Blanar: EU Foreign Council Condemns Russian Attack on Ukrainian City of Sumy

Luxembourg/ Bratislava, April 14 (TASR) - The EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg condemned on Monday the Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which claimed at least 34 lives and injured more than 100, Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) stated on the same day. Blanar described the strike as unacceptable and as proof that war does not choose its victims, emphasizing that such attack must be condemned. The minister stated that he supports the continued training of Ukrainian soldiers on Slovak territory, as well as Ukraine’s ambition to become a member of the European Union. Blanar noted that Slovakia will not obstruct other EU member states from providing military aid to Ukraine on a bilateral basis, but will support all activities aimed at alleviating civilian suffering, including the delivery of electricity and logistical infrastructure. The EU Council also expressed support for the peace efforts of US President Donald Trump’s administration and the push to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, at a press conference, noted that Ukraine had agreed to an unconditional suspension of attacks a month ago, while Russia, according to her, is delaying the process and has no interest in peace. “The only way to bring Russia to serious negotiations is to increase pressure on it,” Kallas stated, adding that the EU is preparing a 17th package of sanctions against Moscow. Regarding the war in the Gaza Strip, Kallas said all EU member states support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She called the current situation in the Palestinian enclave alarming and stressed that while Israel has the right to self-defense, its current actions go beyond the bounds of proportionate defense. According to Blanar, the EU Council expressed sorrow over the collapse of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and the militant group Hamas and insists on the release of all remaining hostages being held by militants in Gaza, as well as the cessation of operations by the Israeli army. Ministers also condemned a shooting attack in Rafah last week that killed 15 doctors and paramedics, as well as the bombing of a hospital in Gaza City. mf