Ukraine is part of European family, we will support it until victory - EU Council statement

The EU Council made the statement on the occasion of the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. 

The statement emphasizes that Russia's aggression is a crime against peace, violating the UN Charter, UN principles and the values of humanity.

The EU promises Ukraine its support and assures that it will help ensure that those who committed the crimes are punished.

"We are determined to ensure that all those who are responsible for war crimes and other most serious crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine are held to account," the statement reads.

The European Union promises to "stand firmly and in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes." 

"All Ukrainians deserve to live in peace and choose freely their own destiny. Ukraine is part of our European family. Ukrainians have expressed their wish for a future within the European Union and we have acknowledged that by granting Ukraine the status of candidate country. The choice of the people of Ukraine is one of peace, democracy, rule of law, respect for fundamental rights and prosperity. The European Union will continue to support Ukraine in political, economic, humanitarian, financial and military terms, including through swift coordinated procurement from European industry," the document says. 

The EU also assures further support for Ukraine's reconstruction, for which it intends to use frozen Russian assets in accordance with EU and international law. And they promise to increase collective pressure on Russia to stop its aggressive war, in particular through the 10th package of sanctions.

"We support President Zelenskyy’s peace formula. Together with our international partners, we will make sure that Ukraine prevails, that international law is respected, that peace and Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders are restored, that Ukraine is rebuilt, and that justice is done.

Until that day, we will not rest," the European Council added.

• The UN General Assembly supported a resolution calling for peace in Ukraine.