The horror witnessed in Chernihiv Oblast has once again reminded Europe of the urgent need for justice. During his visit to Ukraine, EU High Representative Josep Borrell observed the aftermath of atrocities in cities like Yahidne and Bucha.
As he walked through devastated neighborhoods, Borrell voiced his firm support for Ukraine, calling not just for an end to the war but a lasting peace grounded in justice.
The Dark Legacy of the Invasion
In a candid address, Borrell spoke of how the atrocities committed in Ukraine have revisited Europe’s darkest chapters. Residential areas, theaters, and youth centers lay in ruins—tangible symbols of the civilian suffering endured during the Russian invasion.
Borrell stressed that peace must not simply be a “ceasefire” but a sustainable solution that holds perpetrators accountable.
The Role of European Support in Recovery
With 85% of Chernihiv’s destruction affecting residential zones, Borrell underscored the EU’s commitment to reconstruction and military assistance. Recent EU-backed projects in Chernihiv and beyond aim to transform initial recovery efforts into sustained development.
Borrell’s message was clear: the EU remains resolute in supporting Ukraine’s resilience, both on the battlefield and in rebuilding civilian life.
Yesterday, Borrell visited a drone manufacturing facility where innovative Ukrainian engineers work to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Today, he witnessed the consequences of war—both in physical devastation and in the determination of survivors to rebuild.
The EU’s comprehensive support, he emphasized, spans military aid and civilian projects to bolster Ukraine’s resilience against ongoing aggression.
Accountability and Justice: A Non-Negotiable Goal
Justice, Borrell asserted, is non-negotiable. The EU’s mission is actively documenting war crimes to ensure that evidence is collected for future accountability, from ground-level soldiers to senior officials involved.
“Peace must be based on justice and accountability,”
he said, alluding to potential war reparations and pointing out the €300 billion in frozen Russian assets that may help fund reconstruction and compensate victims.
As Borrell spoke, he directly addressed the need for a peace built not merely on halted violence but on the pursuit of justice. For the people of Ukraine, who continue to show extraordinary resilience, this means that Russia must ultimately face consequences for its actions.
Moves Toward a Vibrant Future for Ukraine
For Ukraine, peace is envisioned not as a passive quiet but as the resurgence of a vibrant society that can rebuild and thrive. Borrell expressed a hopeful outlook that Ukraine, now a candidate for EU membership, will one day stand as a full member, fully integrated and supported.
He described Ukraine’s journey as a continuous path from “resilience, recovery, development,” underscoring that the EU’s mission is not solely to support Ukraine through the war but to help it flourish in the years that follow.
As European leaders assess the situation, Borrell’s visit and his remarks underscore that the EU’s commitment to Ukraine is unwavering. The support, he assured, will persist—not just for military purposes, but to lay the groundwork for a just and sustainable peace.
Sources: THX News & European Union.
