The European Union praised Ukraine's active position in the Normandy format for a peaceful settlement of the situation in Donbas and expressed willingness to join the Ukrainian initiative to establish the Crimean Platform. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a press conference following the 22nd Ukraine-EU Summit.
The Head of State noted that a large part of the Summit had been devoted to resolving the situation in Donbas and taking steps to implement the Minsk agreements.
"European partners praised our efforts on the path to peace, as well as Ukraine's active and constructive position in the Normandy format," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The Head of State also emphasized that he had received assurances that European sanctions would be in place until full restoration of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"We are grateful to our partners for their consistency and support. The recent decision on sanctions for the construction of a railway crossing over the Kerch bridge proves it," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
According to him, the participants of the meeting discussed in detail the regular human rights violations in the temporarily occupied Crimea and the EU's involvement in the protection of Crimean people suffering from the temporary occupation and political persecution on the peninsula.
"I am glad that the European Union is fundamentally ready to join our initiative on the Crimean Platform format," the President concluded.
The European Union will continue to support the territorial integrity of Ukraine and condemn Russia's illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula, as stated by the President of the European Council.
"The European Union's support for the Minsk agreements and non-recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol remain unwavering on our part. Sanctions in support of this policy were extended on October 1. We also have specific personal sanctions against those who built the Kerch Bridge. Volodymyr Zelenskyy's steps to overcome this conflict are very important. We call on Russia to take such steps mutually to find a peaceful settlement that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We call on Russia to honor its commitments," Charles Michel said.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell endorsed the words of the President of the European Council and, on behalf of the President of the European Commission, provided an assurance of full support for Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. In addition, he reaffirmed the unwavering position on the illegal annexation of Crimea and support for the full implementation of the Minsk agreements.
Josep Borrell also stressed the importance of partnership between Ukraine and the EU institutions. In this context, he underscored the signing of a program that should increase Ukraine's resilience to disinformation and hybrid threats, and contribute to the development of civil society.
