Ukraine is currently defending entire Europe's values - Terauda

RIGA - Ukraine is currently defending the entire Europe's values and the international law system, as Saeima European Affairs Committee's Chairwoman Vita Anda Tereauda said at the committee's meeting on Tuesday, Saeima Press Service told LETA.

Members of the committee today approved Latvia's national position on granting Ukraine the status of a candidate to the European Union, drafted by the Foreign Ministry.

"It is our duty to provide all possible support so that Ukraine can fulfill its constitutional goal of becoming a member of the EU," said Terauda. Ukrainians are currently at war to defend their right to choose their future, she added.

"The status of a candidate would be an important and symbolic signal of solidarity for Ukraine and its people, a confirmation that Ukraine belongs to Europe. We must seize every opportunity that can help Ukraine endure this struggle for sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Terauda.

Members of the European Affairs Committee emphasized that the Ukrainian people and government had expressed a desire for their country to become a member of the EU, and expressed their unanimous support for granting an EU candidate's status to Ukraine.