Ukrainian Statehood Day

Dear Minister Kuleba,

Today, the Ukrainian people celebrate the first Ukrainian Statehood Day. My country is keenly aware of the importance of this celebration that was established by President Zelensky last year. At the same time, the celebration will undoubtedly serve as a morale booster at the moment that Ukraine and its people are courageously defending their homes and fighting for the survival of their state.

I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my country’s unwavering solidarity with and the full support to Ukraine as well as the deep friendship that unites our two countries.

Ukraine is an independent and sovereign country as well as a valuable and trusted member of the international community. Its people have the indisputable right to choose their own destiny. The territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders must be fully respected. These borders include all the territories of Ukraine, among which Crimea and the Donbass, which are presently under the illegal occupation of the Russian Federation, directly or via puppet regimes.

My country sees Ukraine as a member of the European family. We firmly support your country's determination to defend the same values of freedom and democracy that inspire the European project.

We stand by your side while Russia is waging an unjustified, unprovoked and illegal war against Ukraine, in violation of international law and of the UN Charter. Belgium systematically condemns in the strongest terms Russia's aggression against Ukraine. We also strongly support the fight against impunity for war crimes. Belgium is determined to continue to provide political, economic, military, and humanitarian support to your country. And we will be there when it comes to rebuilding your country after the war and supporting Ukraine to implement the necessary reforms on the road towards its European destiny.

In my own ministerial competences, I have a particular attention for culture. I hope that we can also find a way to support you in preserving the heritage and the great richness of Ukrainian culture.

I hope to have the opportunity to visit Kyiv soon to express our support in person and to discuss with you how our future collaboration can not only continue but also be strengthened.

Ms. Hadja LAHBIB

Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Federal Cultural Institutions of the Kingdom of BELGIUM