Acting President Ilie Bolojan on Tuesday said Russia’s aggression in Ukraine must end, underscoring that a ceasefire followed as soon as possible by a just and lasting peace is an objective that should be pursued not only by the parties in the conflict but also by the entire international community.

„In a few days, it will be three years since Russia’s attack on Ukraine, which itself is just a continuation of the one from 2014. It is time for this aggression to stop. A ceasefire, followed as soon as possible by a just and lasting peace, represents an objective that must be pursued not only by the parties in conflict but also by the entire international community. The negotiations that have begun are a first step, but peace will not be lasting if it does not result from compromises acceptable to both sides equally and if international actors do not provide a comprehensive package of security guarantees for Ukraine, both in the short and long term,” Ilie Bolojan said at the Cotroceni Palace during the annual meeting with the heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Romania.

He stressed that security arrangements must be complemented by a broad reconstruction plan that would allow not only the rapid rebuilding of the country but also the economic sustainability of Ukraine’s sovereignty.

„In ensuring all these elements of peace, the role of the European Union, including the countries in Ukraine’s neighborhood, will be essential,” added the acting president.

Ilie Bolojan said that, in the face of Russia’s aggression, the path of European integration has become more necessary than ever.

„2024 has brought major progress on this path, both for Ukraine and for the Republic of Moldova. It is important that these progresses continue. Likewise, the European integration of the Western Balkans, which remains of strategic interest for Romania and which we will support through concrete actions,” added Bolojan.

AGERPRES