NordenBladet —
“Our goal has always been, and remains, a just and lasting peace that is grounded in international law and fully respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty. Such a peace cannot be achieved by yielding to or rewarding the aggressor,” the Chairmen say in their Joint Statement.
They see an imperative need for sustained pressure on Russia and unwavering support for Ukraine for any solution to succeed. “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, and nothing about Europe without Europe. A just and lasting peace is impossible without these fundamentals. We call for urgent meetings of European leaders and the European Council to take a united, principled stand,” the statement urges.
The Chairmen see no possibility for genuine negotiations to begin if Ukraine is asked to pre-emptively accept Russian demands. “The era of empires is over, and Europe will never accept as legitimate any notion of Russian “security interests” that extend beyond its borders or presume the right to shape Europe’s security order. Any agreement must focus on ending the war, securing Ukraine’s future, and supporting its reconstruction,” they say.
They stress the need for Ukraine’s security guarantees to be real – based on legally binding commitments and reinforced by reassurance forces in Ukraine and the capabilities necessary to deter future aggression. “Ukraine must not be subjected to limits on its armed forces or constraints on its foreign or domestic policies while Russia faces none. At a minimum, Russia must withdraw its troops from occupied territories and engage with international bodies to ensure accountability for those responsible for atrocities,” they say.
The Chairmen emphasise that any negotiations must begin with an immediate ceasefire. “European security, Ukraine’s sovereignty – including its right to choose its own alliances – and justice for the crimes committed during this war are non-negotiable red lines,” they stress and add that Europe must stand united, principled, and unflinching. “Our values, our security, and the future of our continent depend on ensuring that any peace achieved is worthy of the sacrifices made and of Ukraine’s bravery and resilience – a peace rooted in justice, law, and lasting security.”
The Statement has been signed by Chairmen of the Foreign Affairs Committees from the parliaments of Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and United Kingdom. The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson signed it on behalf of Estonia.
Full text of the Joint Statement in Estonian and English
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: Chairmen of Foreign Affairs Committees of Europe: fair and lasting peace cannot be achieved by yielding to the aggressor
Source: Parliament of Estonia