THREE YEARS OF UKRAINE WAR/ Ambassador Prokopchuk: Peaceful resolution must include solid security guarantees

Ukrainian ambassador to Romania Ihor Prokopchuk said on Monday that a peaceful resolution to the war must include solid security guarantees for Ukraine.For it to be a sustainable peace deal, this has to be a solid, fair and just peace, based on international law and that respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. The peaceful settlement must include solid security guarantees for Ukraine, serving as a strong and effective deterrent against Russia's repeating its aggression against my country. (...) From our point of view, the most effective way to achieve these guarantees is by ensuring Ukraine's NATO membership, Prokopchuk told the conference "Ukraine, three years of resilience and courage: The long road from war to peace" organized at the Romanian Diplomatic Institute.The ambassador stressed that Europe and Ukraine must both be seated at the peace negotiation table because "this is about our security, our lives and our future." He also voiced appreciation for the European leaders' participation in the summit organized on Monday by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, terming it as a new proof of solidarity with Ukraine.In his turn, ambassador of the Republic of Moldova Victor Chirila stated that his country supports Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.A just peace for Ukraine and Europe means security guarantees for Ukraine, it means respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, the recovery of the population, respect for international law, human rights and dignity of the Ukrainian and Moldovan people, it means respect, justice for the victims and a just peace in line with international law, said Victor Chirila.Secretary of State with the Foreign Affairs Ministry Ana Tinca underscored that a just and lasting peace in Ukraine is a fundamental goal of Romania's foreign policy. She pointed out that the process that will bring peace to Ukraine is about the security of this country, but also of the Black Sea region and Europe, about not accepting the change of borders by force, about respecting the UN Charter and international laws. She also pointed out the need for unity in supporting Ukraine.Without speaking on behalf of Ukraine, I believe that no one wants peace more than Ukraine, and I can also say that no one wants peace more than Romania or the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine's neighbors who directly feel the effects of the war, said Ana Tinca.The event began with a moment of silence observed in memory of those killed in Ukraine during the war. The conference was also attended by the director general of the Romanian Diplomatic Institute, Liliana Popescu-Birlan, and security expert Claudiu Degeratu.