By MichaL Cholewa, Head of Polish Mission and Anne Koistinen, EU Ambassador to the State of Kuwait
It has been three years since Russia launched an illegal and unprovoked full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. The EU and its Member States including Poland, which is Ukraine’s neighboring country and the current president of the EU Council, remain united in supporting Ukraine economically, financially, militarily and in terms of humanitarian assistance.
Despite being a permanent UN Security Council member, Russia has repeatedly violated international law and the UN Charter. Even prior to the February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia illegally annexed Ukraine’s Crimea in 2014, destabilized the country’s eastern regions and later on gobbled them up. This fight is about respect of fundamental values and principles of international law, as enshrined in the UN Charter, which Russia has manifestly violated.
We demand that Russia is held accountable for the war crimes, which have been committed in Ukraine. Furthermore, Russia must cease its military aggression and withdraw all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine. We also demand that Russia fully respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within its internationally recognized borders.
Kuwait has been the victim of a war of aggression and numerous war crimes. Hence, Kuwait has always expressed its unwavering support to Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity. We appreciate this principled stance, which was evident in Kuwait’s support to UN resolutions condemning the Russian invasion and calling for its immediate halt, and we count on Kuwait’s continuous support in this regard.
Polish assistance was the first to reach the Ukrainian front in significant quantities. We will continue to support the Ukrainian people as long as necessary. As the EU Council presidency, Poland will promote adherence to international law and respect for human rights. We will seek sustained support for Ukraine and its reconstruction, for which the aggressor should pay. We will also advocate for increasing pressure on Russia and its allies to end the war through the policy of severe international sanctions.
The definitive discontinuation of Russian energy sources imports is essential for Europe’s energy security, which the Polish presidency will also actively pursue. The EU is Ukraine’s largest overall donor. We have contributed over 134 billion euros, including close to 50 billion euros in military aid. Our sanctions are working. Russia’s economy is struggling. We cannot loosen the grip now. Ukraine’s victory is a top priority for the EU. But for peace to endure, in the way that Ukraine deserves, we must push the Kremlin to change its goals. The Ukrainians fight very bravely, but we also have to be stronger for Ukraine.
