European foreign ministers mark Europe Day in Ukraine to express support
'We stand united with Ukraine for a lasting peace,' says EU foreign policy chief
GENEVA
European foreign ministers marked Europe Day on Friday with a show of unity in Ukraine, underscoring their continued support for the country amid the ongoing armed conflict between Moscow and Kyiv.
"Today, we celebrate Europe Day with Ukraine and its people. Because in a family, both joys and hardships are shared," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in a post on X after taking part in an event in Ukraine's western city of Lviv to honor Ukrainian soldiers who died during the Russia-Ukraine war.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy is joining 17 other foreign ministers and the Ukrainian foreign minister in the western city of Lviv, according to the UK government, for talks on securing peace in Ukraine.
The visit of European foreign ministers comes amid an annual military parade held in Moscow's Red Square to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory Day.
Victory Day is celebrated on May 9 in Russia and other countries, including some former Soviet states, to commemorate the Soviet Union’s victory against Nazi Germany during World War II -- a conflict Russia calls the Great Patriotic War.
Amid the visit, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said he held "substantive and friendly" talks with Kallas in Lviv, underlining the importance and symbolism of the visit by top European diplomats.
"We discussed a wide range of issues, including the situation on the frontline and defence needs," Shmyhal said on X, expressing Kyiv's gratitude for EU initiatives to further support Ukraine militarily.
He also said that he and Kallas discussed the tightening of sanctions against Russia, saying: "We expect the 17th package to be agreed and approved by the European countries as soon as possible."
Shmyhal went on to say that Ukraine also looks forward to further work concerning frozen Russian assets and their transfer to Kyiv for the country's needs, adding his country's appreciation for the EU’s solidarity "at this difficult time."
Representatives of at least 37 countries are also expected to announce their support for establishing a special tribunal to hold those responsible “for the crime of aggression against Ukraine” accountable.
Europe Day, celebrated on May 9, commemorates the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for the EU and symbolizes peace and unity across the continent.
