Strengthening Ukraine's air-defense capabilities remains a priority, in particular through systems and interceptors able to counter ballistic missiles, underscores the Kyiv Declaration signed Wednesday by the leaders participating in the Ukraine - Southeast Europe Summit, among them President Nicusor Dan.

'We support mobilizing the necessary financial resources and international mechanisms to that end, recognizing that stronger air defense saves civilian lives and protects critical infrastructure,' the signatories state.

The 20-point document underscores support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

'We reaffirm our unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, including its territorial sea. These universal principles laid the foundation for peace, security, stability and prosperity in Europe. We underline our policy of non-recognition of any attempted illegal alteration of these borders and reaffirm Ukraine's inherent right to self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter. We stress that the complete, unconditional and verifiable withdrawal of Russian forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine remains an indispensable condition for achieving a lasting peace. No decisions concerning Ukraine can be taken without Ukraine,' the Declaration provides.

The interdependence between the security of Ukraine, the Black Sea region and Southeast Europe is also highlighted.

'We remain united in the conviction that there can be no lasting peace, security, stability and prosperity in Europe without a sovereign and independent Ukraine. We commend the resilience, strength and courage of the Ukrainian people in the struggle for their national identity, future and freedom against Russia's aggression since 2014 and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to provide Ukraine with comprehensive support. These joint efforts are crucial for shaping Europe's future,' the document notes.

The signatories once again firmly condemn Russia's illegal, unprovoked and unjustified armed aggression against Ukraine and call on Russia to end the war immediately.

They also condemn the intensification of Russia's massive and repeated attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian localities, carried out in 'blatant' violation of international law.

The leaders present in Kyiv express their intention to contribute to restoring a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on international law.

The activity of the Coalition of the Willing is acknowledged 'as an effective mechanism for supporting Ukraine'.

The opening of negotiation clusters with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova on EU accession is also welcomed.

The Declaration reaffirms support for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations 'on its irreversible path towards future NATO membership, once the Allies agree and conditions are met, as well as its sovereign right to choose its own security arrangements and determine its own future'.

Violations of international humanitarian law in the context of the war are condemned, and support is expressed for efforts to ensure accountability for the crimes committed against Ukraine, including through the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

The signatories call for increased sanctions pressure on Russia and its war economy, effective enforcement of sanctions, countering Moscow's 'shadow fleet', and strengthening international cooperation to prevent sanctions evasion, counter cyber threats and other hybrid activities undermining European security.

The strategic importance of the Black Sea region for European and global security is also emphasized.

'Russia's aggression against Ukraine, attacks on freedom of navigation, including attacks against merchant vessels and civilian ports, cyberattacks, foreign information manipulation and interference, targeting critical infrastructure, drone incursions and violations of sovereign airspace, and attempts to undermine democratic institutions have become common challenges for our region,' the Declaration states.

The illegal occupation and militarization of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant by Russia is likewise condemned.

The document reaffirms the readiness of the states represented in Kyiv to contribute actively to Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction, humanitarian demining, environmental recovery and the restoration of affected communities, in close cooperation with international financial institutions, international organizations and the private sector.

It also notes that Russia's war of aggression is accompanied by systematic hybrid activities directed against Ukraine and Southeast European states.

The Declaration is signed by: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Albania Bajram Begaj, President of Greece Constantine Tassoulas, President of Moldova Maia Sandu, President of Romania Nicusor Dan, Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic, Prime Minister of Slovenia Janez Janša, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia and Minister of European Affairs Bekim Sali, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Montenegro Filip Ivanovic, and Foreign Minister of Bulgaria Velislava Petrova-Chamova.

This was the fifth Ukraine - Southeast Europe Summit, held in the presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Oana Ghita; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)

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