EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell visited a key Ukrainian military training center, where he reviewed the urgent needs for equipment and training of new soldiers.
Last Visit Before Leaving Office
Borrell’s visit, his fifth and final one before leaving office, underscored the EU’s support for Ukraine as it continues to defend against Russian aggression.
Borrell praised the EU’s efforts in training over 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers across member countries, adding that 15,000 more will complete training by the end of this year, according to Ziare.
Ukrainian officials have set a goal to mobilize an additional 160,000 troops by the end of 2024 to counter the Russian army's numerical advantage.
Accompanied by War Crimes Experts
During his visit, Borrell toured Iahidne, a village near Chernihiv, with local officials. He visited a school basement where Russian forces reportedly held 360 civilians captive for a month during the early stages of the invasion.
Accompanied by two EU war crimes experts, Borrell witnessed the preserved site where 12 detainees lost their lives under Russian occupation.
Speaking afterward, Borrell stated that any path to peace must include accountability for Russian war crimes. He stressed that justice was essential to achieving a true and lasting peace, not merely a temporary ceasefire.
His comments came as some international voices, including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, called for a rapid peace deal in Ukraine.
Borrell warned that peace should not come at the cost of impunity for atrocities committed during the conflict. He also talked about the potential use of €300 billion in frozen Russian assets under the control of Ukraine’s allies.
These funds, he suggested, could help rebuild Ukraine and compensate victims of the war.
Borrell concluded by affirming the EU’s commitment to ensuring that those responsible for war crimes will be held accountable.
He cited the ongoing international investigation into Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for mass deportations of Ukrainian children to Russia.
