Russia bears full responsibility for the war in Ukraine, which represents „a blatant violation of international law and the principles of the UN Charter,” the NATO foreign affairs ministers stated in the Joint Statement signed at the ministerial meeting in Bucharest, Agerpres reports.

„We are gathered in Bucharest, close to the shores of the Black Sea, at a time when Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine threatens Euro-Atlantic peace, security, and prosperity. Russia bears full responsibility for this war, a blatant violation of international law and the principles of the UN Charter. Russia’s aggression, including its persistent and unconscionable attacks on Ukrainian civilian and energy infrastructure is depriving millions of Ukrainians of basic human services,” the document signed by the diplomats of the 30 NATO member states mentions.

They underscored that the Russian aggression „has affected global food supplies, and endangered the world’s most vulnerable countries and peoples.”

„Russia’s unacceptable actions, including hybrid activities, energy blackmail, and reckless nuclear rhetoric, undermine the rules-based international order,” according to the Statement.

The NATO diplomats said they stand in solidarity with Poland following the incident of 15 November which led to deaths among civilians.

Moreover, the foreign ministers talk about Russia’s „cruelty” in Ukraine, with forcible deportations, torture, and „barbaric treatment” against women and children.

„We condemn Russia’s cruelty against Ukraine’s civilian populations and violations and abuses of human rights, such as forcible deportations, torture, and barbaric treatment of women, children, and persons in vulnerable situations,” according to the document.

The diplomacy heads of NATO states underscored that „all those responsible for war crimes, including conflict-related sexual violence, must be held accountable.”

Furthermore, the dignitaries gathered in Bucharest condemn „all those, including Belarus, who are actively facilitating Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.”

The foreign affairs ministers welcomed the presence in Bucharest of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitro Kuleba, on the first day of the NATO ministerial meeting, adding they will never recognise the territories which the Russian Federation illegally annexed and they will continue to support Ukraine.

„We welcome Foreign Minister Kuleba today, stand in full solidarity with the government and people of Ukraine in their heroic defence of their nation and land, and pay tribute to all those lives lost. We remain steadfast in our commitment to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We will never recognise Russia’s illegal annexations, which blatantly violate the UN Charter. We will continue and further step up political and practical support to Ukraine as it continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and our shared values against Russian aggression, and will maintain our support for as long as necessary,” the Statement reads.

In this context, the signatories mention that NATO will continue to coordinate with relevant partners in order to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and help this country to counteract „Russia’s disinformation campaigns and lies.” Moreover, the allied ministers committed to assist Ukraine „as it repairs its energy infrastructure and protects its people from missile attacks.”

The Joint Statement renews the allied commitment regarding Ukraine post-war reconstruction and reforms, so that this country secure „its free and democratic future, modernise its defence sector, strengthen long-term interoperability and deter future aggression.”

„We will continue to strengthen our partnership with Ukraine as it advances its Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” according to the quoted source.

The Joint Statement was conveyed on the first day of the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting, which takes place at the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest.

Agerpres