Speech by the EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski at the panel discussion Four Years Since Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year, we gather to remember that Ukraine is not only fighting for its survival as a country, but it is fighting for the safeguard of universal principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and accountability. Principles that resonate so deeply here, in Georgia.
Four years ago, Russia launched its invasion in clear violation of the United Nations Charter. Since then, cities have been destroyed, countless lives lost, and the consequences have been felt around the globe.
It is time to end this war as soon as possible through a just and lasting peace.
Peace, however, cannot come at any price. It must respect the essential principles of the international order: that countries are sovereign, that borders cannot be changed by force, and that aggression cannot be rewarded.
Europe has a direct and profound stake in Ukraine’s security. The outcome of this war will shape our continent for decades. If aggression succeeds, it will send a dangerous message around the world that borders can be redrawn by force and that sovereignty and territorial integrity of states are negotiable.
As noted by HRVP Kallas at the Munich Security Conference, we must not allow Russia to gain more at the negotiating table than it has gained on the battlefield. At an enormous cost of mounting casualties, Russian forces have been making only limited advances. Russia’s economy is under severe pressure, with significantly declining oil revenues and over EUR 250 billion a year burnt on war. Therefore, Russia’s maximalist demands cannot be met with a minimalist response.
Ukraine has repeatedly shown that it is ready for a fair and lasting peace. The European Union stands firmly by Ukraine and is actively contributing to US-led peace efforts. Russia, by contrast, has shown no genuine commitment to a ceasefire and continues its cruel attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure.
A sustainable peace requires concessions from Russia, not only from Ukraine.
From a European perspective, any credible ceasefire or peace agreement must meet clear conditions. It must respect Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders and ensure that any ceasefire is not just a pause before renewed aggression. Peace must be just, durable, and backed by strong security guarantees. We have learned from the past that agreements without appropriate enforcement and guarantees can quickly fall apart.
This implies that Ukraine needs long-lasting security guarantees. And we all - the European Union, the United States and NATO Allies - have a role to play. For the EU, this means continuing military support, strengthening defense cooperation with Ukraine, and supporting Ukraine’s path toward EU membership. Important work is ongoing in Brussels to move forward on this difficult yet essential path.
At the same time, there can be no lasting peace without accountability. Serious violations of international law cannot simply be forgotten or ignored. Civilians have suffered immensely, and destruction has been unimaginable. Those responsible for aggression and for crimes committed during this war must be held accountable through appropriate international mechanisms.
European support for Ukraine is therefore not only an act of evident solidarity. It is also an investment in our shared European security and in protecting the international order.
We must maintain our ability to support Ukraine militarily and economically, even if U.S. support were to decrease. The European Union and our Member States have already mobilised unprecedented political, financial, military, and humanitarian assistance. We are strengthening our defence industry and increasing our financial support to help Ukraine keep its institutions running, pay salaries, provide essential services, and rebuild critical infrastructure.
Only a few years ago, no one, including myself, would have imagined that the EU would finance and deliver weapons to a country at war on our continent. Yet this moment has shown that the EU can adapt, evolve, and respond decisively when history demands it. While much work remains, we can be proud of what we have achieved together in support of the remarkable courage of the Ukrainian people, people fighting for their freedom and our freedom.
Europe has the economic strength and the strategic interest to continue our support. And we must remember: the cost of supporting Ukraine today is far lower than the cost of a destabilized Europe and an emboldened Russia tomorrow.
Finally, we must not overlook the global impact of this war. The war has deepened divisions among countries, weakened trust in international institutions, and shifted attention away from urgent global challenges such as development and climate change. The sooner this war ends with a just and lasting peace, the sooner we can refocus on these shared challenges.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Four years into this war, our message remains clear: Europe stands with Ukraine and will continue to do so for as long as necessary.
We stand for peace, but for a peace that is just, durable, and anchored in international law. We are ready to talk, whenever Russia shows genuine commitment to ending this war.
The road to peace may be complex. But our commitment to a secure, sovereign, and peaceful Ukraine remains unwavering.
Didi Madloba!