By BUCHAREST. Nov 29 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The NATO allies declare their readiness to increase their support for Ukraine in repelling Russian aggression and express solidarity with the Ukrainian people and government in their heroic defense of sovereignty and independence.
This is said in the statement of the foreign ministers of NATO member countries, which was adopted during a meeting in Bucharest on Tuesday.
“We welcome Foreign Minister Kuleba today, stand in full solidarity with the government and people of Ukraine in their heroic defence of their nation and land, and pay tribute to all those lives lost. We remain steadfast in our commitment to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We will never recognise Russia’s illegal annexations, which blatantly violate the UN Charter. We will continue and further step up political and practical support to Ukraine as it continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and our shared values against Russian aggression, and will maintain our support for as long as necessary,” the statement reads.
The Allies also noted that in this context, NATO will continue to coordinate closely with relevant stakeholders, including international organizations, in particular the EU, as well as like-minded countries.
“Building on the support provided so far, we will help Ukraine now to strengthen its resilience, protect its people, and counter Russia’s disinformation campaigns and lies. Allies will assist Ukraine as it repairs its energy infrastructure and protects its people from missile attacks,” the statement says.
In addition the Allies “remain resolute in supporting Ukraine’s long-term efforts on its path of post-war reconstruction and reforms, so that Ukraine can secure its free and democratic future, modernise its defence sector, strengthen long-term interoperability and deter future aggression.”
“We will continue to strengthen our partnership with Ukraine as it advances its Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” the Alliance Allies assure.
NATO member states have placed all responsibility on Russia for the war, which “threatens Euro-Atlantic peace, security, and prosperity.”
“Russia bears full responsibility for this war, a blatant violation of international law and the principles of the UN Charter. Russia’s aggression, including its persistent and unconscionable attacks on Ukrainian civilian and energy infrastructure is depriving millions of Ukrainians of basic human services. It has affected global food supplies, and endangered the world’s most vulnerable countries and peoples. Russia’s unacceptable actions, including hybrid activities, energy blackmail, and reckless nuclear rhetoric, undermine the rules-based international order,” the statement says.
The Allies also expressed solidarity with Poland after the incident on November 15, which led to the tragic loss of life as a result of Russian missile strikes on Ukraine.
“We condemn Russia’s cruelty against Ukraine’s civilian populations and violations and abuses of human rights, such as forcible deportations, torture, and barbaric treatment of women, children, and persons in vulnerable situations. All those responsible for war crimes, including conflict-related sexual violence, must be held accountable. We also condemn all those, including Belarus, who are actively facilitating Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,” the statement says.
