World leaders are calling for continued support for Ukraine as the second anniversary of the Russia War approaches
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) and Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (C) lay flowers during a memorial ceremony at Field of Mars Cemetery at Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv on February 23, 2024. (Source: MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/ AFP via Getty Images)
As Russia's war in Ukraine approaches its second anniversary, several world leaders continue to call for support and help for Kyiv.
These were their calls:
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said suspending support for Ukraine “is not an option for us in Europe” and that it would be “the best thing for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin.” Baerbock added that it was therefore necessary to continue military support, particularly from the USA.
“Unfortunately, over the course of two years we have learned that this is not just a war against Ukraine, but a war against the European peace order. It is a war against the United Nations Charter. “That’s why the Ukrainians are waging this war for us,” said Baerbock.
For his part, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the free world must renew its resolve to stand by Ukraine.
“When Putin launched his illegal invasion two years ago, the free world responded with unity. We stood united behind Ukraine. And on this sombre anniversary, we must renew our resolve,” Sunak said, according to a statement released late Friday.
Laurent Bili, France's ambassador to the United States, said that when European Union countries help Ukraine, they are helping themselves, and the same goes for the United States. He added that “time is running out” to provide assistance to Kiev.
“What is at stake now is really the legacy of the greatest generations, the world we live in, 75 years of peace thanks to NATO,” he said, adding that right now is “a crucial moment.” to help Ukraine.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement Friday calling his country's support for Ukraine “unwavering and unequivocal.”
According to Trudeau, Canada has imposed “a total of more than 2,400 sanctions” against Russia since the invasion began and is working with international partners “to ensure long-term security commitments for Ukraine and ensure the safe return of abducted Ukrainian children” to Russia.”