The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation, Oleksandr Merezhko, announced the adoption of a joint statement by the chairmen of the foreign affairs committees of 23 countries in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The document sent a powerful signal of international solidarity: the committee leaders emphasised that freedom, dignity and the right of a people to determine their own future are values worth fighting for, and which Ukraine is defending today for the entire democratic world.
The participants in the statement emphasised that any agreements reached at the negotiations in Alaska on 15 August or later must unconditionally guarantee the sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order of Ukraine, as well as compliance with the principles of the UN Charter. Russia must not gain any territorial advantages from its aggression, and the future of Ukraine can only be determined by Ukrainians.
European states must actively participate in the negotiations to reduce risks to the continent's security. After all, moscow may use the diplomatic process as an excuse to avoid an unconditional ceasefire and the easing of sanctions.
«We must demonstrate unity, determination and commitment to freedom — to protect it today and preserve it for future generations,» the statement said.
The document was signed by the heads of the foreign affairs committees of Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Moldova, Poland, Lithuania, Finland, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Iceland, Norway, Austria, the European Parliament, Belgium, Sweden, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands and Denmark.