site.btaEU Leaders Say Russia Will Be Held Accountable for War in Ukraine

The presidents of the European Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament issued a joint statement on Tuesday to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, saying they will ensure that Russia is held accountable for the crimes committed and the damage caused by the war.

The statement noted that Russia launched a full-scale and illegal military aggression against Ukraine and tribute is paid to the courageous Ukrainian people, who continue to resist and defend their country. Antonio Costa, Ursula von der Leyen and Roberta Metsola said that Russia has failed to achieve its military objectives in Ukraine. As it cannot advance on the battlefield, it deliberately targets Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and residential buildings.

The three leaders underlined that the EU has stood firmly with Ukraine and its people from the first day of Russia’s aggression. The goal is a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine, based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law. All efforts aimed at achieving such peace are supported, a peace with dignity and long-term security. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is the cornerstone. They stressed that no country can annex its neighbour, borders cannot be changed by force, and the aggressor cannot be rewarded. In the present challenging international and geopolitical environment, the leaders underlined the importance of maintaining transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine.

The statement said that the EU will continue to provide political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people, remaining the country’s largest donor. In addition to nearly EUR 200 billion in support since 2022, European leaders agreed to provide Ukraine with EUR 90 billion in 2026-2027 to help meet urgent budgetary and defence needs, including EUR 60 billion for military purposes. The first payment will be made as soon as possible, the statement added.

The statement highlighted that war of Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to drain Russia, and there is determination to increase pressure on Moscow to end the aggression and engage in meaningful peace negotiations. The EU is committed to stepping up pressure on Russia’s energy and financial sectors and taking further measures against its shadow fleet.

Efforts to support Ukraine are also focused on the future, when the fighting ends. The EU is ready to contribute to credible security guarantees so that Russia can never again attack Ukraine. The future of a secure and prosperous Ukraine lies in the EU. Ukraine has made significant progress on accession reforms under very difficult circumstances and can count on full EU support for its membership and post-war reconstruction, the statement says.