Janša gratulierte in Kiew dem tapferen ukrainischen Volk

Prime Minister Janez Janša of Slovenia arrived in Kyiv today to participate in ceremonies marking Ukraine's Day of Statehood. During his address, he praised the courage and sacrifice of the Ukrainian people in facing Russian aggression and emphasized the importance of a just peace that holds wrongdoers accountable. He joined other European leaders at a summit focused on strengthening support for Ukraine and advancing its path toward full EU membership. The ceremony took place on Saint Michael's Square in Kyiv, where Janša laid flowers before a memorial wall honoring Ukrainian soldiers who lost their lives in Russia's invasion. The event was attended by several European heads of state and government officials, including President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Romanian President Nicolae Dan, Moldova's President Maia Sandu, Albania's President Bajram Begaj, and Serbia's President Aleksandar Vučić. Notably, Vučić's presence surprised many given his country's closer ties with Russia. Janša highlighted the growing international support for Ukraine, stating that full EU membership is becoming a reality. He recalled his visit to Kyiv in March 2022, shortly after Russia's invasion began, when he joined Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecky and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala as the first foreign leaders to show solidarity with Ukraine. In recognition of this courageous act, a plaque bearing their names was placed near the Ukrainian parliament. During the summit, discussions centered around security, political, and economic challenges, as well as ways to strengthen cooperation in supporting Ukraine. Janša held bilateral meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Serbian President Vučić. The summit aimed to foster collaboration among Eastern European countries in addressing common threats and promoting regional stability. President Zelensky awarded von der Leyen the Order of Europe, an honor established by Ukraine to recognize individuals who support the defense of the country's independence and its accession to the EU. Von der Leyen announced the signing of a partnership agreement between the EU and Ukraine on drone production, emphasizing the need for investment in Ukraine and Europe's shared future. The agreement aims to combine Ukrainian innovation with European industry to enhance collective security. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov noted that agreements signed with European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius would provide Ukraine access to €300 million in funds and participation in European programs to bolster its defense industry. This collaboration underscores efforts to build a stronger and more secure Europe through joint initiatives. Janša reiterated the significance of a just peace, stressing that justice must be served to prevent wrongdoing from recurring. His remarks reflected broader international sentiment regarding the necessity of holding aggressors accountable while continuing to support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The summit marked another step in the ongoing dialogue among European nations committed to ensuring Ukraine's resilience against external threats.