Bucharest Nine: We condemn anyone who facilitates Russia’s attacks

The Bucharest Nine, made up of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, met today in Warsaw, the Polish capital, with the participation of United States President Joe Biden and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting, it was reported that Russia “destroyed” peace and security in Europe by attacking Ukraine a year ago.

Emphasizing that NATO is a defense alliance, the statement read: “We will continue to strengthen our deterrence and defense posture along the entire eastern flank from the Baltic to the Black Sea. NATO and the Article 5 commitment to defend each other are the backbone of Euro-Atlantic security. Reaffirming our commitment to the ‘open door’ policy, we invite Finland and Sweden to join the alliance in Madrid. We look forward to welcoming them back as NATO allies soon.” ratings were included.

In the statement, which strongly condemned the Russian attacks, it was noted:

“Civilian deaths in Ukraine are increasing. Those responsible for atrocities and war crimes will be held to account. We are determined to maintain international pressure on Russia. We also condemn everyone, including Belarus, who actively facilitated Russia’s attacks on Ukraine. In accordance with the UN Charter and international law, Ukraine exercises its right to self-defense against Russian aggression to regain full control of its territory and has the right to liberate the occupied territories within its internationally recognized borders. We will continue to support Ukraine’s efforts in this direction as long as it is necessary. We salute the heroism of the Ukrainian people and the courage of their army.”

“WE ARE READY TO SUPPORT MOLDOVA, GEORGIA AND BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA AT RISK”

Emphasizing that Ukraine’s future lies in Europe, the statement said: “We stand ready to support our partners Moldova, Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, who are most at risk from the Kremlin’s destabilizing and malign influence. Russia made a serious miscalculation by invading Ukraine and undermining the rules-based international order. We are stronger and more united than ever, reaffirming the enduring transatlantic bond between our nations. We will continue to fight for peace, security and stability throughout the Euro-Atlantic region.” It was said.

The Bucharest Nine (B9), which is part of NATO’s eastern wing countries Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, was established on November 4, 2015 in Bucharest, the capital from Romania. (AA)