Watch: ‘We Will Always Stand With You’ – Metsola Pledges EU’s Unwavering Support For Ukraine
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola pledged the EU’s continued support for Ukraine on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion.
As questions hover over the USA’s continued support of Ukraine and the outcome of peace talks with Russia, which the EU has been excluded from, Metsola made it clear where she wants Europe to stand.
“For three years, Ukraine has shown the world the true meaning of courage. You have inspired, you have resisted, you have defied the odds,” she said.
“For three years Europe has stood with you, and let me be clear – we will always stand with you. We understand that this is as much about our security as it is about yours.”
She said that while the EU will always seek peace, Ukraine must be actively involved in such a process.
“Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Peace must be just, peace must be genuine, peace must be dignified. We stand together today, tomorrow and everyday until lasting peace.”
Metsola, EC President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa also issued a joint statement to pledge the EU’s continued support of Ukraine.
“Three years ago, Russia started its full-scale and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s brutal war deliberately targets civilian and critical infrastructure. The Ukrainian people have shown bravery in defending their country and the core principles of international law. We pay tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives and have lost loved ones for Ukraine’s independence and freedom,” they said.
“Russia and its leadership bear sole responsibility for this war and the atrocities committed against the Ukrainian population. We continue to call for accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed. We welcome the recent steps made towards the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.”
“The European Union and its partners have acted swiftly and in unity to support Ukraine. The European Union has provided to Ukraine economic, humanitarian, financial and military assistance that totals to €135 billion, with €48.7 billion of military assistance.”
“The European Union will continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support, including reconstruction of the country after the war.”
The European leaders also warned they are ready to increase the pressure on Russia to “limit its ability to wage war”.
“We are already using windfall profits from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s defence industry and energy recovery. Today, we have adopted a sixteenth sanctions package to further increase collective pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression,” they said.
“In parallel, we have taken unprecedented actions at the EU level to ramp up European defence industry production, and we will continue to increase our capacity. This will allow us to step up our military support and cooperation with Ukraine while simultaneously strengthening our defence readiness and European sovereignty.”
They also stressed that Ukraine should eventually become an EU member state.
“Ukraine is part of our European family. Ukrainians have expressed their wish for a future within the European Union. We have acknowledged that by granting Ukraine the status of candidate country and launched accession negotiations.”
“Ukraine has made significant progress in accession related reforms under the most challenging circumstances. We are already integrating Ukraine into the EU’s internal market. The future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union.”
“In a challenging international and geopolitical environment, we stress the importance of maintaining transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine. We highlight the need to ensure the international community’s continued focus on supporting Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula.”
“We stand firm with Ukraine, reaffirming that peace, security, and justice will prevail.”
Should the EU keep up its unwavering support towards Ukraine?
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