EU diplomats reaffirm commitment to Ukraine independence

European Union foreign ministers have reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine's independence in ‌a ⁠joint statement released to mark their trip to Kyiv and Bucha.

The ministers ‌stated their "unwavering commitment to ensuring ⁠full ‌accountability of the Russian Federation, ⁠for ‌any violations of international law in or ⁠against Ukraine" as they marked ⁠the fourth anniversary of the Bucha massacre.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha greeted Ms Kallas and other ‌senior EU ⁠officials at Kyiv's central railway station earlier, saying that such a strong European presence demonstrated that justice for Russian atrocities was inevitable.

"Today, we commemorate the ‌grim anniversary of the Bucha massacre," Mr Sybiha said on the Telegram ⁠messaging app.

"Comprehensive accountability for Russian ‌crimes is vital to restore justice in Europe.

And ⁠today, ‌we will advance accountability efforts."
Ukraine marks the fourth anniversary this week of the liberation of Bucha, around 25⁠km from the Ukrainian capital, which brought to ⁠light the atrocities carried out in the town, where Russian troops killed more than 400 people.

Moscow denied its troops committed the atrocities and accused Ukraine of staging the ‌incident.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee is among the ministers in attendance in Ukraine.

"I look forward to joining my EU colleagues in Kyiv to show our strong support for Ukraine.

We will come together to remember the victims of the atrocities in Bucha and to reaffirm our commitment to holding Russia fully accountable for its unprovoked invasion," Ms McEntee said before the meeting.

"After four years of war, the human impact in Ukraine has been devastating.

Russia has the power to end this conflict, but instead of engaging in meaningful negotiations, it continues attacks on towns and energy infrastructure.

Ireland stands firmly with the people of Ukraine.

"I look forward to hearing from President Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Sybiha on recent developments, the current situation, and Ukraine's needs.

"As Ireland prepares for its upcoming EU Presidency, I will highlight our continued support for Ukraine across political, financial, humanitarian, and non-lethal military areas.

I will also reaffirm Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s path to EU membership.

"I welcome ongoing efforts to secure a fair and lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, and I hope meaningful progress can be made soon.

By meeting in Kyiv, we are sending a clear and united message that EU support for Ukraine remains strong," she added.

Separately, the Kremlin has said that Russia has not seen "clearly formulated" proposals from Ukraine for a temporary ceasefire over the Easter holidays.

President Zelensky said yesterday that Kyiv was ready for a truce with Moscow over the Easter holidays, including a mutual halt in attacks on energy facilities to ease a global oil crisis triggered by the Iran war.

"From Zelensky's statements we've read, we haven't seen any clearly formulated initiatives for an Easter truce," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"We reiterate: Zelensky must take responsibility and make the appropriate decision so that we can achieve peace, not a ceasefire," he added.

Russia has repeatedly rejected a ceasefire in Ukraine, saying it is instead pushing for a final peace settlement.

Ukraine says Russia is deliberately prolonging the war to capture more Ukrainian territory and is not genuinely interested in peace.

Mr Zelensky said yesterday that Ukraine was ready for any format of ceasefire, "total or energy-related".

Drone attacks hit Russia for third time in a week
Meanwhile, Drone attacks caused fresh damage at Russia's Baltic port of Ust-Luga, the regional governor has said, for the third time in a week.

Russian air defences shot down 38 drones overnight in northwestern Leningrad region, its governor said on social media.

"There is damage at the port of Ust-Luga," Governor Alexander Drozdenko said, adding three people - including two children - were wounded in the overnight attacks.

The port on the Gulf of Finland is a key hub for Russia's exports of fertlizers, oil and coal and has been hit several times in recent days.

Ukraine has intensified retaliatory attacks on Russian infrastructure - including refineries, oil depots and ports - saying they are justified as part of the effort to cut revenues funding Russia's offensive.

Russian authorities said on Wednesday and Sunday that Ukrainian drone attacks had caused fires at the port.

Talks between Moscow and Kyiv, brokered by the United States and aimed at ending the four-year war, have been derailed by fighting in the Middle East.