All four leaders criticised Russian action in Ukraine and vows to extend their support to the war-affected country.
New Delhi: In a rare show of support with Ukraine on 111th day of Russian invasion, top leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania on Thursday reached the capital city Kyiv. The leaders of four European countries visited the war affected country amid criticism over their ‘cautious move against Russia. While, taking stock of devastation caused by Russian forces, all four leaders criticised Russian action in Ukraine and vows to extend their support to Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky.
French President Emmanuel Macron, after witnessing devastation caused by Russia, tweeted, “Ukraine is part of the European family. Together with our partners from Germany, Italy and Romania, supporting the status of Ukraine as a direct candidate for accession to the European Union, we confirm this to President Zelensky.”
He further said, “In the coming days, as soon as the European Commission sets the framework for discussion, we, the 27 EU Member States, will have to make important historic decisions together to deliver on our promises. We must show Ukraine a decisive and clear act.”
In another tweet, he said, “In the short term, we, as Europeans, will need to find new forms of alliances to discuss and develop answers with Ukraine on security, energy, mobility, strengthening infrastructure and youth.”
He said that, “Ukraine is part of the European family. Together with my German, Italian and Romanian partners, by supporting Ukraine’s status as an immediate candidate for European Union membership, we confirm this to President Zelensky.”
“In the coming days, as soon as the European Commission has laid down the framework for the discussion, we, at 27, will have to take major and historic decisions to give substance to our promises. We must send Ukraine a strong message, have a clear gesture,” he added.
“In the short term, in order to exchange and build answers with Ukraine on questions of security, energy, mobility, the strengthening of infrastructures or even youth, we will have to find, among Europeans, new forms of alliances,” said Macron in another tweet.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said they would continue providing financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. He has reportedly reached Ukraine by train to show solidarity against Russian attack. His official Tweeter handle tweeted, “Like #Butscha , #Irpin has long since become a symbol for the unimaginable cruelty of the Russian war, for senseless violence. The brutal destruction in this city is a memorial – this war must end.”
Official twitter handle if Italian President tweeted, “President Draghi a #Kiev : This is the time for Europe. We must take up the challenges we have before us with courage, with the same courage that he has shown @ZelenskyyUa, with determination, with unity. We owe it to the Ukrainians, we owe it to the Europeans.”
They were also joined by Romanian President Klaus Iohannis. He, in a tweet, said, “Securing the 🇪🇺 integration of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia at next week’s #EUCO is key in building a strong & lasting shield around our own values. It is about our capacity to project security & stability in our neighbourhood. There is no time left for hesitancy.”
