Ten years ago, tyranny darkened the skies over Ukraine. Ten years ago, the people of Ukraine took to Maidan square, where heroes and heroines lost their lives standing up for Ukraine’s association with the EU and for freedom and democracy. 

You chose sovereignty. You chose Europe. The Maidan Revolution became a beacon of hope for millions. You chose a better future for your country, a more promising future for your children. And many paid the ultimate price. The price was also Russia’s invasion of your country.

Today we gather — 10 years later — united in admiration for your courage and humbled by your formidable resolve. We will never forget the sacrifices of Maidan. Their legacy inspires us to this day. 

As we speak, Russia continues to bomb your men, women, and children. Russia has targeted your homes, civilian infrastructure and the electricity grid. And you are fighting with bravery and steely resistance to protect your families and to defend your freedom, the choice you made on Maidan square.

You have proven, time and again, that you will never bow to brutality. You have proven it since the first Russian invasion of Donbass and since the cynical illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. You are proving it today — and have done so for the past twenty-one months since Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine. You are proving it on the battlefield and through the war effort of all your citizens, every day.

The situation on the front is asking the unthinkable from your men and women and you have had impressive success in recent weeks. Your army has advanced on the Dnipro river. Beyond the immediate front, you have achieved a significant strategic success: the Russian fleet has withdrawn from Sevastopol. This is a major win, freeing up your waters in the Black Sea.

We are impressed by your spirit that will never be broken. Your fight is inspired by the values we all hold in our hearts as Europeans — freedom, democracy and dignity. That is why the European Union will always be right by your side. It is our moral duty to back you with rock solid support. We have already provided nearly 85 billion euros of assistance to Ukraine and your brave soldiers must get what they need to defend your country. We will therefore continue to provide strong military support — more missiles, more ammunition, and more air defence systems. 

Ukraine is the European Union and the European Union is Ukraine. We are European brothers and sisters. The European Union is our common home, inside a united and peaceful Europe. Since Maidan, your determination to join our Union has only grown stronger. You have made excellent progress on your path to our European family, carrying out key reforms in the middle of a full-blown war.

President Sandu, dear Maia, I would also like to congratulate you and the people of Moldova. You have made impressive progress on your European path, at a very challenging time. You have seized this historic opportunity with both hands, for your country and for your people. I also want to thank you for your solidarity since the beginning of the war. This is a powerful symbol of Moldova’s European commitment.

The people of Ukraine and Moldova have a bright and prosperous future within the EU. But work needs to continue and you can count on our steadfast support for as long as it takes. I look forward to the day when the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag flies over Schuman Square in Brussels, alongside the flags of all the other EU member states.

Ten years ago, the Ukrainian people rose up for freedom and democracy. Maidan — the name stands for far more than a place in Kyiv. It is a powerful symbol, a flame of resistance. A testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and to embrace the promise of a brighter future. The iron will of the Ukrainian people will never break. Yesterday’s heroes of Maidan are today’s heroes of Bakhmut, Kherson, Mariupol, Kharkiv and Avdiivka.

Ukraine will rise out of the ruins of war — stronger, freer and more sovereign. And Europe will grow stronger with you as part of our Union.