Latest news on Ukraine
One year on, the EU continues to condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia's unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine which is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter. We call on Russia to immediately and unconditionally cease all hostilities, withdraw its military and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine in full respect of Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
The EU has reacted swiftly and strongly, with unprecedented support to Ukraine and with the largest sanctions packages in the Union's history. You can find more detailed information about the EU response on the dedicated webpages of the European Commission and Council of the European Union.
On this page, you will find more information about the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine, EU-Ukraine relations as well as messages from the HR/VP Josep Borrell. In Faces of Ukraine you can watch stories of ordinary Ukrainians, whose lives changed forever on the 24th of February 2022. You can also find information about EU campaigns like #artvswar.
These are among the darkest hours for Europe since World War II. A major nuclear power has attacked a neighbouring country and is threatening reprisals on any other state that may come to its rescue. This is not only the greatest violation of international law, it is a violation of the basic principles of human co-existence. It is costing many lives with unknown consequences ahead of us.
Josep Borrell
EU policies and actions
The EU stands united in its support and since the start of the full-scale invasion, Team Europe has so far mobilised at least €67 billion to help Ukraine and its people. In March 2022, the EU activated the temporary protection directive and EU member states have been providing protection for Ukrainian citizens displaced by the war ever since, with around 4 million people being under temporary protection.
Ukraine’s fight for its freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity is also about safeguarding fundamental human values and principles of international law. The EU made it clear that it will stand with Ukraine and its people for as long as necessary and on all fronts: humanitarian, economic, political, diplomatic and military.
Overall EU military support to Ukraine – provided by the European Peace Facility and the Member States directly – amounts to around €12 billion. The EU is one of the main providers of military assistance and training to Ukrainian Armed Forces through the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine).
The future of Ukraine and its people lies within the European Union and in June 2022, Ukraine was granted EU candidate status.
Press
Faces of Ukraine
They are refugees, volunteers, fighters. Their lives will never be the same again. But their hope for Ukraine to prevail remains unbroken. We collected the stories of some of the people of Ukraine whose lives changed overnight when Russia brutally attacked Ukraine on 24 February in a video series called 'Faces of Ukraine'.
Videos
HR/VP blogs & op-eds
Stories
#ShareYourLight
On February 24, 2022, Russia’s already eight years of war in Ukraine turned into a full-scale invasion. Since then, Ukraine has been facing up to tremendous challenges. And it has proved to be stunningly resilient. The volunteer movement in Europe is providing huge support for Ukraine’s civilians and armed forces.
Among the symbols of the volunteers’ support are the handmade candles sent to soldiers in the Ukrainian trenches. They pass on human light and warmth. And they encourage the soldiers to hold on under difficult circumstances. They are also a symbol of solidarity among people in Ukraine and in the EU working tirelessly in the face of adversity.
This campaign is a candle that we are passing on from ordinary people in Ukraine to those in other countries and back to Ukraine. And we encourage everyone to keep passing it on. #ShareYourLight.
More than a year on, Europeans continue to #StandWithUkraine. There are no small deeds in this struggle!
#ArtVsWar
A campaign about cultural heritage and cultural life in Ukraine during the war
Ukrainian culture has always been and will remain an important part of European heritage. It is heartbreaking to witness countless objects of cultural heritage being purposely destroyed and at risk of looting as part of Russia’s full-scale aggression in Ukraine. Cultural institutions, projects and grants came to a standstill. Cinemas, theatres, libraries, bookstores are not accessible around most of the country. Many of them were bombed. Sometimes with civilians inside, who used them as shelters. In spite of all, Ukrainian artists are already mobilizing to resist, to raise awareness and to lay the groundwork for post-war renaissance. Raising awareness can give a lifeline and a future to Ukrainian culture.
Useful links
Information for people fleeing the war in Ukraine
Volunteering and humanitarian aid
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For those willing to help Ukraine - humanitarian aid website
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Ukraine: EU steps up solidarity with those fleeing war
On food security
On disinformation
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Learning to defend yourself against disinformation: an essential skill in the 21st century
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EU vs Disinformation website
On EU Sanctions
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EU sanctions against Russia to stop the war in Ukraine
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Frequently asked questions: Restrictive measures (sanctions)
EU Solidarity with Ukraine
Tweets