OSCE Reinforced Permanent Council No. 1509 Vienna, 24 February 2025

February 24 marks three years since Russia launched its brutal, unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine — a war that has brought untold suffering and destruction to the Ukrainian people. Today, we stand together to reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine, its sovereignty, and its right to chart its own future.

When Russian troops crossed Ukraine’s borders in 2022, they attacked not just a nation, but the very principles of peace, security, and democracy. The consequences have been devastating: tens of thousands of lives lost, cities in ruins, and millions displaced. Russia’s full-scale invasion —intended to subjugate Ukraine — poses an existential challenge to European security, and to the global rules-based international order.

From the beginning, the EU and its Member States have stood with Ukraine, providing €134.7 billion so far in military, financial, and humanitarian aid. Together, we are the largest international donor and the largest public investor in Ukraine’s defence sector.

We have imposed 16 rounds of sanctions to weaken Russia’s war machine and send a clear message: violations of international law have consequences.

We created the Ukraine Facility, to keep Ukraine’s economy functioning and advance on reforms. We provided billions to Member States hosting Ukrainian refugees.

We have mobilised €48.7 billion in military support. We have contributed over 1 million rounds of ammunition and will have trained 75,000 soldiers by the end of this winter.

We are also supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction, helping to rebuild what Russia has destroyed.

Finally and most importantly, we are committed to Ukraine’s EU membership because we believe its future lies within the European family. EU accession is our ultimate security guarantee for Ukraine.

It is clear that we must do more to put Ukraine in a position of strength, especially ahead of potential discussions to end the war, and to make sure that peace will be just, fair and lasting.

Our message to our Ukrainian friends is clear: you are not alone. The EU stands firmly with you and will continue to provide all necessary support for as long as it takes.

I now pass the floor back to the representative of the Polish EU Presidency, State Secretary Władysław Bartoszewski.