Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg reaffirmed Malta's steadfast support for the people of Ukraine during a special meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Ukraine on Europe Day.

"On Friday, the EU Foreign Ministers spent the day in Lviv, in a solemn expression of solidarity with Ukraine, as it continues to defend itself from Russia's aggression. Borg and the other EU Foreign Ministers visited Lychakiv Cemetery's Field of Mars to lay flowers and candles at this poignant memorial to the Ukrainian victims of war over the past three years," a government statement read.

During the Foreign Affairs Council, the Maltese Deputy Prime Minister commended Ukraine's progress in its ongoing reform agenda, despite the hardships of war. "We reaffirm our strong belief that Ukraine's path towards EU membership represents one of the most enduring guarantees of its long-term security, prosperity and resilience, as well as European stability," he said.

In a statement following the meeting, the EU, together with Ukraine and other international partners, including the United States, called on Russia for a full, unconditional ceasefire of at least 30 days, to reduce civilian suffering and open the door to genuine efforts for a just and lasting peace.

Borg also addressed a Ministerial meeting of the Core Group on the Establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.  "The 41 states of this coalition, including Malta, signed the Lviv Statement, confirming their full support for the Special Tribunal, while stressing its role in delivering justice by holding accountable those who bear the greatest responsibility for the international crimes committed against Ukraine," the government said.

"Earlier this year, the legal experts of this Core Group finalised the technical work on the documents required for the Tribunal, which will be established within the framework of the Council of Europe. In this regard, Malta pledged its readiness to facilitate the establishment and operation of the Special Tribunal during the 2025 Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe, which begins this month."

"There can be no peace without justice, and no justice without accountability. Only when we hold individuals and systems accountable can we truly pave the way for a just and lasting peace. The voices of victims must remain at the centre of any accountability process. We want this Tribunal to deliver justice to all who have suffered the consequences of this aggression," Deputy Prime Minister Borg stated.