The European Union and NATO, after several months of delays, will finally soon officially issue a joint call to the Russian Federation to end the war and leave Ukraine, and will also promise Kyiv full support.
This is reported by Politico.
The draft declaration faced many months of diplomatic delays - it was partially considered and was in development for more than a year, but was delayed due to tensions in relations between Turkey and Cyprus, diplomats explain.
Now, the final version is on its way and is expected to be unveiled soon. The two diplomats said it could happen on Monday or Tuesday, or in early 2023 if schedules interfere before the New Year.
It is noted that while the text of the declaration is not groundbreaking, making it official would be a significant diplomatic achievement given the months it took to obtain it. Initially, it was assumed that the document was approved at the NATO summit in Madrid, which took place in June last year.
And while the document is almost ready for publication, some remain skeptical, saying they will believe it only when they see a public ceremony.
In the almost final version, the EU and NATO call on the Russian Federation to "immediately stop this war and withdraw from Ukraine" and again declare their "unwavering and constant support for its independence." They also agreed to "fully support Ukraine's inalienable right to self-defense and to choose its own destiny." The declaration also states that "Russia's brutal war has exacerbated the food and energy crisis that has affected billions of people around the world."
In September, after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that "it is time to agree on a new Joint Declaration to take our partnership forward." And at the beginning of December, the European Parliament complained that "despite effective cooperation on the ground, the delay with the long-awaited third joint declaration is especially noticeable."
The text was discussed mostly between the office of the President of the European Council Charles Michel, the Commission and NATO.
