EU bishops express support for Ukraine
This was reported by Vatican News.
The bishops of the European Union express their “unwavering closeness and sincere solidarity” with the Ukrainian people, who have been suffering from Russian full-scale invasion for more than three years.
“We pray for those who have died, those who are wounded or fighting for their country, and those who have been displaced as a result of the war,” the bishops write and thank the EU leadership for its ‘unprecedented humanitarian, political, economic, financial as well as military support’ to Ukraine and its people.
“Ukraine's struggle for peace and protection of its territorial integrity is not just a struggle for its own future. Its outcome will be decisive for the fate of the entire European continent and the entire free and democratic world,” the European hierarchs emphasize. Amid growing geopolitical complexities and the unpredictability of actions taken by some members of the international community, we call on the EU and its member states to remain united in their commitment to supporting Ukraine and its people. Russia's attack on Ukraine is a blatant violation of international law. The use of force to alter national borders and the brutal actions against civilians are unjustified and, moreover, demand a consequent pursuit of justice and accountability.”
The hierarchs emphasize that peace for Ukraine can only be achieved through negotiations, and any efforts at honest dialogue must be supported by “strong and sustained transatlantic and global solidarity and include the victim of aggression, Ukraine, in discussions.” The EU bishops firmly reject any attempts to distort the reality of this aggression and note that a peace agreement must be accompanied by “effective security guarantees.”
“In addition, as Ukraine rebuilds its social fabric, strengthens social cohesion and begins a long-term reconciliation process, it is equally important that the rights of all communities, including the Russian-speaking minority, are upheld and protected.”
The international community must continue to help Ukraine rebuild its destroyed infrastructure, and Russia, the aggressor, must adequately participate in this effort, the EU bishops said, asking for the EU's enlargement to be pushed forward “as soon as possible.”
“As the contours of the new global security architecture change,” СОМЕСІ states, ”we fervently hope that the European Union will remain true to its vocation: to be a guarantee of peace and an anchor of stability for its neighboring regions and for the whole world.
