Speech by Jurgis VILČINSKAS, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the European Delegation to Türkiye, in the commemoration of the Embassy of Ukraine marking four years of Russia's full-scale invasion against Ukraine

Your Excellency Nariman Dzhelyalov,
Dear Ambassadors,
Dear colleagues and friends,

In 1462 days, you can do a lot - finish your studies at the university, start a family, learn to play a musical instrument, or learn a foreign language. 

In 1462 days, you can also lose your home, your loved ones, your friends, experience endless bombings, live without electricity, without cold or hot water, and without heating when it is 20 degrees below zero outside. 

The Ukrainian nation experienced all this in 1462 days, while, at the same time, defending their country, its independence, and the future of peaceful and prosperous Europe.

As Russia's barbaric aggression against Ukraine continues into the fifth year, 2026 must be the year the aggression against Ukraine comes to an end. 

Russia alone bears full responsibility for continuing its war of aggression. 

We all know that no one wants peace more than Ukraine.

But appeasement of the aggressor is not an option, and aggression must not be rewarded. Peace is not simple the absence of war - peace is a settlement that makes future war impossible. 

Ukraine has clearly shown readiness and demonstrated commitment to a just and lasting peace, grounded in security, sovereignty, and prosperity. 

The European Union stands fully behind Ukraine and is actively contributing to the US-led peace efforts. 

How this war ends will shape our future - in Ukraine, in Türkiye, in Europe, and in the world. If aggression is rewarded, if sovereignty becomes negotiable, if civilians are killed, the power of the aggressor will remain unchecked. This cannot happen. 

Peace must be durable, credible, and consistent with international law.

This is why the EU will stand by Ukraine and its people until a just and lasting peace, based on the UN Charter and on Ukraine’s terms, is reached. 

This is why the European Union continues to stand with Ukraine in recovery, in reforms required for EU membership, and in reconstruction, for as long as it takes.

Slava Ukraini!