“Ukraine and the European Union are standing shoulder to shoulder in counteracting the aggressive policy of Russia.” said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba at a joint press conference with Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP) in Stanytsia Luhanska, eastern Ukraine, on Jan. 5, 2022.
“This is an historic moment” said Kuleba as he welcomed and thanked Borrell personally and officially for the strong support that the EU is giving, and has given, to support Ukraine’s defences, administrative systems, and efforts to implement reforms.
The foreign minister stated that
“Ukraine is committed to diplomacy, committed to the Minsk Agreement, and committed to the peaceful solution to this conflict,“
that Ukraine and the EU had a joint task to use diplomacy to de-escalate and to press Russia to decrease tensions along the border and the contact line.
“Russia has no right to divide Europe into areas of influence” Kuleba stressed, adding that Russia doesn't “have a right to define where, how and when the European Union is going to enlarge”, and it is the exclusive right of Kyiv and Brussels to decide on their own agreements and arrangements.
The foreign minister reiterated that Ukraine and the EU are stronger when working together.
Borrell thanked the Ukrainian side for the invitation to visit Ukraine, reiterate support for it and witness the destructive effects of Russia's war against Ukraine along the 'contact line' in Luhansk.
The High Representative lamented the reality that the eight year war has taken too many human lives, divided too many families, destroyed destinies, caused significant damage, and made life much more difficult for people who live and work in close proximity to the 'contact line'.
He praised the impressive work of Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), international organisations and the Ukrainian Government in supporting people along the 'contact line' with basic services, travel facilitation and administrative necessities.
“The European Union has been the most reliable partner of Ukraine” having provided over 17 Billion Euro in economic, financial and political support to Ukraine since Russia invaded Crimea, shared the diplomat, adding that the Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine is “the most comprehensive agreement that the European Union has with any other” country.
“Russia has been massing troops and weapons in an unusual manner around the Ukrainian border” and “tensions have been building with respect to European Security” and the conflict “is on the verge of getting deeper”
shared Borrell. He drew attention back to talks between U.S. and the Russian leaders in Geneva in mid June with hopes of improved understandings, while Europe was a spectator. But those hopes were dashed by new demands, a new build-up of Russian forces and an attempt to discuss and decide the futures of Europe and Ukraine without Ukraine and Europe being in related discussions.
“Spheres of influence” of great powers do not belong in 2022 emphasized Borrell strongly. Ukraine is part of Europe and “there is no security in Europe without the security of Ukraine,” and any discussion about Ukraine and European security must have the participation of both Ukraine and Europe.
In this context the E.U. leader affirmed that intensive discussions were ongoing with the U.S., NATO and other partners and allies in support of Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and right to self determination.
“Military aggression against Ukraine will have massive consequences and severe costs” to Russia.
Borrell reiterated Europe's defence, deterrence and dialogue approach towards de-escalating the dangerous situation around Ukraine in calling upon Russia to reduce tensions and to enter negotiations that seek sustainable solutions in upcoming scheduled talks.
Unity of allies and partners is the only obvious path towards short term security for Ukraine and for the European Union with regard to persistent Russian hybrid attempts at expansion. However a longer term strategy is also necessary.
The visit of Josep Borrell is an encouragement, support and reminder to Ukrainian officials that the future of an independent Ukraine relies upon the implementation of reforms that are needed to jump the Ukrainian economy forwards, so that Ukraine can fund improved standards and services for citizens, fund adequate defences against foreign aggression, and naturally open doors to closer partnership with the E.U. and NATO.
