EU: Coming weeks will be decisive for Russia's willingness to end war

In his speech at the opening of the 9th Summit of the European Political Community (AST) held in Dublin, the capital of Ireland, Antonio Costa said that the collective security of Europe cannot be considered separately from ensuring a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Stating that the first principle required for the restoration of security in Europe is for Ukraine to freely choose its own future, Costa said, "The era of 'spheres of influence' in Europe is now long gone." he said.

Costa stated that the second principle is that the security of the continent should not be discussed without Europe at the table in Russia-Ukraine negotiations, and noted that the common attitude of the continent should be the product of joint efforts between European countries, the EU and NATO.

Finally, regarding the discussions about the European security architecture, Costa stated that there was already a functioning architecture on the continent and said, "However, this architecture was first gradually weakened and eventually completely destroyed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine." he said.

Costa emphasized that security on the continent should be based on the principles of respect for national sovereignty, avoidance of the use of force, inviolability of borders, territorial integrity and peaceful resolution of disputes mentioned in the 1975 Helsinki Final Act.

Stating that Europe's priority is to ensure a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, to make concrete progress in the Black Sea and to create the conditions for a peace agreement, Costa said:

"The main prerequisite for all this to happen is whether Russia is truly willing to make peace. Unfortunately, from what we have seen so far, Russia is focused on escalating tensions and attacks on Ukrainian civilians. This situation must change for peace to be possible. The coming weeks will be the decisive test of Russia's willingness to end this war."