Minister Asselborn Expresses Solidarity with Ukrainian People

On Friday 25 February 2022, Luxembourg's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, took part in the extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union (EU) in Brussels.

EU foreign ministers had the opportunity to hear from their Ukrainian counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, who briefed them by videoconference from Ukraine on the latest developments and the current situation on the ground.

Minister Asselborn first expressed his full solidarity with the Ukrainian people in the face of the brutal military aggression by Russia.

"This 24 February 2022 marks a dark date in the history of our continent. The attack on Ukraine by Russian troops is not only an illegal and unacceptable act. It is a shameful act that will taint the memory of President Putin forever. Its cynicism and its threats to those who would interfere with its plans are truly staggering", underlined Minister Asselborn, and continued: "Russia has chosen to replace international law with the law of the strongest. This is a shocking development that we must take note of. It poses a threat to the stability and security of the European continent".

"In this hour of suffering of the Ukrainian people, we must show solidarity and be ready to provide the humanitarian aid that the civilian populations will need", said Minister Asselborn.

Minister Asselborn felt satisfied with the substantial sanctions decided against Russia, knowing that it is one of the most substantial sanctions package in the history of the EU.

Finally, Jean Asselborn highlighted the need to “hold Russia responsible for its actions”. If the resolution tabled at the UN Security Council will be blocked this evening by the Russian veto, it will nevertheless be necessary to explore the possible legal avenues, including through the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. "Justice is patient", concluded Minister Asselborn.