Marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, the Coalition of the Willing countries have reaffirmed Kiev's "clear and inherent right" to defend itself against Russia.
"They were united in their continued support of Ukraine’s fight to defend its sovereignty, freedom and territorial integrity," a joint statement on Monday said after the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing convened in the capital Kiev and by video conference to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine’s independence, as the erstwhile Soviet Union’s collapse was imminent.
The leaders condemned Russia’s "systematic and escalating" strikes on Ukraine’s cities, critical infrastructure, and civilians during the meeting co-chaired by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
"Leaders reiterated Ukraine’s clear and inherent right to defend itself against the Russian war of aggression, in full compliance with international law and Article 51 of the UN Charter," said the statement.
They said they would not be deterred from their support for Ukraine by what they called "irresponsible Russian threats".
The statement also condemned Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s cultural heritage sites, which form an integral part of Ukraine’s national identity, including the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, a historic monastery.
"The coalition would continue to prepare the multinational force for Ukraine to deploy once a credible cessation of hostilities was in place, as part of a wider set of robust politically and legally binding security guarantees to ensure Ukraine’s future security and prosperity once a ceasefire enters into force," it added.
Immediate assistance
The leaders also agreed on the urgency of providing "immediate assistance" for Ukraine’s energy sector ahead of the coming winter, including through the Ukraine Energy Support Fund and providing specialised equipment.
They voiced determination to increase military support to Ukraine, strengthen its air defence as a matter of urgent priority, enhance cooperation with its defence industry, and share relevant technologies, including through the Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition.
The statement also stressed the need to continue to support Ukraine’s economic resilience in the face of Russia’s intensified attempts to renew its maritime blockade on Ukraine’s ports.
Telling how joint efforts through sanctions and economic measures have deprived "Russia’s war chest" of at least $495 billion since February 2022, when the war began, the leaders said they welcomed the US Senate’s efforts to apply further economic pressure on Russia.
The statement also commended Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s “continued readiness” to enter into meaningful peace talks to bring about a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, and reiterated their call for Russia to agree to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire starting from the line of contact.
Concluding, the leaders once again reaffirmed their commitment to support Ukraine’s independence as part of Europe’s wider peace and security.
