No Country Can Annex Its Neighbor EU Officials

(MENAFN- UkrinForm) That is according to a joint statement issued by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

"Today, four years ago Russia started its full-scale and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Once again, we pay tribute to the brave people of Ukraine, who continue to resist and defend their country," the statement reads.

The officials recalled that Russia had not achieved its military objectives in Ukraine.

"As Russia cannot advance on the battle ground, it deliberately targets Ukrainian civilian and critical infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, hospitals, schools and residential buildings in the midst of a severe winter. Ukrainians remain formidable in their fortitude, determination and resilience," they said.

Read also: Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa arrive in Kyiv

Costa, von der Leyen, and Metsola stressed that the European Union has stood firmly with Ukraine and its people from the very first day of Russia's aggression.

They said their objective was "a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law," adding that they support all efforts aimed at achieving such a peace – a peace with dignity and long-term security.

"Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is the cornerstone. No country can annex its neighbor. Borders cannot be changed by force. The aggressor cannot be rewarded. In the current challenging international and geopolitical environment, we stress the importance of maintaining transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine," the statement reads.

The three senior officials said the European Union would continue providing comprehensive political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people.

They recalled that the EU remains Ukraine's biggest donor.

"In addition to the close to EUR 200 billion of support since 2022, European leaders have agreed to provide to Ukraine EUR 90 billion in 2026-27 to help ensuring that Ukraine can meet its urgent budgetary and defense needs and remain strong in the face of Russia's attacks. EUR 60 billion of this support package will be spent on military needs (the 'Porcupine program'). The first payment will be made as soon as possible," they said.

The statement also noted that this winter, the EU and its member states have delivered "unprecedented energy assistance to Ukraine, alongside air defense and anti-drone systems, as well as humanitarian aid."

"A new support package for emergency delivery of generators and humanitarian aid. To enhance Ukraine's energy resilience and avoid a repeat of today's emergency, we are working with Ukraine on a new energy security and preparedness plan focusing on repair of and reinforcement of grids, quick restart of damaged power plants and rapid deployment of decentralized renewables power production," the EU leaders said.

They reaffirmed their determination to put further pressure on Russia to stop its aggression and engage in meaningful negotiations towards peace.

"We are determined to increase the pressure on Russia's energy and financial sector and to take additional measures against the shadow fleet," Costa, von der Leyen, and Metsola said.

At the same time, they are planning efforts to support Ukraine after the war.

The European Union and its member states, in line with their respective competences, are ready to contribute to robust and credible security guarantees to ensure that Russia can never attack Ukraine again, the statement said.

"We will make sure that Russia will be held accountable for the crimes committed and the damage it has caused. We are committed to operationalizing the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and an International Claims Commission for Ukraine, both within the framework of the Council of Europe, as soon as possible," they said.

The three EU officials stressed that the future of a secure and prosperous Ukraine lies in the European Union.

"Ukraine has made significant progress on the EU accession reforms under very challenging circumstances. Ukraine can count on our full support on its EU accession and its post-war reconstruction. We stand firm with Ukraine. For a just and lasting peace. For a strong and sovereign Ukraine in a strong and sovereign Europe," the statement said.

Photo: freepik

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