As part of the EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Lviv, Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel traveled to the western Ukrainian city on Friday, marking 80 years since the end of World War II with a commemorative ceremony and informal talks.
The gathering was hosted by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, with ministers invited from across Europe. Due to the time difference, Russia and other former Soviet republics commemorate the end of the war on 9 May, rather than 8 May as in much of Europe.
Bettel highlighted the symbolism of celebrating Europe Day in Ukraine, emphasising a mutual desire for peace and willingness to share values: “We shouldn’t say Russians were never on the right side; in the past, they were. But right now, they are not”, the minister stated.
Bettel also noted the mainly symbolic nature of the visit, stating that it was about “celebrating Europe Day in a country that sought closer ties with Europe, but today finds itself in a state of war.”
Next week, Ukraine’s request to establish a “special tribunal” will be presented to the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers. The tribunal would serve to show that wars of aggression carry consequences, with Russia being held accountable for its war against Ukraine.
Luxembourg supports the initiative, said Bettel: “This also helps Ukrainians to have something in hand when it eventually comes to negotiations.”
However, unity within the EU is not absolute. While a representative from Slovakia’s foreign ministry attended the Lviv meeting, the Slovak Prime Minister was seen on the grandstand in Moscow. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that frozen Russian assets worth one billion euros—would be invested in Ukraine’s defense industry.
