European Council president urges Russia to negotiate, warns Ukraine invasion risks global security

BRUSSELS

European Council President Antonio Costa urged Russia on Tuesday to engage in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, warning that accepting Moscow's invasion would threaten global security.

Costa told the UN Security Council that Ukraine is defending the core principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right to choose its own future.

He described Russia's attack as "unjustified and illegal," emphasizing that it represents the sole cause of the conflict.

"If we accept Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, no country will ever be safe," he said, urging Russia to come to the negotiation table "to stop the killings, to stop the destruction, to stop threatening its neighboring countries."

He stressed that peace in Ukraine is not only a European interest but a matter of global concern, urging the international community to actively engage in efforts for a ceasefire in full respect of the UN Charter.

"The European Union supports President Trump's efforts for peace. And I would like to see China, also a permanent member of this Security Council, contribute towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine," he added.

Costa reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to supporting Ukraine, including applying sanctions on Russia and providing security guarantees through the Coalition of the Willing -- an international group of countries led by the UK and France to mobilize and organize support for Ukraine.

"To fulfil the aspirations of the Ukrainian people, we will continue to support Ukraine on its path to full membership in the European Union," he said.