The EU stands united in its unwavering support of Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression and the illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories by the Russian Federation, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter. The EU will continue to provide strong political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes.

Ukraine has shown strong resilience in the face of adversity. The Ukrainian people are resisting forces that, if successful, would shake the very foundation of international order: sovereignty and territorial integrity – fundamental principles for any country in the world. Despite the challenges on political, economic, and many other fronts, we must continue to provide an unwavering support to Ukraine. Simply put, a Russian victory would transform the shape of international relations in an unprecedented way. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine creates a dangerous precedent for the rest of the world. It must be stopped.

If Putin’s strategy proves successful, it will embolden Russia and other autocracies to pursue their imperialist agendas against their neighbours. This matters not only to Europeans, but also to people in Africa, in America, or in Asia. We must stand by the principles of the UN Charter, the first being the integrity of national borders and the rejection of expansionist wars. Like Nepal, which has been a champion for peace and global cooperation, we will not allow our common aspiration for multilateralism and a rules-based order to be jeopardised.

Although Nepal is far from the conflict area, it is not immune to some of its adverse effects. Destabilising global markets, the war has been responsible for the high inflation rates, and the price volatility in the energy sector, especially gas and fuel. Food security has also been affected by supply chain disruptions: which Nepali family has not felt the brunt of price rises? Even under attack, Ukraine manages to safeguard its exports and contribute to global food security.  With the ‘Solidarity Lanes’ and the Black Sea Corridor, the EU and Ukraine keep global food prices stable.

Russia and its leadership must be held fully accountable for waging a war of aggression against Ukraine and for other most serious crimes under international law, as well as for the massive damage caused by its war. The EU is strongly committed to ensuring war crimes, including the crime of aggression committed in Ukraine do not go unpunished and encourages further efforts to establish a tribunal for the prosecution of the crime of aggression against Ukraine that would enjoy the broadest cross-regional support and legitimacy, and a future compensation mechanism.

Ukraine has put forth a Peace Formula and is actively working with more than 80 countries to achieve peace. The EU supports this peace initiative, which is the only initiative discussed among the international community. Our bottom line remains unchanged: we will not recognise the illegal annexation of any Ukrainian territory and we will keep supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom until peace prevails. A peaceful Ukraine can be an innovative powerhouse, a security provider and a reliable partner for energy and food security.

• Véronique Lorenzo, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation
• Riina-Riikka Heikka, Ambassador of Finland
• Gilles Bourbao, Ambassador of France
• Thomas Prinz, Ambassador of Germany