Good news for Ukraine today

One year ago, 142 countries endorsed the New York Declaration for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. Our collective responsibility is to demonstrate in practice that two states living side by side is the key to lasting peace for Palestine and Israel, and for the region as a whole. My intervention at the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution ↓

Europe faces waves of airspace violations and sabotage, but also a relentless stream of Russian disinformation. That is why the EU today sanctioned Xenia Fedorova. We're defending our information space against fabricated lies and deliberate manipulation. This is deterrence, not censorship. The EU will continue to counter Russia's destabilising activities.

I met with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. We addressed diplomatic prospects for ending the US-Iran war and fully re-opening the Strait of Hormuz. There were no tolls or fees for passage before the war, and there should be none after the war. Navigation must be free and unimpeded, both in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. I also raised domestic repression inside Iran, including the sharp rise in executions and death sentences.

Grain from Ukraine feeds people all over the world. But Russia is blocking exports through the Black Sea and is deliberately causing global food insecurity. The EU is calling for attacks to stop and grain to flow again. Food must never be used as a weapon of war. My remarks at our UN side event on the Black Sea ↓

I met today with President Vučić and Prime Minister Kurti, and raised the need to advance the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. Progress on normalisation of relations and advancement on the EU path have to go hand in hand. The agreements reached through the EU-facilitated Dialogue, in particular the Ohrid Agreement, are binding. Their implementation is not a favour to Brussels but owed to their citizens and a region waiting for normal relations. The EU will continue to be an even-handed arbitrator. But facilitation cannot substitute for political will in Belgrade and Pristina. It is time to move forward.

Europe faces a fast-proliferation of sabotage attacks and airspace violations. Moscow is trying to scare Europe into winding down its support for Ukraine. As Russia is willing to take greater risks, Europe must impose greater costs. There are many ways to do that: stronger action against Russia’s shadow fleet and tougher measures targeting its military-industrial complex. My press remarks following today’s meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in New York ↓

Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are unacceptable and sabotage the global economy. I spoke with @FaisalbinFarhan about diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Yemen and restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime passage must be unimpeded and toll-free. Europe is helping protect shipping in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks. Given the worsening security situation, EU Operation ASPIDES has raised the alert level of its vessels as it continues its escort duties.

Türkiye: The EU follows w/ concern recent arrests & legal proceedings initiated against LGBTIQ+ persons, activists & organisations, as well as the blockages of websites & social media accounts. Full statement 👇🏼 link.europa.eu/cMVPkj

In yesterday’s SOTEU speech, I made clear that the EU must continue applying pressure on Russia, taking every possible step to weaken its war machine. The adoption of the Graham Bill by the US House of Representatives sends a clear message. My friend, Senator Graham, strongly believed targeted and coordinated action on both sides of the Atlantic could make the difference in ending the war. I hope this important opportunity is seized, in the interest of peace.

#Belarus: Today, 25 political prisoners were released as a result of US efforts. We welcome this step. 800+ individuals remain arbitrarily detained in appalling conditions. Belarus' regime should release all political prisoners, immediately and unconditionally.

Europe needs its own playbook to counter hybrid attacks. An Emergency Security Protocol. When triggered by one Member State, all Member States would coordinate a European response. We will also set out our ideas to make a European Security Council a reality. With partners like Ukraine, UK, Norway, Canada and others involved.

RT @vonderleyen: Dear @MarkJCarney we want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible. I would like to work wit…

DPRK: Ballistic missile launches on 12/9 risk raising tensions in the region & violate UN Security Council resolutions. DPRK should step away from escalation & return to dialogue. A meaningful diplomatic process is the only way to achieve peace & security on the Korean Peninsula.

Today, we remember. We remember that 25 years ago, the world stood still. We remember the 3,000 people who left home that morning and never returned. Where the Twin Towers once stood, two columns of light now rise into the New York sky. They remind us that light triumphs even on the darkest of days. My statement on 25 years since 9/11. link.europa.eu/FbKkR7

Today, we have approved €6.1 billion to help Ukraine procure air defence systems, missiles, drones and electronic warfare systems. With this approval, Ukraine can purchase the Patriot equipment it needs to protect its skies from Russia's attacks. Together with our Member States and NATO, we will continue to deliver for Ukraine. So that Ukraine prevails. So that it wins the just and lasting peace it deserves. link.europa.eu/JHJv9B

Twenty-five years ago, the 9/11 terror attacks changed the course of history. Today, we honour the 2,977 lives lost on September 11. The attacks on the World Trade Centre, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania shattered lives and fundamentally altered world affairs. Europe and America immediately stood together. NATO invoked Article 5 for the first and only time. European Allies rallied to defend America. Hundreds of thousands of European troops served shoulder to shoulder with their US Allies in Afghanistan. Many paid the ultimate price. A quarter-century on, Europe remains fully committed to strong ties with the United States. Our transatlantic bond has always made both sides of the Atlantic safer and stronger.

The public glorification afforded to a convicted war criminal in Belgrade is an affront to the memory of the victims, their families, and all those who suffered during the conflicts in the Western Balkans. True reconciliation cannot be built on revisionism, the denial of genocide or the honouring of perpetrators. Serbia's path into the European Union requires an unequivocal commitment to fundamental European values and historical truth. There is no place in Europe for the glorification of war criminals.

Lukashenko has made Belarus a platform for Russia’s war. His regime threatens its European neighbours and weaponises illegal migration against them. Today, I have visited the Padvarionys Frontier Station between Lithuania and Belarus with Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas. The sophistication of the migrant smuggling tunnels points to organised support, and are strong indications that Minsk has been lending a hand. Lithuania’s border security is a shared European responsibility. We must accelerate the Eastern Flank Watch, working closely with NATO, and keep up our sanctions pressure.

Ukraine/Russia: Just a day after the departure of US envoys, Kyiv came under a new, massive Russian air strike. 🇷🇺 also attacked 'We are Ukraine' studios, resulting in 6 journalists injured. We are accelerating support for 🇺🇦 to help protect its people and defend its skies.