Support for Ukraine, severe costs for Russia: Weimar Triangle countries adopt declaration

The Weimar Triangle countries (Poland, France, Germany) call on the Russian authorities to de-escalate the situation around Ukraine's borders and to have a meaningful dialogue with the West.

This is stated in the so-called Berlin Declaration, adopted during the meeting of President of Poland Andrzej Duda, President of France Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the German capital on February 8, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"The leaders call on Russia to de-escalate the situation at the Ukrainian border and engage in a meaningful dialogue on security on the European continent. They underscore that any further military aggression by Russia against Ukraine will have massive consequences and severe costs," reads the statement.

It is emphasized that the three countries are ready to engage constructively "in meaningful and result-oriented discussions on security issues of mutual concern."

"They will continue to coordinate closely, together with EU partners and NATO allies, to ensure peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area," the document says.

In line with NATO's dual-track approach to [Russia], the leaders agreed that the Alliance needs to continuously keep its deterrence and defence posture under review and be ready to adapt as necessary to a further deterioration of the security environment, including in the framework of NATO’s enhanced forward presence.

The leaders of the three countries expressed grave concern about Russia's build-up of armed forces in and around Ukraine and reiterated their support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. They also commended Ukraine's posture "of continued restraint and diplomatic approach."

In the resolution, Duda, Scholz, and Macron encourage further diplomatic efforts and support the Normandy format in achieving the Minsk agreements.

"The members of the Weimar Triangle will remain engaged with all concerned parties to uphold the security and stability in the region and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine," the Berlin Declaration reads.

The Weimar Triangle summit was held in Berlin on Tuesday for the first time in six years, with the participation of President of Poland Andrzej Duda, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and President of France Emmanuel Macron. The main topic of the talks was the security situation around Ukraine.

Photo credit: Michael Gottschalk/photothek.net

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