At a time when the issue of territories appears to be the most complex point in the peace negotiations, the European Council is due to reaffirm “its unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders” on Thursday 18 December, according to draft conclusions.
“For peace to be just and lasting, borders must not be changed by force and any future agreement must respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and guarantee Ukraine’s long-term security and ability to defend itself”, the leaders insist.
In addition, the European Council stresses the “critical need” to ensure that Ukraine has the budgetary and military resources necessary to continue to exercise its inherent right to self-defence and to counter and deter Russian aggression.
The European Council calls for further work on additional sanctions and for enhanced coordinated action by Member States on the ‘shadow fleet'.
See the draft conclusions: https://aeur.eu/f/jx3 (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)