The EU-Ukraine Association Council strongly condemned the holding of the Russian "presidential elections" in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and stressed that it does not recognize their holding and results. This is stated in a joint press release following the 9th meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council, UNN reports with reference to the Government Portal.
"The Association Council strongly condemned Russia's holding of the presidential elections in the territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russia and stressed that it will not recognize their holding and results in the parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol temporarily occupied by Russia. Crimea, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk are Ukraine. The EU also reaffirmed its support for Ukraine's Peace Formula in view of the upcoming Global Peace Summit," the press release said.
The Association Council also welcomed the total support provided by the EU and its Member States of almost €98 billion since the beginning of Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine, including €33.1 billion in military assistance. It also welcomed the training of the Armed Forces of Ukraine by the EU Military Assistance Mission.
"Both sides welcomed the establishment of the €50 billion Ukraine Facility for the period 2024-27 as a visible sign of the EU's unwavering support. The Fund will contribute to the recovery, reconstruction and modernization of the country, as well as to social cohesion and progressive integration into the Union. In particular, Ukraine welcomed the first disbursement of EUR 4.5 billion in the form of exceptional transitional financing under the Ukraine Facility program. The European Union welcomed the presentation of the Ukraine Plan, which will guide the implementation of the Ukraine Facility," the press release said.
In addition, the Association Council welcomed the establishment of the Assistance Fund for Ukraine, a €5 billion package under the European Peace Facility that will provide Ukraine with both lethal and non-lethal military equipment and training. Further increases of an appropriate level may be envisaged until 2027.
The EU reaffirmed its determination to meet Ukraine's urgent military and defense needs (including the supply of ammunition and missiles, including a commitment to provide one million artillery rounds) and its commitment to strengthening Ukraine's ability to defend its independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty.