By KYIV. Dec 2 (Interfax-Ukraine) – U.S. and French Presidents Joseph Biden and Emmanuel Macron strongly condemn Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and stress that intentionally targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure constitutes war crimes whose perpetrators must be held accountable.
"They also reiterate their steadfast resolve to hold Russia to account for widely documented atrocities and war crimes committed both by its regular armed forces and by its proxies, including mercenary entities such as Vagner and others, through support for international accountability mechanisms," according to a joint statement by the heads of state, published on the White House website on Thursday
The Presidents of the United States and France also condemn Russia’s illegal attempt to annex the sovereign territory of Ukraine.
"They reaffirm their nations’ continued support for Ukraine’s defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, including the provision of political, security, humanitarian, and economic assistance to Ukraine for as long as it takes. This includes the provision of significant resources to support Ukrainian civilian resilience through the winter, including stepping up the delivery of air defense systems and equipment needed to repair Ukraine’s energy grid," the president said in the statement.
According to the document, the United States and France intend to work with the international community to increase resilience to food and energy disruptions.
The United States and France also plan to continue working with partners and allies to coordinate assistance efforts, including at the international conference taking place in Paris on December 13, 2022. They also intend to continue providing robust direct budget support for Ukraine, and to urge the international financial institutions to scale up their financial support.
"The United States and France deplore Russia’s deliberate escalatory steps, notably its irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and its disinformation regarding alleged chemical attacks, and biological and nuclear weapons programs," according to the document.
The presidents resolve to continue "working tirelessly for a Europe that is whole, free, and at peace," which entails maintaining our nations’ collective defense and security, including through NATO. "European-led missions and operations, such as in Bosnia and the training mission for Ukraine, are positively contributing to transatlantic security," the presidents said in the document.
The heads of state remain also "determined to ensure that Iran can never develop or acquire nuclear weapon." France and the United States continue to work with other international partners to address Iran’s nuclear escalation, "its destabilizing activities in the Middle East, most urgently its transfers of missiles and drones, including to non-state actors." "These transfers can threaten key Gulf partners and stability and security in the region, contravene international law, and now contribute to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine," according to the joint statement.
Macron is on an official visit to Washington on Thursday, where he is holding talks with Biden.
