Brussels, 18 Dec (LaPresse) – ‘This is the time to stay the course. No matter what happens next, we must keep the key principles in mind. First, Ukraine must remain an independent state, with the right to choose its own destiny. Second, it is up to Ukraine to decide its own territory. And third, we must always keep in mind that when we talk about the security of Ukraine, we are talking about the security of Europe. We need a just and lasting peace, for Ukraine and for the whole of Europe'. So says the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the plenary session of the European Parliament.