SLOVENIA, February 14 - That is why we care deeply about how a ceasefire is achieved. Ukraine is not only a candidate for EU membership but also one of the Alliance's closest partners through the NATO-Ukraine Council. Therefore, we look to our American allies to ensure that any solution is also acceptable to the Ukrainian people, who share our values and aspirations for freedom. Now that peace is closer than before, it is all the more important that we align our positions to secure a lasting and just peace in Ukraine and across Europe.