On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the European Union reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine, paying tribute to the bravery of its people, for continuing to defend their country against Russian aggression and brutality.
Meeting in Kyiv, Europe’s leaders joined forces with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky in remembering the sacrifices of the Ukrainian people.
In a statement, the EU Council president said: “We remember the communities torn apart, the homes destroyed, and the children taken away from their families. We honour the lives lost – the soldiers, the civilians, the children. We witness the resilience of the Ukrainian people who have shown extraordinary strength in the face of aggression. And we reaffirm that Europe’s future is tied to Ukraine’s freedom.”
The EU said the only way forward was “a just and lasting peace. A peace rooted in international law, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principles of the United Nations Charter.”
The EU promised it would continue its support for Ukraine, including its decision to give a €90 billion loan to the country, and said it would continue support for Ukraine’s future in the European Union – “a prosperous, democratic Ukraine, anchored in the European Union is a security guarantee for all of Europe, and one of the key elements of the peace process.”
At an extraordinary plenary session in the European Parliament marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s war against Ukraine, MEPs called for more EU sanctions against Russia and further energy decoupling.
In a resolution adopted by MEPs following an address by President Zelensky and an ensuing parliamentary debate, MEPs strongly condemned Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, describing it as a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. MEPs hold Russia, its leadership and the regime in neighbouring Belarus, from where Russia launched attacks on Ukraine, fully responsible for the war, war crimes and the crime of aggression, while also strongly condemning the involvement of the Iranian and North Korean regimes.
The Parliament demands Russia immediately cease its military actions, withdraw from all internationally recognised Ukrainian territory, release detainees and deported civilians (including children), and end its violation of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. MEPs also reiterate that they will continue to not recognise any occupied Ukrainian territories as Russian.
The resolution calls for increased sanctions against Russia and for continued decoupling from Russian energy. Welcoming efforts to phase out Russian gas and oil, MEPs demand a further phasing-out of other Russian energy sources, including oil and all petroleum products, uranium, enriched uranium, and nuclear fuel and services, and the permanent decommissioning of the Nord Stream pipelines.
