Spiropali toured the Medical Centre of Ukraine’s Interior Ministry, where she spoke with soldiers undergoing rehabilitation after sustaining serious injuries while fighting in the war.

“Thousands have made and continue to make a profound sacrifice, and their families live with the deep trauma of an unjust war,” Spiropali said.

She described their service and willingness to sacrifice for their country as a noble contribution to the defence of human dignity and freedom in Europe.

Spiropali has been on an official visit to Kyiv since Wednesday, during which she met senior Ukrainian officials. In those meetings, she reaffirmed Albania’s support for Ukraine in the face of what she described as massive attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure.

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“Kyiv remains the target of sustained, large-scale assaults directed at both civilian inhabitants and essential infrastructure. Given the severe winter conditions, Ukrainians are experiencing even the consequences of lack of energy, heating and water,” Spiropali stated from the Ukrainian capital.

Spiropali stressed that, “Albania will stand by Ukraine for as long as it is necessary, on the path towards a just and sustainable peace and for a common European future.”

Minister Andrii Sybiha thanked Spiropali for her and the Albanian government’s stances on Ukraine’s sacrifice, emphasizing that the support of friendly countries like Albania for Ukraine’s sovereign right means a lot in these challenging times.

Further on, Spiropali and her Ukrainian counterpart held a meeting that, according to the minister, reflects, “Not only our common commitments, but also our values, respect for international law, human rights and the rule of law”.

Spiropali and Sybiha signed a joint statement condemning the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine considering it a grave violation of the UN Charter and the norms of international law. The statement highlights the significance of holding the Russian Federation accountable for the crimes committed against Ukraine.

The two ministers discussed a number of issues of common interest, including opportunities to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation opportunities, promoting trade and investment, as well as identifying concrete cooperation initiatives.

In context of her visit to Ukraine, Minister Spiropali will also be received by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./