EU message on Ukrainian Independence Day: There can be no compromise on freedom

There can be no compromise on the freedom of Ukraine, EU High Representative Josep Borrell has said in a video message to mark Ukrainian Independence Day today.

“I express my admiration for those fearlessly defending the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine and the principles of humanism and democracy. There can be no compromise on your freedom. I admire your steadfastness. Europe stands side by side with you,” he said.

“Together we will endure and rebuild a strong, European Ukraine,” Borrell said, adding that the memory of the suffering of the women and men of Ukraine would be “an incentive to unite for the sake of peace, justice and prosperity”.

Speaking yesterday at the online Summit of the Crimea Platform, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also looked ahead to Ukrainian Independence Day: “Putin wanted to thwart Ukraine’s independence and break your belief in a better future,” she said. “The opposite has happened. Not only is Ukraine celebrating its 31st year of independence tomorrow, but you have also become a candidate to join the European Union. Our people have never been closer. And our commitment to a free and democratic Ukraine has never been stronger.”

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Borrell video message

Von der Leyen speech