We stand with Ukraine

February 24 marks exactly 3 years since Russia unilaterally launched its brutal aggression against the Ukrainian people.

On this solemn anniversary, I want to emphasize the immense impact of this war and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Since assuming this post in September 2023, I have witnessed firsthand the horrific damage inflicted by Russia’s war of aggression – from the killing of innocent people and barbaric attacks on civilian infrastructure to the total destruction of populated areas. Ukraine and the democratic world must never forget the horrors and innocent victims of Russian aggression.

• Mariupol Theatre bombing (March 2022)
  Russian forces bombed the Mariupol Theatre, where over 1,000 women and children were sheltering. The attack resulted in significant loss of life and has been classified as a war crime.

• Attack on Kharkiv (April 2022)
  Russian forces used cluster munitions, killing nine civilians in Kharkiv and injuring a further 35. Among the victims were women and children.

• Mass missile strikes (December 2023)
  Russian forces carried out large-scale missile strikes on several Ukrainian cities, including Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Lviv. The attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 58 people and injured more than 160.

• Zaporizhzhia bombing (January 2025)
  A Russian attack on the city of Zaporizhzhia resulted in the deaths of at least 13 civilians and injuries to a further 113. A large number of people were in the impact area during the attack. Significant damage was inflicted on the city’s infrastructure.

These are just a few examples from the vast number of Russian attacks on the civilian population.

The precise number of victims of Russian aggression is difficult to determine. Estimates suggest that since the beginning of the war, over 12,500 civilians have been killed, including 650 children.

For three years, amidst this horror, the courage and resilience of Ukraine’s Armed Forces and the people they defend have been incredible. Putin believed he could subdue Ukraine and its people within days, but he was profoundly wrong. Ukraine pays a heavy price for its freedom, yet I witness daily how its people remain undefeated and unbreakable in the face of Russian aggression across all levels of society – from political leadership and the military to first responders, workers in all sectors, the elderly enduring power outages in freezing temperatures, and countless others. While we in the European Union deeply admire such resilience, we also know that Ukraine needs more than words of support.

Therefore, since February 2022, the EU has been the largest provider of support for Ukraine among all international partners. The EU’s total support in military, economic, macro-financial, and humanitarian areas has reached €134 billion to date. Furthermore, military support from the EU and its member states has already exceeded €48 billion, while the EUMAM training mission has provided training for 70,000 Ukrainian soldiers. I can unequivocally state that the EU remains and will continue to be unwaveringly committed to Ukraine. Throughout 2025, we will provide Ukraine with increased military and other support.

In recent weeks, there has been a flurry of reports concerning possible negotiations to end the war. Firstly, only Ukraine can determine the terms of negotiations. No talks about Ukraine can proceed without participation of Ukraine. Furthermore, this is a war ongoing in Europe. For any process to lead to a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace, Ukraine and the EU must be actively involved. As part of any agreement, Ukraine needs strong security guarantees, and we will support Ukraine in this direction.

No one desires peace more than Ukraine. Ukraine has been invaded and is experiencing the horrific consequences of this war. Meanwhile, Russia continues its relentless attacks both on the front lines and in the rear, launching drones and missiles at critical infrastructure facilities in cities far behind the front lines at night. Russia also continues to build up its armed forces. The recent drone attack on the sarcophagus of the 4th power unit of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant is merely the latest particularly reckless act, in addition to the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam and numerous others. A country that sincerely wants peace does not act this way. To achieve peace through strength, Ukraine must have a strong position on the battlefield to compel Russia to negotiate in good.

Recently, the discussion about elections in Ukraine has intensified. Let me be absolutely clear: Ukraine is not Russia. Democracy is deeply ingrained in the DNA of this country. In the past 25 years, Ukraine has elected 5 different presidents, who, upon completing their terms, did not cling to power, unlike in neighbouring countries. However, free and fair elections cannot take place in a country that is at war, enduring attacks day and night. According to an agreement among Ukrainian political groups within the EU-facilitated Jean Monnet Dialogue, Ukraine intends to organise elections within six months of the end of martial law. For this to be possible, Ukraine must be confident that any agreement it makes will be backed by reliable security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

Worldwide, the rules-based international order, which is fundamental to our European values, is under threat from those who prefer a return to the dark times when “might makes right.” Even amidst serious challenges, the EU will uphold its principles: democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and the rules-based international order underpinned by constructive multilateralism. In an increasingly unstable world, there is a clear understanding in Brussels and the member states that we must do more regarding our own defence readiness. To this end, the European Commission and the High Representative are prepared to make concrete proposals, and defence remains a top priority on the European Council’s agenda. We see Europe rising to the challenge.

Next Monday, many leaders, including the College of Commissioners, will gather in Kyiv to commemorate the third anniversary of Putin’s brutal and unjustifiable full-scale invasion. This visit will send a powerful signal of support to Ukraine and reaffirm our commitment to its sovereignty, freedom, and democracy.

We will also continue working with our Ukrainian partners on Ukraine’s accession to the EU. Ukrainians have made an unequivocal choice to pursue the European path, even under enormous pressure. Ukraine has made significant progress on accession-related reforms. This is all the more impressive considering that it is simultaneously waging an existential war for survival. While the EU accession process is demanding, Ukraine’s determination to do the hard work is evident to us. And we are equally determined to support Ukraine on its reform path.

Ukraine’s accession to the EU will benefit not only Ukraine but the EU as well. From a military perspective, the EU has much to learn from Ukraine, given its experience in waging 21st-century conventional warfare, as well as its cutting-edge development and utilisation of drones and other advanced combat technologies. Ukraine has a strong heavy industry base, an impressive IT sector, vast tracts of fertile agricultural land, rich natural resources, a high-quality education system, and, of course, perhaps its greatest asset – its resourceful, entrepreneurial, creative, and hardworking people. In short, all of these strengths that Ukraine possesses will also strengthen the European Union.

This is the future we are all working towards, even in these very difficult times – a sovereign and free, strong and secure, prosperous and flourishing Ukraine, as a strong part of the European family.