“The European Union will continue its strong and unwavering political, military, economic, diplomatic and humanitarian support to help Ukraine to defend itself”, emphasize in their joint statement the presidents of the European Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament, on the occasion of the completion of two years since the day of the declaration of war by Russia on Ukraine, on February 24, 2022.

THE Charles Michel, Ursula von der Leyen and Roberta Metzola stress that today is a “tragic anniversary”, that of “Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine in flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter”. They talk about two years of violence, brutality, terror and destruction. “We will never forget the initial shock of the attack, the horror of the events in Borodyanka, Bukha, Mariupoli,” they emphasize. However, they add that despite ongoing atrocities across the country, “Ukraine remains steadfast” and “the heroic Ukrainian people are showing courage and determination in defending their homeland and fighting for their freedom and our shared European values.”

Continuing, the presidents of the three European institutions emphasize: “H European Union will always support the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders,” and note that “the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol 10 years ago marks the beginning of Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine.”

The three presidents underline: “More than ever, we remain united and faithful to our promise to support Ukraine for as long as necessary” and add: “The EU will continue its strong and unwavering political, military, economic, financial, diplomatic and humanitarian support to help Ukraine defend itself, protect its people, its cities and critical infrastructure, restore its territorial integrity, bring back thousands of deported children and bring the war to an end.”

The joint statement noted that the EU recently decided to start accession negotiations with Ukraine and help it on its path to EU membership, stressing that “Ukraine’s future lies in the European Union.” Also highlighted is the €50 billion financial aid package for the period 2024-2027 that will help Ukraine meet its immediate needs, rebuild its economy and society, modernize its institutions and consolidate democracy and the state of justice.

It is further underlined that the EU will continue to address Ukraine’s pressing military and defense needs, including urgently needed deliveries of ammunition and missiles.

“Russia and its leaders will pay an increasing price for their actions,” the presidents of the three European institutions then point out. “Together with our partners, we have imposed unprecedented sanctions against Russia and those complicit in the war, and we remain ready to increase pressure on Russia to limit its ability to wage war. We have also taken the first concrete steps in the direction of windfall revenues from Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine,” they emphasize.

Finally, it is noted that the EU supports the Ukrainian Peace Formula for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, as well as all efforts for a World Peace Summit with the widest possible international support.

Today, the flags of EU member states and Ukraine will fly side by side as a symbol of our solidarity, commitment and determination.