European Parliament leaders reiterate condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
The European Parliament Conference of Presidents again strongly condemns Russia’s ongoing war of aggression with deliberate targeting of civilian and critical infrastructure, and the atrocities committed against the Ukrainian population, all serious violations of international law and international humanitarian law, a statement on February 11 said.
The statement was issued ahead of the third anniversary of Russia’s February 24 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Three years have passed since the Russian Federation launched its unprovoked, unjustified and illegal full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, violating international law, the United Nations Charter, and undermining European and global security, the statement by the European Parliament Conference of Presidents said.
“We reaffirm our steadfast solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience and courage in defending their sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity,” the statement said.
It said that the European Union must remain united in its commitment to support Ukraine that includes political, military, economic, humanitarian and financial assistance. “We commend the efforts of Member States, institutions, civil society organisations, companies and citizens who have mobilised resources and provided refuge to millions of displaced Ukrainians”.
“At the same time, we call on the EU and its Member States to increase and speed up the delivery of its support, in particular of its military support and establish a legal regime allowing for the confiscation of Russian-owned assets frozen by the EU.”
The statement reiterated the call for accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during this war of aggression, and welcomed the recent steps made towards the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
“We call for continued and enhanced military support to Ukraine, including the provision of defence equipment, training, and strategic assistance necessary to uphold Ukraine’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.”
The European Parliament leaders reiterated the EU’s commitment to sustainable and long-term financial and economic support to Ukraine, including macro-financial assistance, support for reconstruction and economic and social recovery, and measures to ensure the resilience of Ukraine’s economy and critical infrastructure.
“We call for the full implementation and a significant expansion of sanctions, including effective measures to prevent circumvention, against Russia and its accomplices, aimed at definitively undermining its capacity to wage war and holding accountable those responsible for aggression and human rights violations,” the statement said.
It expressed full support for Ukraine’s European integration aspirations, saying that the European Parliament remains committed to advancing Ukraine’s path towards EU membership, recognising its significant progress in reforms under the most challenging circumstances.
“In a challenging international and geopolitical environment, we stress the importance of maintaining transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine and countering Russian disinformation.
“We also highlight the need to ensure the international community’s continued focus on the consequences of this war and on supporting Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula,” it said.
“As we mark three years of this brutal aggression, the European Parliament Conference of Presidents honours the resilience of the Ukrainian people and pays tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives for freedom and democracy. We stand firm with Ukraine, reaffirming that peace, security, and justice will prevail,” the statement said.
(Photo: EC Audiovisual Service)
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