International pressure for Russia, Euro-Atlantic perspective for Ukraine –  Bucharest Nine Statement 

This is highlighted in the joint statement of the Bucharest Nine leaders, Ukrainska Pravda writes.

"One year ago, Russia ravaged peace and security in Europe when it tried to subdue Ukraine by force. The Kremlin’s actions have led to a drastic deterioration of the security environment in the Euro-Atlantic area, and have also seriously damaged our partners’ security," the leaders emphasize.

The statement emphasizes that "Russia is the most significant and direct threat to Allied security" and at the same time highlights the defensive nature of the Alliance.

The leaders of the Bucharest Nine reaffirmed their commitment to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty and the intention to increase "NATO’s deterrence and defense posture and to enhance the Allied military presence in our countries."

They also expressed readiness to "sustain international pressure on Russia", condemned "all those, including Belarus, who are actively facilitating Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine", and emphasized their support of Kyiv "for as long as necessary".

"Ukraine’s future lies in Europe. We firmly support Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations," the joint statement reads.

Also, the leaders of the Bucharest Nine expressed their readiness to support NATO partners - Moldova, Georgia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, as well as to promote the early entry of Sweden and Finland into the Alliance.

The meeting between the format leaders was held on February 22 with the participation of NATO Secretary General and US President Joe Biden.

The Bucharest Nine is an international initiative of nine NATO member states of Central and Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic) which aims to deepen military cooperation between the countries of the Eastern flank of the Alliance, as well as to discuss key security policy issues.

• At the Bucharest Nine summit, Joe Biden claimed that Russia's decision to suspend its START participation was a big mistake.

• NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that Russia is preparing for new wars, not for peace: the cycle of Russian aggression must be broken.