ISTANBUL – NATO on Friday reaffirmed its solidarity with Ukraine in the “heroic defense” of its nation as the alliance “solemnly” marks one year of Moscow’s “brutal” war against Kiev.
“We pay tribute to the lives lost, and we deplore the tragic human suffering and destruction, including of Ukraine’s residential and civilian and energy infrastructures, caused by Russia’s illegal war,” the alliance said in a statement.
They pledged to increase their “political and practical support” to Ukraine and said NATO’s support will be maintained “for as long as necessary to help Ukraine prevail” through close coordination with relevant stakeholders, including international organizations, especially the EU. as like-minded countries.
“While we have called on Russia to engage constructively in credible negotiations with Ukraine, Russia has not shown any genuine openness to a just and lasting peace. We remain committed to maintaining concerted international pressure on Russia,” it said, underlining that Russia bears “full responsibility” for the war.
The alliance also condemned “all those, including Belarus, who actively facilitate Russia’s war.”
Stating that there can be “no impunity” for Russian “war crimes” and other atrocities, it said all those responsible must be held accountable.
“Russia must immediately stop this war and withdraw all its military forces from Ukraine,” the country urged.
“Russia’s wars also threaten global security. Russia’s energy extortion, its impact on global food supplies, its malign hybrid activities, its worldwide disinformation campaign and its irresponsible nuclear rhetoric clearly demonstrate Russia’s disregard for international norms and the welfare of billions of people around the world,” it said that in the statement.
“Russia’s efforts to break the resolve of the brave people of Ukraine are failing. One year later, Ukrainians are fighting bravely for freedom and independence. We stand with them,” it added.
Even the NATO invitees – Finland and Sweden – join the statement. (Anatolia)
Source: sn.dk