BRUSSELS (CHATNEWSTV) — The foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom, along with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, issued a joint declaration Wednesday, reaffirming their unwavering support for Ukraine and condemning Russia’s continued aggression.
“Ukraine must prevail,” the ministers declared, emphasizing that peace in Ukraine is inextricably tied to security in Europe. The statement comes more than 1,000 days into Russia’s illegal invasion, which has been marked by escalating violence, including missile attacks and the reported deployment of North Korean troops.
Support for Ukraine’s Self-Defense and Integration
The leaders reiterated their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, vowing to provide increased military, economic, and financial aid. They pledged to mobilize additional European funding and accelerate the implementation of the $50 billion G7 loan to meet Ukraine’s urgent needs.
“We remain steadfast in our solidarity. We will continue to support Ukraine in its right of self-defense against Russian aggression,” the declaration read.
The ministers also underscored their backing of Ukraine’s full Euro-Atlantic integration, including membership in NATO and the European Union. “We will continue to support Ukraine on its irreversible path,” they stated.
Condemnation of Russia’s Actions
The declaration condemned Russia’s deliberate attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, as well as its use of intermediate-range ballistic missiles. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s decision to escalate its war of aggression,” the statement said.
The ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to constraining Russia’s military capabilities through additional sanctions and efforts to limit the Kremlin’s revenue sources, particularly from energy exports.
Commitment to Peace and Reconstruction
The leaders voiced strong support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace formula, describing it as a credible path toward a just and lasting resolution. They stressed that no peace negotiations could take place without Ukraine’s full participation and Europe’s backing.
“There can be no negotiations about peace in Ukraine without Ukrainians and without Europeans by their side,” they stated, pledging “ironclad security guarantees” and long-term military and financial support.
In addition, they committed to aiding Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction efforts. The 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference will be hosted by Italy, they announced.
Strengthening European Security
The ministers used the declaration to call for a renewed transatlantic alliance with the United States and a stronger NATO, emphasizing fair burden-sharing and increased EU efforts in defense. They reaffirmed the Warsaw Declaration of November 19, 2024, which highlighted the need to address European defense capability gaps.
“This is an opportunity to renew the foundations of the transatlantic alliance and build a more secure and united Europe,” the declaration stated.
Broader Regional Concerns
The ministers also addressed the situation in Syria following the collapse of the Assad regime, urging respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They called for an inclusive, Syrian-led dialogue to ensure a peaceful transition in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
Touching on Lebanon and Gaza, the leaders welcomed the recent ceasefire in Lebanon and called for a humanitarian aid scale-up and a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
The declaration signals a unified European stance amid one of the most significant security challenges the continent has faced in decades.
