Ahead of a meeting of the G7, EU and NATO leaders met to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“We have just discussed Russia’s brutal, unprovoked ongoing attack on Ukraine,” Stoltenberg said. “This is barbaric, and we condemn it without any reservations. […] Our collective defence commitment, Article 5 is ironclad. NATO and the European Union are united to defend our values, freedom, democracy, and each other’s rights to choose its own path.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underlined the strong co-operation between the EU and NATO: “The European Union and NATO have worked in close complementarity, and this crisis will bring us even closer together. It is our shared duty to stand up to the greatest act of aggression on European soil since decades. Our unity is our best strength. The Kremlin understands this very well and that’s why they have tried their best to divide us, but they have achieved the exact opposite. We are more united and more determined than ever. We are one union, one Alliance united in purpose.”
Von der Leyen said that what was at stake is not just Donbas: “It’s not just Ukraine. What is at stake is the stability of Europe and the whole international order. President Putin chose to bring war back to Europe. In a determined and united response, the European Union will make it as difficult as possible for the Kremlin to pursue its aggressive actions. Let me be very clear. It is President Putin, who will have to explain this to his citizens. I know that the Russian people do not want this war.”
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