EU leaders issue statement on anniversary of Russia's attack on Ukraine

BRUSSELS. Feb 24 (Interfax-Ukraine) – On the occasion of the anniversary of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the Heads of State and Government of the member states of the European Union, Presidents of the European Council Charles Michel and the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen issued a statement: we will not rest until the restoration of peace and an independent, sovereign Ukraine.

The text of the statement was distributed by the European Council in Brussels on Thursday.

“One year ago, Putin’s Russia started its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. The Ukrainian people have shown incredible strength in defending their homeland and the core principles of international law against the Russian aggression. They have shown resolve in defending democracy and freedom, resilience in the face of hardship and dignity when confronted with Russia’s crimes,” they said.

The presidents said in the statement the Ukrainian people “have shown the world that the future of Ukraine is for the Ukrainians to decide.” “No country has the right to invade its neighbour or violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This aggression is a crime against peace. It violates the UN Charter, the UN principles and the values of mankind. We cannot and should not remain passive in front of such crimes,” the leaders said.

They said Russia “has systematically targeted civilians, destroyed cities and attacked Ukrainian identity.” “We are determined to ensure that all those who are responsible for war crimes and other most serious crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine are held to account,” the leaders said.

In addition, they stated Russia had weaponized food, energy, made “deeply irresponsible nuclear threats and spread false narratives about the war.” “Russia’s war of aggression and its consequences have significantly affected many countries notably through its impact on the global economy, food and commodity prices. The European Union will continue to work with partners to mitigate these effects and to provide assistance to the countries and people most in need,” the top officials said in the statement.

The leaders also said the European Union and its partners “acted swiftly and in unity.” “And we will continue to stand firmly and in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes. All Ukrainians deserve to live in peace and choose freely their own destiny. Ukraine is part of our European family. Ukrainians have expressed their wish for a future within the European Union and we have acknowledged that by granting Ukraine the status of candidate country. The choice of the people of Ukraine is one of peace, democracy, rule of law, respect for fundamental rights and prosperity,” according to the statement.

In addition, the leaders assured that the European Union will continue to support Ukraine in political, economic, humanitarian, financial and military terms, including through coordinated purchases from European industry. “We will also support Ukraine’s reconstruction, for which we will strive to use frozen and immobilised Russian assets in accordance with EU and international law. We will further increase collective pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression. To this end we will adopt a tenth sanctions package and we will take steps against those who attempt to circumvent EU measures,” according to the statement.

The leaders also said they support the peace formula of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “Together with our international partners, we will make sure that Ukraine prevails, that international law is respected, that peace and Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders are restored, that Ukraine is rebuilt, and that justice is done,” they said.