as necessary. For the people of Ukraine, for peace and security in Europe, and for the rules-based international order that prevail,” the statement said. .
It was also mentioned that the European Union has decided to start accession negotiations with Ukraine and will help it on its path to EU membership.
“The future of Ukraine lies in the European Union. The European Union will continue to provide regular and predictable financial support to Ukraine. A financial assistance package of €50 billion for 2024-2027 will help Ukraine meet its urgent its needs, rebuild its economy and society, modernize institutions and strengthen the rule of law,” EU leaders said.
They also expressed confidence that the EU will continue to meet Ukraine’s urgent military and defense needs, including the supply of much-needed ammunition and missiles.
“We have taken unprecedented steps at the EU level to boost the production of the European defense industry and we will continue to increase capacity, allowing us to strengthen our military support and cooperation with Ukraine, while strengthening the our defense readiness and European sovereignty. We are also working on future security commitments.” solutions that will help Ukraine defend itself, counter destabilization efforts and deter future acts of aggression,” the statement said.
EU leaders believe that Russia will pay a “big price for its actions.”
“Together with our partners, we have introduced unprecedented sanctions against Russia and those involved in the war, and remain committed to increasing pressure on Russia to limit its ability to wage war. We have also taken the first concrete steps to deliver emergency revenues from Russia’s immobilized assets in support of Ukraine. We will continue targeted actions to further isolate Russia in international forums,” they assured.
EU leaders also expressed support for the Ukrainian Peace Formula “for a just, comprehensive and strong peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, as well as all efforts to hold a Global Peace Summit with the widest possible international support.”
We remind you that the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Prime Minister of the Belgian presidency of the EU, Alexander de Croo, will visit Kyiv on Saturday, February 24.
It was also reported that the EU authorities adopted the 13th package of sanctions against the aggressor country Russia on the second anniversary of the start of a full-scale war against the Ukrainian people.
Source: korrespondent
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