EU unveils first step toward ending war in Ukraine
The foreign ministers of the EU countries, during an informal videoconference, discussed strengthening pressure on Russia and increasing assistance to Ukraine, emphasizing that the first step toward ending the war must be an immediate ceasefire.
This is stated in the declaration on the EU Council website, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.
It is noted that the videoconference was devoted to discussing the latest developments in negotiations on ending Russia's aggression against Ukraine and achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
"The discussion took place against the background of a new diplomatic momentum, taking into account intensive high-level consultations in the margins of the recent G20, the discussions in Geneva over the weekend, the outcomes of the informal EUCO and the Coalition of the Willing at Leaders' level," the statement says.
The videoconference began with a speech by Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, who presented an overview of the latest diplomatic developments and Ukraine's position, the report says.
"Everyone welcomes United States push for peace. We all want this war to end, but how it ends also matters. We must keep in mind that there is one aggressor and one victim. An immediate and unconditional ceasefire must be the first step to ending the war," said EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.
During the discussion, EU ministers exchanged views on the EU position on these diplomatic developments, and on the need to keep pressure on Russia's regime while increasing military and financial support for Ukraine. In this context, they touched on the debate on a reparations loan for Ukraine.
"There are few wars in the world where the situation is so clear cut as it is here. The focus should be on what Russia -the aggressor- must do, not what Ukraine -the victim- must sacrifice," Kallas said.
As reported, on Wednesday, FM Andriy Sybiha stated that Ukraine will use every, even the smallest, opportunity to achieve a just peace. It is critically important not to allow anyone to portray Ukraine or Europe as obstacles on this path.
