unjust peace — Annita Demetriou, the House president, firmly stated that Europe cannot allow an unjust peace in Ukraine. Her remarks came after a video call with leaders of the European People’s Party (EPP), which she is a part of, following a significant meeting in Washington, D.C. between European leaders and U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- The stakes are high, and the path forward must be navigated carefully to ensure that peace in Ukraine is not only achievable but also fair and sustainable.
Demetriou emphasised the importance of unity within the European Union, stating, “The unity of the European Union is our greatest strength and must be preserved.” Drawing from Cyprus’s own experiences of invasion and occupation spanning over five decades, she expressed the need for a collective stance against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “We condemned the Russian invasion from the very beginning and continue to support the achievement of a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, with full respect for the principles and values of the EU,” she said.
Highlighting the urgency of negotiations, she called for an immediate ceasefire as a pivotal element in the dialogue process. “We insist on full respect for the territorial integrity of Ukraine and on the position that only Ukraine itself can decide on its future on issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she added. The EPP leaders echoed her sentiments, reaffirming their commitment to maintain and strengthen sanctions against Russia until aggression ceases.
During the meeting, the leaders stressed the need for a ceasefire that would pave the way for a just and sustainable peace, rather than a perpetuation of a ‘frozen’ conflict. They also agreed on the necessity for Ukraine to negotiate from a position of strength and the importance of accelerating its path to EU membership. “Its future lies in Europe,” Demetriou asserted, reinforcing the support for Ukraine’s integration into the EU.
Demetriou noted that recent discussions, particularly those held in Alaska and Washington, have opened a window for peace. “It is our duty to ensure that the outcome is compatible with European principles and values,” she remarked, highlighting the collective responsibility of European leaders in this crucial time.
The meeting in Washington featured prominent figures, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Their presence underscored a united front in addressing the serious implications of the conflict in Ukraine.
As discussions continue, Demetriou’s call for unity and commitment to a just resolution remains at the forefront of European dialogue regarding the war in Ukraine. The ongoing support from a coalition of over 30 nations, along with the backing of the EU’s 26 other member states’ heads of government, reflects a concerted effort to uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of aggression.
The stakes are high, and the path forward must be navigated carefully to ensure that peace in Ukraine is not only achievable but also fair and sustainable.
