The Nationalist Party on Friday noted "with astonishment" the latest comments by Prime Minister Robert Abela on the crisis in Ukraine, in which he stated that the return of Crimea to Ukrainian hands is non-negotiable.

This declaration exposes how lacking in credibility the Prime Minister is, as he continues to make U-turns on such sensitive matters, the PN said.

Only six months ago, Abela was telling us that Ukraine could not win the war without making compromises - and now he speaks about the illegitimate occupation of Ukrainian territories by Russia, including Crimea, and insists that their reintegration into Ukraine is absolutely non-negotiable.

Over the past years, Robert Abela and his government have not only taken contradictory positions, but worse still, they attacked the PN and its representatives who have always been consistent in their support for the Ukrainian people.

Today, after two and a half years of brutal invasion, when other countries have long shown solidarity and provided concrete support to the Ukrainian people, Robert Abela seeks to give the impression that he is at the forefront in defending Ukraine's sovereignty. This is yet another case of a Prime Minister who shifts with every wind, attempting to portray himself as a statesman when his actions have only revealed a lack of direction and seriousness.

The PN said it remains steadfast and unequivocal in its support for Ukraine, for its liberation and that of its people from all forms of aggression, and for peace based on justice and respect for international law.