Ukraine can count on full support in EU accession and post-war reconstruction - statement by Presidents of EC, EP, and European Council
Under very difficult circumstances, Ukraine has made significant progress in European integration reforms, and its future lies within the European Union, according to a joint statement by the presidents of the European Commission, the European Council, and the European Parliament on the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion by Russia into Ukraine, published Tuesday morning.
"The future of a secure and prosperous Ukraine lies within the European Union. Ukraine has made significant progress in reforms aimed at EU accession under very difficult circumstances. Ukraine can count on our full support in EU accession and post-war reconstruction. We firmly support Ukraine. We stand for a just and lasting peace. We stand for a strong and sovereign Ukraine in a strong and sovereign Europe," the text of the statement reads.
The heads of the European Commission, the European Council, and the European Parliament emphasize that Russia "has not achieved its military goals in Ukraine" and therefore "deliberately attacks Ukrainian civilian and critical infrastructure," but Ukrainians "remain impressive in their resilience, determination, and endurance."
They also emphasized fundamental support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
"Our goal is a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine, based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law. We 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. Russia cannot be rewarded," the statement says.
It is emphasized that the European Union "will continue to provide comprehensive political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people," and the first payment from the EUR 60 billion portion of the EUR 90 billion loan intended for military needs "will be made as soon as possible."
"Putin’s war of attrition is relentlessly draining Russia, and we intend to exert further pressure on Russia to end its aggression and begin meaningful peace negotiations. We intend to increase pressure on Russia’s energy and financial sectors and take additional measures against the shadow fleet," the statement reads.
It is also noted that the EU and its member states, in accordance with their competencies, "are ready to contribute to reliable and credible security guarantees so that Russia can never attack Ukraine again."
"We will ensure that Russia is held accountable for the crimes committed and the damage it has caused. We aim to establish a Special Tribunal to address the crimes of aggression against Ukraine and an International Commission for claims regarding Ukraine as soon as possible, both within the framework of the Council of Europe," the statement emphasizes.
