24 countries and the EU have signed a Pact on Ukraine
24 countries, as well as the European Union, announced on Thursday, July 11, the conclusion of the Pact on Ukraine. As explained on the European Commission's website, its purpose is to coordinate and boost joint efforts to respond to Ukraine's global security needs, as set out in the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine adopted at the NATO summit in Vilnius from 2023, as well as in the agreements and security arrangements that each of the signatories concluded with Ukraine, reports DW.
"Through this treaty, we declare our ongoing intentions and commitments to ensure that Ukraine can successfully defend its freedom, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity now and deter acts of aggression in the future," say the signatories, which include Germany, France , Spain and several other EU states, as well as Japan, Canada and the United States.
The signatories of the July 11 joint statement say they welcome the agreements and security arrangements with Ukraine concluded by 20 countries and the European Union under the joint statement and welcome the conclusion of such agreements in the near future by the signatories of the statement who have not yet done so. Also, the signatories "reaffirm that the security of Ukraine is an integral part of the security of the Euro-Atlantic region and beyond" and that they "intend to support Ukraine until it defeats Russian aggression."
Condemnation of Russian aggression against Ukraine
In addition, the participants emphasize "unwavering commitment to a free, independent, democratic and sovereign Ukraine capable of defending itself and deterring future aggression" and reaffirm "Ukraine's sovereign right to choose its own security arrangements and political, social, economic and cultural systems". "Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is a threat to international peace and security, a flagrant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and is incompatible with our security interests," reads the statement.
The signatories recognize "Ukraine's commitment to reforms that strengthen democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and freedom of the media, and which are necessary to advance its Euro-Atlantic aspirations" and emphasize shared values and interests with Ukraine, including respect for the principles of the UN Charter, such as sovereignty and territorial integrity.
