EU ambassador to Georgia: Ukraine was attacked because it wanted to decide about its future by itself

Paweł Herczyński, the ambassador of the European Union to Georgia, on Friday said Ukraine was attacked because it wanted to decide about its future by itself, “not with dictate from Moscow”, in his remarks for the first anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war. 

 

He stressed the war was an “unprecedented violation of fundamental values and principles of international law” and as a victim of aggression,” Ukraine has the inherent right to defend itself”. 

 

“The EU remains resolute, united and determined in our support to Ukraine on all fronts: humanitarian, economic, political, diplomatic and military.This is not just an aggression against Ukraine, a sovereign country, but aggression against democracy worldwide”, the ambassador said. 

 

The diplomat said the EU was working towards the “widest possible international condemnation and isolation of Russia by the international community”. 

 

“Our unity with like-minded international partners has been unwavering and we are taking unprecedented actions together.Georgia has been actively participating in these efforts”, Herczyński said and added the bloc’s support for Ukraine “will not diminish the attention to other partners. On the contrary, unequivocal and resolute response to Russia’s war in Ukraine must be maintained to hold the aggressor accountable”. 

 

“Georgia’s close cooperation with the EU, based on shared understanding of our common European values, is a solid foundation to build an ever stronger EU-Georgia relationship. The EU has given a clear European perspective to Georgia, with concrete steps to receive EU candidate status. This process is merit-based and reform driven”, he stressed. 

 

The ambassador highlighted Russian and other “disinformation actors” were seeking to manipulate the information space to “echo pro-Kremlin narratives and propaganda, obstruct integration, sow divisions and diminish solidarity. We need to be vigilant, strengthen our resilience and cooperate closely to counter these malicious activities”.