Russia can destroy neither Christmas nor Ukraine - EU in OSCE on Russian intention to deprive Ukrainians of holidays

This is stated in the statement of the European Union at the meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council.

"Russia intends to deprive the people of Ukraine of their festivities this year. But Russia should realise that it can neither destroy Christmas nor Ukraine. Russia will never succeed in destroying the will of the Ukrainian people to live freely and independently, their determination to fight the aggressor until victory, and their democratic and prosperous European future," the EU assured.

The website of the EU Delegation to international organizations in Vienna stressed that last week EU leaders clarified the European Council their strong condemnation of Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine.

"They reaffirmed the EU’s full support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, as well as for Ukraine’s inherent right of self-defence against the Russian aggression," the statement reads.

The EU leaders are committed to providing political and military support to Ukraine through the European Peace Fund, the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine and intensification of bilateral support, in particular air defense and demining assistance.

The EU also expressed its desire that Russia "immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders."

And called on the authorities of Belarus "to refrain from any further involvement in Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as to immediately stop allowing its territory to serve as a launchpad for attacks against Ukraine, which is an aggression in itself."