AGERPRES special correspondent Cristian Lupascu reports: President Nicusor Dan called for firmness, on Wednesday, at the Ukraine - South-Eastern Europe Summit, in denouncing Russia's actions, which are using 'strategies to delay and sabotage the peace process'.

He pointed out that 'the only language that Russia understands is force' and that the demands to conclude a peace agreement are unreasonable.

'Our meeting today takes place in the context of recent discussions on what a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in Ukraine should look like. Ukraine has always preferred peace to war. President Zelensky even proposed a peace formula, based on the UN Charter and international law - a proposal supported by the vast majority of the international community. When the United States' peace initiative seemed to be gaining ground, President Zelensky accepted the idea of a ceasefire and even to meet President Putin personally. On the other hand, Russia continues to reject any constructive initiative and is doing everything possible to undermine the path to peace. Russia is making unreasonable demands, knowing that they cannot be accepted. The only language Russia understands is force, and we must do everything we can to ensure that Ukraine can negotiate from a position of strength. That is why we must be firm in denouncing Russia's actions, which are, in fact, strategies to postpone and sabotage the peace process', stated Nicusor Dan.

The Romanian President stressed that European countries must remain united 'in defending international law, respect for human life, dignity, freedom and democracy', 'values that the Ukrainian people defend every day'.

'The countries present at this table are part of the European Union (EU) or aspire to this status. Romania knows from its own experience that EU accession is a profoundly transformative process, bringing economic development, social stability, immense opportunities and security. As we work together for this European future, we should better capitalize on formations like the one we have today, in order to coordinate our efforts and remain united. In conclusion, I would like to say that, in times as complex and uncertain as those we are living through, we must remain resolute in defending international law, respect for human life, dignity, freedom and democracy. These are the values that the Ukrainian people defend every day', added the head of state.

Nicusor Dan also participated in a trilateral meeting Romania - Republic of Moldova - Ukraine, during which he discussed with his counterparts the most important interconnection projects, especially of the energy infrastructure, the process of accession to the European Union and cooperation in the field of ensuring security.

The meeting in Odessa was attended by 11 heads of state, governments or leaders of parliaments from Romania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Greece. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Florin Marin; EN - writing by: Bogdan Gabaroi)