Leading European foreign ministers publish joint statement on 1,000 days of Russian invasion

The foreign ministers of Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Spain and the UK have issued a joint declaration of support for Ukraine after several of them met in Warsaw.

In it, the six ministers say: “Russia is systematically attacking European security architecture.Russia’s reckless revisionism and constant refusal to stop the aggression and engage in meaningful talks challenges peace, freedom and prosperity on the European continent and in the transatlantic area.Russia is increasingly reliant on partners such as Iran and North Korea in order to sustain its illegal warfare.Moscow’s escalating hybrid activities against Nato and EU countries are also unprecedented in their variety and scale, creating significant security risks.”

Pledging support for Ukraine, the statement adds that the six countries will:

• reaffirm the enduring role of a strong and united Nato as a bedrock of European defence and security
• strengthen Nato by stepping up security and defence expenditure
• strengthen Europe’s security and defence, using all levers available, including the economic and financing power of the EU and by reinforcing Europe’s industrial base
• invest in critical military capabilities
• enhance resilience to cognitive warfare and hybrid threats in Europe
• further step up military, economic and financial support for Ukraine