The European Summit of Regions and Cities opened with a clear statement from local and regional elected politicians calling on Putin to stop the attack on Ukraine and expressing their commitment to support the people of Ukraine now and in the future.
During a special session in solidarity with Ukraine, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region said "We are making a call of solidarity for Ukraine from all EU regions. We need to give our support to refugees and the people of Ukraine."
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) said that this is the moment to stand as one with Ukraine and its people. He added "Ukraine’s place is in Europe. As of today the Mayor of Kiev Vitaliy Klychko receives the honorary membership of the CoR. As a values based union we stand for freedom and for democracy. The fight for Ukraine is the fight for our future. It is our moral duty to end this together."
Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdansk and Chair of the Working Committee of Regions-Ukraine said "Putin is not only attacking Ukraine but also our freedom, democracy and human rights. This is not a war on Ukraine but a war on our values." She appealed for medical and food support, and for Local and Regional Authorities to stay in touch with cities in Ukraine.
Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca and President of the Romanian Association of Municipalities said "This is the beginning of the end for Putin’s Regime. It is not a matter of ‘if’ but a matter of ‘when’. Mr. Putin - you are alone! Mr. Putin - you are on the wrong part of history!"