By KYIV. Nov 29 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Ukrainian air defense capabilities must be improved to repel Russian attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure that constitute war crimes, foreign ministers of Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and Ukraine say in a joint statement.
"We condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, aiming at terrorising the civilian population. These attacks on civilians constitute war crimes. Russia must cease these actions immediately. We deem it important to continue providing international support aimed at improving Ukraine’s air defence capabilities, thus enabling the protection of Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure against Russia’s inhumane attacks," the ministers said in a joint statement, the text of which was distributed by the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry on Monday.
The heads of departments also said they are committed to providing further humanitarian aid and support Ukraine’s winterisation efforts, in particular towards restoring Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. "In parallel, we will continue our efforts to support the reconstruction of destroyed Ukrainian infrastructure," the ministers said.
The ministers also strongly reject Russia’s "irresponsible and highly provocative rhetoric on nuclear weapons."
"We strongly condemn the continuous occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and relentless attacks against civil nuclear facilities in Ukraine. These attacks are in gross violation of international law and pose a direct threat to nuclear safety and security," according to the statement.
The ministers said "a strong, independent and prosperous Ukraine is essential for the future of European security. The sacrifice of the Ukrainian people for their European choice is unprecedented."
"We will seek ways to strengthen our partnership with Ukraine as it advances its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. We reiterate each country’s sovereign right to choose their own security arrangements," the ministers said.
"We will continue our close collaboration in ensuring strong political financial and military support to Ukraine for as long as it takes. We reiterate our demand for the immediate cessation of the military aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation as well as for the full, immediate and unconditional withdrawal of its forces and military equipment from Ukraine’s territory," according to the statement.
