The Bucharest Nine consisting of Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia met today in Warsaw, the capital of Poland, with the participation of US President Joe Biden and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
In a joint statement released after the meeting, it was reported that Russia “destroyed” peace and security in Europe by attacking Ukraine a year ago.
Emphasizing that NATO is a defense alliance, the statement said, “We will continue to strengthen our deterrence and defense stance on the entire Eastern flank, from the Baltic to the Black Sea. NATO and the Article 5 commitment to defending each other is the backbone of Euro-Atlantic security. It has an ‘open door’ policy. “Reaffirming our commitment, we invited Finland and Sweden to join the alliance in Madrid. We look forward to welcoming them soon as NATO allies.”
In the statement, which strongly condemned Russia’s attacks, it was noted:
“Civilian deaths in Ukraine are on the rise. Those responsible for atrocities and war crimes will be held accountable. We are determined to maintain international pressure on Russia. We also condemn all those who actively facilitate Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, including Belarus. In accordance with the UN Charter and international law, Ukraine is responsible for ensuring that its territory “It is exercising its right of self-defense against Russian aggression to regain full control and has the right to liberate occupied territories within its internationally recognized borders. We will continue to support Ukraine’s efforts in this direction as long as necessary. We salute the heroism of the Ukrainian people and the valor of its army.”
“We are ready to support Moldova, Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina at risk against the malign influence of the Kremlin”
Emphasizing that Ukraine’s future lies in Europe, the statement said, “We are ready to support our partners Moldova, Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, who are most at risk from the destabilizing and malignant influence of the Kremlin. By invading Ukraine, Russia and the rules-based international order “We are stronger and more united than ever before, reaffirming the enduring transatlantic link between our nations. We will continue to strive for peace, security and stability throughout the Euro-Atlantic region.”
Bucharest Nine (B9), which is part of NATO’s eastern wing countries Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, was established on 4 November 2015 in Bucharest, the capital of Romania.