The leaders of the Bucharest Nine (B9) countries confirmed their unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, seeing it as the only way to restore rule-based peace and order in Europe, according to a joint statement of the B9 presidents adopted at the summit of this grouping in Bratislava on Tuesday, TASR was told by President Zuzana Caputova's spokesperson Martin Strizinec.
The B9 countries strongly condemned the illegal war against Ukraine. "Ukraine has a legitimate right to defend itself against this aggression in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter," concurred the leaders.
They called on Moscow to stop attacks on the Ukrainian civilian population and infrastructure as well as the deportation of children and sexual violence committed during the conflict in Ukraine. They also demand that Russia unconditionally withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory. According to B9 leaders, accountability must also be brought to those responsible for aggression and war crimes committed on the Ukrainian territory.
The presidents agreed that they will continue to support Ukraine militarily, financially and humanitarianly as long as it is necessary - to achieve a ceasefire.
The B9 countries want to continue to exert international pressure on Russia, including economic sanctions. They called on Belarus to stop supporting Russian aggression in Ukraine.
"Russia is the greatest and most direct threat to Allied security, and we must be prepared that it will continue to be so. NATO's commitment to protecting every inch of Allied territory and to Article 5 is unwavering," the leaders said in a statement.
Source: TASR
