Borrell: EU Preps a Multi-Year Support Plan for Ukraine

Borrell noted that the ministers will talk about supporting the peace plan proposed by President Volodymyr Zelensky. High Representative of the European Union Josep Borrell said that the EU should focus its efforts not only on immediate support measures for Ukraine on the battlefield, but also on the development of a long-term support program. He said this in Stockholm before an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, reports Ukrinform. “Today’s meeting has two points: Russian aggression against Ukraine and revision of our relations with China. On the first point, it is clear that we must continue to support Ukraine, and we must do this in the long term. Not only by providing ammunition to continue the fight, but also considering the medium term, preparing a multi-year support for Ukraine,” said the head of European diplomacy. According to Borrell, Ukraine should be assured of support. “Both Russia and Putin must understand that we are not going to fall (in this effort - ed.). That is why they should stop waiting for us to get tired. We will not get tired,” stressed the EU representative. Borrell noted that the ministers will talk about supporting President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace plan and will consider bringing responsible for crimes against Ukraine to justice. Borrell added that he personally supports the idea of an international tribunal, with which other democratic countries also agree. Ministers will focus on finding solutions to this task that are practical, quick and ready to use. In addition, during a meeting of European officials in Stockholm, they will discuss a policy on China. Foreign ministers have received a concept paper from the European External Action Service on determining the EU’s position on China. This issue will be submitted for consideration to EU member states and governments during the European Council at the end of June this year. “We cannot have normal relations with China unless it uses its powerful influence over Russia to stop this war. China’s attitude toward the war in Ukraine is the second strategic security issue we will discuss today,” Borrell said.