Ukraine's Ambassador in Bucharest: Russia's aggression must end with just and lasting peace

Russia's war against Ukraine must end with just and lasting peace, Ukraine's Ambassador in Bucharest Ihor Prokopchuk said on Thursday.The ambassador hosted an event near the Ukrainian diplomatic mission, organised on the occasion of Independence Day, where tens of citizens from the neighbouring country and several ambassadors came as a sign of solidarity."Today we have gathered for an act of solidarity with my country, in connection with the celebration of Ukraine's Independence Day. Unfortunately, this is the fourth consecutive year we are organising such an event near the embassy, due to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," said Ihor Prokopchuk.In this context, the Ukrainian diplomat said he had witnessed "an extraordinary gesture of solidarity from Romania and other international partners.""We have unity, and the international community shares a common vision regarding this aggression and how it should end: it must end with a just and lasting peace, without a repetition of Russian aggression. Therefore, Ukraine must obtain reliable, credible security guarantees and the capacity to deter further Russian aggression," Prokopchuk said.The ambassador thanked the Romanian people for their hospitality and generosity towards Ukrainians who have taken refuge in Romania from the Russian aggression, adding that he estimates there are currently several tens of thousands of Ukrainians in the country."We don't have exact numbers regarding how many Ukrainians are in the country. The most recent figures on temporary protection granted to Ukrainian citizens show over 180,000. Indicators suggest there are fewer than that (in Romania - editor's note), but we are speaking of tens of thousands of Ukrainian citizens. Many travel to Ukraine and then return. But the majority have integrated, including their children, and there is a strong sense of gratitude for the kindness and generosity with which they were welcomed as soon as they arrived, by ordinary people," the ambassador said.He referred to the recent meeting in Washington between the President of the United States, Donald Trump, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and seven other European leaders."There is a shared understanding that, for this war to end, certain issues must be addressed and discussed at the highest level, in direct contact between President Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin, with the mediation of the US President and other partners of Ukraine," Prokopchuk said.The Ukrainian ambassador added that it is clear there must be a meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents. "Following the meetings in Washington, President Zelenskyy reiterated that he is ready and willing to have such a meeting in any format, whether bilateral or trilateral. So now it depends on Moscow's willingness for such an encounter. So far, we have had no signs that they are truly open to it, apart from words. We will see in the coming days whether there is real intent," he underscored.The ambassador of Ukraine stressed that after the peace-focused meetings in Alaska and Washington, "instead of steps toward a ceasefire, we saw massive air strikes by Russia on cities across Ukraine.""If this change does not come, continued pressure through sanctions on Moscow is necessary, to deprive it of the resources to finance the war against Ukraine," the Ukrainian diplomat added.In turn, Romania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) Secretary of State Luca Niculescu conveyed congratulations to Ukraine on behalf of Minister Oana Toiu, on the occasion of Independence Day."Unfortunately, we cannot celebrate this day in times of peace. Russia continues its illegal and brutal war of aggression against your country, and each day brings even more horrific attacks on Ukrainian cities, each day brings more Ukrainian victims, including innocent civilians," said Luca Niculescu.The MAE official praised the courage of the Ukrainian people."Romania stands with and will continue to stand with Ukraine in its just struggle. We know that Ukraine wants peace, a just and lasting peace. However, peace must not come at any cost, especially not at the cost of rewarding an aggressor or exposing Ukraine to further aggression in the future," the secretary of state underlined.He commended the ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace and said that, in the meantime, Ukraine must be supported. "We owe this to your sacrifice and your courage," said Niculescu.During the ceremony, Princess Briana Caragea received the "Heart of Gold" distinction awarded by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the aid she provided to Ukrainians who fled the war.   (Photo:https://romania.mfa.gov.ua/)