In their joint statement published on Friday, the members of the European Council "resolutely rejected and condemned" Russia's decision to annex the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, as well as the Kherson and Zaporizhia counties, which are partially under Russian control, to the Russian Federation.
First of all, the European Council, which brings together the leaders of the European Union member states, emphasized that Russia risks global security by deliberately undermining the rules-based international order, by violating Ukraine's fundamental rights to independence, self-reliance and territorial unity, and by violating the principles laid down in the UN Charter and international law.
We do not and will never recognize the results of the referendums held in the occupied Ukrainian territories. We will never recognize the illegal annexation of territories," they said.
Decisions are null and void and have no legal effect. Crimea, Kherson, Zaporizhzhya, Donetsk and Luhansk are part of Ukraine, they wrote, and then announced: they call on all states and international organizations to reject the Russian annexation of the territories.
They stated: Ukraine is exercising its legitimate right to wage a war of national defense against Russian aggression in order to regain full control over its territories. Ukraine has the right to liberate its occupied territories within its internationally recognized borders.
The Kremlin's nuclear threats, military mobilization, the fact that some areas of Ukraine are treated by Moscow as part of Russia, as well as the claim that the war is currently taking place on Russian territory, do not shake our determination to support Ukraine," they said, and then added: they confirm the restrictive measures, and further increase the pressure on Russia to end the war.
Finally, the members of the European Council emphasized: the European Union firmly stands by Ukraine and will provide strong economic, military, social and financial support to the country as long as it needs it.
In his video message published on Twitter on Friday, Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, stated that the annexation of the occupied Ukrainian territories is an irresponsible step on the part of Moscow, which will further aggravate the situation. decided to strengthen Russia's action,
At the same time, Europe must strive to restore peace and guarantee security, he emphasized.
In a message to Ukrainian citizens, he said: the European Union is still by their side, the EU stands for the country's independence and territorial unity. According to his words addressed to the citizens of the EU member states, attacking Ukraine and Ukrainians also means attacking the EU's fundamental freedoms and democracy.
He said that the increase in energy prices caused by Russia will have a long-lasting effect on everyone.
Everyone must understand that the world has entered a new phase," said the President of the European Council, adding that the European Union leaves no one behind.
Source: MTI/Mandiner
Image: European Council
