The 24th of February marks a year since the beginning of Russia‘s brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. A year of the Ukrainian peoples’ remarkable bravery and perseverance in the defence of their country, freedom, and democracy. It also marks a year of united and unwavering response to the Russian War of aggression by the European Union, our Member States, and by like-minded nations – such as Iceland – through humanitarian, economic, financial, and military assistance.

Over this year, nearly 7,875 billion ISK have been made available by the EU and its Member States, as well as the European Financial Institutions, to support Ukraine - including for emergency relief and to help rebuild schools, hospitals, power grids and other vital infrastructure. This figure also comprises more than 1,850 billion ISK of military assistance. Moreover, EU Member States have risen to the challenge of welcoming approximately four million Ukrainians who have registered for temporary protection in the EU. To thwart Putin’s war machine, the European Union has enacted a series of extremely wide-ranging packages of sanctions targeting not only those personally responsible for the war, but also vital imports for Russia’s military – as well as Russian exports, notably in the energy sector. In doing so, close care was taken to ensure that such measures do not negatively affect global food security.

The EU has been joined in these endeavours by our friends and allies, including Iceland. As well as making every effort to support Ukraine in the international arena, the Icelandic Government has dedicated substantial financial and material assistance to Ukraine. Among other things, this covers sending power generators, winter wear, medical supplies, as well as providing air transport assistance and specialists to help train Ukrainian bomb and land-mine disposal teams. Generous support from the Icelandic public and civil society for Ukraine has been no less forthcoming, not least in the warm reception of more than 2,560 refugees. Iceland’s support has been significant, and its strong stance has not gone unnoticed in Ukraine, Europe and beyond.

The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine highlights that the close cooperation of Iceland and the European Union are born out of our shared values: democracy, human rights, the rule of law and the rules-based international system. In the past, these have brought us together to create mutual prosperity, economic growth, and benefits for our societies. In crises such as this, they have spurred us to action in their defence. We have stood united for a year now and we will continue to stand united for as long as it takes – until Putin ceases his relentless attacks on Ukraine and its people, until Ukraine has been rebuilt, and the commanders, perpetrators, and accomplices of war crimes brought to justice.

Authors:

Lucie Samcová - Hall Allen, Ambassador of the European Union

Kirsten R. Geeland, Ambassador of Denmark

Anu Laamanen, Ambassador of Finland

Guillaume Bazard, Ambassador of France

Gerard Pokruszyński, Ambassador of Poland

José Carlos Esteso Lema, Chargé d'Affaires of Spain

Pär Ahlberger, Ambassador of Sweden

Dietrich Becker, Ambassador of Germany