​A year after the start of the war in Ukraine, the European Council adopted a declaration in which it again condemns Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and notes that “no country has the right to invade its neighbor.” European leaders reiterate their support for the invaded country and say that “we will continue to act firmly and in full solidarity with Ukraine,” a country that is “part of the European family.”

“A year ago, Putin’s Russia started a brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. The Ukrainian people demonstrated incredible strength by defending their Motherland and the basic principles of international law against Russian aggression. Ukrainians have demonstrated determination in the defense of democracy and freedom, resilience in the face of difficulties, and dignity in the face of Russia’s crimes. The Ukrainian people showed the whole world that the decision about the future of Ukraine belongs only to Ukrainians. No country has the right to invade a neighbor or violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This aggression is a crime against peace. This violates the UN Charter, UN values ​​and human values. We cannot and must not remain passive in the face of such crimes,” said the statement of the European Council, the translation of which is posted on the website of the Presidential Administration.

According to the document, “Russia has systematically shelled the civilian population, destroyed cities and attacked Ukrainian identity. We are determined to bring to justice all those guilty of war crimes and other serious crimes committed in connection with Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine.”

“Russia has weaponized food and energy, launched irresponsible nuclear threats, and spread false narratives of war. The war of aggression waged by Russia and its consequences have significantly affected many countries, especially through the impact on the world economy and the prices of food and raw materials. The European Union will continue to work with its partners to mitigate these consequences and provide assistance to the most affected countries and peoples,” the Declaration also states.

European leaders recall that the European Union and its partners acted quickly and unitedly.

“And we will continue to act firmly and in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people as long as necessary. All Ukrainians deserve to live in peace and decide their own destiny. Ukraine is part of our European family. Ukrainians expressed their desire for a European future, and Ukraine became a candidate country for joining the European Union. The choice of the citizens of Ukraine is peace, democracy, the rule of law, respect for fundamental rights and prosperity,” the European leaders also conveyed.

According to them, the European Union will continue to support Ukraine in political, economic, humanitarian, financial and military terms, including through quick and coordinated purchases from European industry.

“We will also support the recovery of Ukraine, for which we will try to use frozen and immobilized Russian assets in accordance with European and international law. We will continue to increase collective pressure on Russia to end the war of aggression. To do this, we are going to adopt the tenth package of sanctions and will take action against those who try to circumvent the EU measures. We support the peace formula presented by President Zelensky. Together with our international partners, we will ensure the victory of Ukraine, respect for international law, the restoration of peace and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, the reconstruction of Ukraine and the implementation of justice. We will not stop until this day,” the document also states.

Members of the European Council are the heads of state or government of 27 EU member states, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission. (source: News.ro)