Peace in Ukraine should not be confused with capitulation, urged the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security Josep Borrell at a press conference after today's meeting of the EU Council on Foreign Affairs in Luxembourg, writes BTA.
That is why we discussed the possibilities of continuing the military aid to the Ukrainians, he explained. According to him, the ministers were familiar with the peace plan of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which will also be presented to the European Council.
There is a strategic logic to military and political support for Ukraine so that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin can be forced to enter into negotiations. I have to admit, that seems a pretty far-fetched prospect, Borrell said.
He noted that this year has seen an increase in the number of Ukrainian civilian casualties in the war waged by Russia, and the issue of Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea is back again after merchant ships have come under Russian fire. Borrell insisted on continuing efforts against the circumvention of EU sanctions imposed on Russia and noted that sanctions were adopted today on the export of Iranian missiles to the Russian side.
The High Representative expressed hope that an agreement would be reached very soon to cover the costs of Ukrainian military aid with budget funds and confirmed that he will travel to Kiev again in the coming weeks.
Borrell noted that the progress towards the EU of Moldova and Georgia was also discussed today. Important elections are coming up in both countries soon - Moldova is progressing on the path to the EU, despite increased pressure from Russia; in Georgia, the authorities are distancing the country from the European future and directing it towards authoritarianism, he summarized.
The High Representative demanded a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. According to him, the Israeli shelling of the UN forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is a crossing of a "red line". Asked if UNIFIL could return fire, he clarified that their task is not to go to war with anyone. Changing the tasks is done by a decision of the UN Security Council, but this is difficult to achieve, explained Borel.