Peter Stano, Spokesperson for the European Commission for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, commented on the offensive of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation, Suspilne reports.
At a press briefing on August 20, Peter Stano said that Ukraine has every right to defend itself, and this will not affect Kyiv’s European integration.
The spokesperson emphasized that Ukraine is waging a defensive war on the territory of Russia.
This brutal war has been going on for the third year in a row. And what we see on the battlefield, whether on the territory of Ukraine or Russia, is only the result and consequence of [Kremlin leader Vladimir] Putin’s illegal actions. Ukraine has every right to defend itself, and this has nothing to do with the EU accession process, because it is a parallel path that is being pursued between the European Union and Ukraine, – Stano emphasized.
The fact that Ukraine is exercising its right to defend itself by fighting in Russia was also mentioned by Finnish President Alexander Stubb and German Finance Minister Christian Lindner.
What is known about Ukraine’s accession to the EU
At a summit in Brussels on June 23, 2022, the European Council granted Ukraine the status of an EU candidate. Kyiv has to implement several important reforms related to the rule of law, oligarchs, and corruption, among other things.
The Commission recommends granting Ukraine a European perspective. This, of course, is subject to a number of important reforms being implemented in the country. In the Commission’s view, Ukraine has clearly demonstrated its desire and determination to live up to European values and standards, – said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
“A number of important reforms” are the following seven conditions:
- Constitutional Court reform;
- continuation of judicial reform;
- anti-corruption, including the appointment of the head of the SAPO;
- fight against money laundering;
- implementation of the anti-oligarchic law;
- harmonization of audiovisual legislation with the European one;
- changing legislation on national minorities.
