Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and EU Member States visited Bucha on the fourth anniversary of the russian massacre

On Tuesday, March 31, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, along with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, and Foreign Ministers of Member States of the European Union visited Bucha on the fourth anniversary of the russian massacre.

The guests lit candles at the memorial to the victims of the Bucha massacre and honoured the memory of the Ukrainians who were brutally murdered here four years ago. They visited the church, which houses an exhibition of photos and videos of russian atrocities in Bucha.

During a joint press conference with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, Andrii Sybiha stated that Bucha is a symbol of russian crimes committed on the territory of Ukraine. At the same time, exactly four years ago, it was from Bucha that the liberation of the territories occupied by russia began, so this city is also a symbol of the Ukrainian invincibility, resilience and heroism.

“Perhaps more than anywhere else, in Bucha we feel that the future of Europe and the European security are being decided right here - in Ukraine,” he added.

According to the Foreign Minister, against the backdrop of events in the Middle East, it is of the utmost importance that Ukraine remains a priority of both the global and regional agendas.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed his gratitude to his counterparts from European Union Member States who have arrived for a special off-site meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council. The key topic of the meeting will be holding the russian aggressor accountable, particularly through the Special Tribunal, the International Claims Commission, and the Register of Damage for Ukraine.

Andrii Sybiha emphasized: “Bringing the aggressor to justice is an integral part of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.”

During a special off-site meeting, the Heads of EU Foreign Ministries will also focus on energy issues, the situation on the battlefield, and Ukraine’s membership in the European Union.

The Minister expressed special gratitude to Kaja Kallas for the fact that Ukraine is already de facto participating in all meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council and other sectoral meetings.

“Ukraine is Europe, and our place is in the European Union. The current front line is also the line of international law and the shared values we defend,” Andrii Sybiha highlighted.