Foreign Minister Olta Xhacka told the Parliament that the invasion of Ukraine was a violation of agreements signed by Russia itself, stressing that they are coordinating with the EU for severe sanctions against Russia. Xhaçka stated that three Albanians have asked for help in Ukraine, while she suggested them to leave by land to Poland, where they will be received by the Albanian embassy. 

"The invasion of Ukraine is a flagrant violation of the agreements signed by Russia itself, of international law in its entirety, and of the UN Charter. Albania strongly supports the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, in respect of the basic principles on which European and global security is built, and international commitments. Albania condemns the act of Russian aggression and considers it not only an act against Ukraine, but also against the foundations of international order and security. 

As a co-host: in coordination with real countries - Albania took the floor at the urgent Security Council meeting held as soon as Russia declared recognition of the independence of the so-called republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, opening for discussion in the Council of Insurance all issues related to the crisis in-and-around Ukraine. 

Again as a co-host with the US for Ukraine and in coordination with other real countries: Albania is making a real contribution to the drafting of documents that will be submitted for discussion in the Security Council. 

In the framework of the OSCE: in the urgent meeting convened after the recognition of the independence of the so-called republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, Albania has maintained a strong position in support of the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, the principles of cooperation and the established security architecture from this organization. 

Albania continues to coordinate with NATO and OSCE allies, in high-level meetings being prepared in these organizations, and in dialogue with the European Union, for a coordinated response that will include sanctions against heavy against Russia. 

The attack on European security that became flagrant today, makes it even more necessary a united front in defence of fundamental principles, to include our region. And Albania has played and is playing a leading role in this regard: In the region we are not only a member of NATO, but also a country that is 100% in line with the positions of the European Union in foreign and security policy. 

Albania has not been satisfied only with words and political line with the EU, USA, UK and other real countries: since the beginning of the year we have joined the economic sanctions that the EU has imposed on Russia, taking upon itself the sanctions that Russia has imposed as reaction. 

Yesterday we decided to join the European Union statement that strongly condemned Russia's decision to recognize the Donetsk and Luhansk regions as independent entities and the subsequent decision to send Russian troops to these areas - a statement that stated that there would be sanctions additional to Russia. We will join these sanctions as well. 

We have long insisted that in this time of resurgence of attacks on European security and efforts to build spheres of influence, it is crucial not to allow third actors to play a destabilizing role in our region - crucial to region; crucial to European security. Therefore our Euro-Atlantic orientation has been clear and unwavering. 

In defence of stability and security in the region and in Europe, we have long stressed the need for destabilizing Russian influence in our region and the need to counter them. Albania has maintained an open, clear and reasoned position on Russian policy in the region and beyond, a position that is consistent with that of the US and the EU and that makes this position of our country distinct in the region. 

We are closely following the position of the countries in the region, but we believe that even in this case the role of Albania as a moderate, stabilizing and constructive factor will help reduce the consequences in the region as a result of military intervention in Ukraine, a situation which may reactivate extremist or violent elements, as well as activate destabilizing political scenarios. 

As a NATO member, our responsibility to maintain security and stability in the Western Balkans and beyond is growing. This makes Albania distinct and capable of playing a leading role in the region," Xhaçka said.