EU and South Korea leaders issue joint statement condemning Russian invasion of Ukraine

South Korea and the European Union agreed on Monday, May 22, to strengthen security cooperation amid tensions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's nuclear threats. In addition, both parties stated their unwavering commitment to rendering support to Kyiv for the foreseeable future.

The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, made a relevant statement following the results of the summit held in Seoul on May 22.

"We, the leaders of the European Union and the Republic of Korea… confirm our strong condemnation of Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine, which is a gross violation of international law," the document reads.

The parties confirmed their commitment to comply with the UN Charter. They expressed unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and its inalienable right to self-defense against Russian aggression.

"Russia must stop its aggression and immediately, completely, and unconditionally withdraw all its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. International humanitarian law, including the rules for the treatment of prisoners of war and international human rights, must be observed," the participants emphasized.

They expressed support for efforts to ensure accountability for war crimes and other violations of international law committed by Russia against Ukraine and confirmed support for the work of the International Criminal Court.

"We agreed to continue and increase collective pressure on Russia, including by introducing appropriate restrictive measures. We are committed to supporting the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine and are determined to support Ukraine for as long as necessary. We discussed ways to increase support for Ukraine to ensure its financial, material, security, and humanitarian needs," the document states.

According to the leaders of the EU and Korea, the whole world is facing threats to peace and security, particularly due to the consequences of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the nuclear and missile programs of North Korea, etc. Among other destabilizing factors, they mentioned the slow pace of recovery after the global pandemic, climate change, and worsening food and energy security.

The parties agreed to work on solving these problems and expand strategic cooperation.

For reference:

After participating in the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, traveled to Seoul, where the EU-Republic of Korea summit was held. The event participants considered a wide range of bilateral relations, including security issues, the development of bilateral cooperation and trade, and cooperation to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

It should be noted that the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, said that Ukraine would welcome Japan and South Korea providing lethal weapons to protect the nation's sovereignty from Russian aggression.

In addition, South Korea will provide $230 million in aid to Ukraine.