The European Union (EU) today, on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, introduced a new package of sanctions against Russia and stressed the need to ensure the continued focus of the international community on supporting Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace according to the Ukrainian formula.
"In a challenging international and geopolitical environment, we emphasize the importance of maintaining transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine. We emphasize the need to ensure the continued focus of the international community on supporting Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula," said a joint statement by the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Parliament.
"We stand firmly with Ukraine, reaffirming that peace, security and justice will prevail," the statement said on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, adding that "the future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the EU."
The EU recalls that "three years ago Russia began its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine".
"Russia's brutal war deliberately targets civilians and critical infrastructure. The Ukrainian people have shown courage in defending their country and the fundamental principles of international law. We pay tribute to all who gave their lives and lost loved ones for the independence and freedom of Ukraine," the statement said.
It is emphasized that Russia and its leadership bear responsibility for this war and the crimes committed against the Ukrainian population, and calls for accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed.
"The EU and its partners acted swiftly and unitedly to support Ukraine. The EU has provided Ukraine with economic, humanitarian, financial and military assistance totaling €135 billion, with €48,7 billion in military assistance. The EU will continue to provide Ukraine with regular financial support, including support for the country's post-war reconstruction," the European institutions, led by Antonio Costa, Ursula von der Leyen and Roberta Mezzola, said in a statement.
"Russia and its people are paying the price for the actions of their leader. Together with our partners, we have imposed unprecedented sanctions against Russia. Today, we have adopted the 16th package of sanctions to further increase collective pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression," it is emphasized.
The statement added that the EU has taken unprecedented action to increase the production of the European defense industry and stressed that this will allow the EU to "increase military support and cooperation with Ukraine, while at the same time strengthening defense readiness and European sovereignty."
"Ukraine is part of our European family. Ukrainians have expressed their desire for a future within the EU. We acknowledged this when we granted Ukraine candidate country status and launched accession negotiations," the statement said, adding that Ukraine has made significant progress in accession-related reforms.
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