Joint Press Release by the EU Delegation to the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Embassy of Ukraine in Egypt to mark four years of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine

On 24 February we mark four years after the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine. The EU Delegation to Egypt and the Embassy of Ukraine in Egypt join their voices to underline that the war of aggression on Ukraine must come to an end. 

This war of aggression is perceived with different levels of urgency around the world. Yet its consequences are global and felt far beyond Europe, including in Egypt, at a time when many conflicts and crises cause deep damage and distress. 

In addition to human suffering, the war disrupts food and energy supplies and causes high inflation worldwide. It initially came on top of an already fragile global situation following the COVID-19 pandemic. The repercussions have been and are being felt in Egypt until today. 

The war deepens divisions among countries and erodes trust in international institutions and norms. It turned attention and resources away from necessary and urgent global efforts such as cooperation on climate change, connectivity and prosperity.

The sooner this war ends with a lasting peace, the sooner global attention and resources can be refocused. 

Ukraine and the European Union are actively engaging with a broad international coalition, working with partners worldwide to advance a just and lasting peace based on security and international law.

In this endeavour Egypt has played a critical role. Egypt continues to defend peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond. We count on Egypt’s enduring support to reach a just and lasting peace, also in Ukraine. 

The EU Ambassador to Egypt H.E. Angelina Eichhort said: “The principles enshrined in the UN Charter — sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes — are universal commitments, not Western or European concepts. They are under strain in Ukraine and elsewhere, and respect for them is essential for our security across the world. We thank Egypt for always upholding those principles and working to bring peace and stability in our region and beyond.”

The Ukrainian Ambassador to Egypt H.E. Nahornyi Mykola said: “How this war ends will further shape the future standing of the UN principles, already under immense test elsewhere. If aggression is rewarded or normalised, sovereignty and territorial integrity risk becoming negotiable, further weakening international stability. If Russia will be allowed to change borders by force, others will be tempted to try that, too.”