February 24 marks the first year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Twelve months of an unprecedented violation of the fundamental norms and principles of international law. The world is witnessing aggression, not only on one country, but also on the international system of sovereign, free and independent states. This is a dangerous precedent for all countries: we can never accept the invasion, occupation, or annexation of one state by another.

The EU and its Member States are united in providing humanitarian, economic, defence and diplomatic support to Ukraine, but we are also working to strengthen multilateralism. As a result, we already have six UN General Assembly resolutions condemning and insulating Russia. It is encouraging that Ecuador, one of the first countries in Latin America to stand against this unwarranted military aggression, has a non-permanent member status on the United Nations Security Council.

Russia’s actions are endangering the world by causing food and energy insecurity by causing price increases with dramatic effects on the most vulnerable. Against this, Ecuador is again an example of resilience that has managed to mitigate these consequences, maintaining a relatively low inflation rate, and diversifying its markets by leveraging in its different trade agreements, as the one it maintains with the EU.

Now is the time to show that multilateralism works. The support of Latin American and Caribbean countries (LAC) to Ukraine will make a big difference. The international community needs LAC to stand alongside the Ukrainian people, international law and peace. LAC and the EU need a stronger partnership to pave the way for the resolution of this conflict and overcome the consequences of this global crisis.

As the EU, we seek to revitalise this partnership by supporting democracy, sustainable economic growth, the fight against climate change, the promotion of investment, the protection of human rights, social cohesion and security. The war in Ukraine has highlighted the need for strategic autonomy and this can only be achieved with reliable partners. For this reason, both blocs will reiterate this will at the bi-regional summit at Heads of State level to be held in Brussels on 17 and 18 July 2023.

Extrajudicial executions and attacks on the civilian population must stop immediately. Those responsible for war crimes and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, investigated by the International Independent Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine and the International Criminal Court, will be held accountable. Russia must immediately end this atrocious war. The European Union reiterates its readiness to support the Ukrainian initiative for a just peace based on respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

(Translation from the original in Spanish)