EU statement to mark the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine four years ago

1. Four full years have passed since Russia started its illegal, unjustified and unprovoked full-scale invasion against Ukraine, causing immense human suffering and destruction. 

2. We recall that the Council of Europe reacted quickly and decisively when excluding Russia from the organization on 16 March 2022 by a consensus decision.

3. We reiterate our resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter, and reaffirm our continued support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. 

4. We strongly condemn support by third countries, and actors and entities therein, which enable Russia to sustain its war of aggression against Ukraine. In particular, the continued military support provided by Iran, Belarus and the DPRK.

5. We strongly condemn Russia’s continued large-scale attacks on civilians and on civilian targets in Ukraine, including on infrastructure, hospitals, medical facilities and the energy system. We call for the immediate cessation of all military activities near Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, which pose a serious threat to their safety and security.

6. We reiterate our urgent call on Russia and Belarus to immediately ensure the safe and unconditional return to Ukraine of all unlawfully deported and transferred Ukrainian children and other civilians. 

7. We remain strongly committed to ensuring full accountability for war crimes and the other most serious crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. We reiterate our full and strong support for the Register of Damage, which to date has received over 100 000 claims. We welcome the adoption and signing of the Council of Europe Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine on 16 December 2025 and the proposed decision on the creation of a Preparatory Committee. We reiterate the announced voluntary contribution by the EU. 

8. The Special Tribunal Advance Team is ready to carry out its tasks thanks to a voluntary contribution by the European Union.

9. We will continue our intensive global outreach to ensure the widest possible international support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN charter and international law. We will continue to work closely with Ukraine and support its continued reform efforts on its European path. 

The following countries aligned with this statement: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Ukraine, United Kingdom.