Western countries, EU and NATO express support for Ukraine on 1,000 days of great war
Western leaders, members of governments and ambassadors are issuing statements of solidarity with Ukraine on the thousandth day since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, was among the first to publish her post and said that this night the EC buildings were illuminated with the Ukrainian flag in honour of the defenders of Ukraine.
"In 2022, Russia thought its full-scale invasion would end in days. 1,000 days later, Ukraine bravely resists. On the battlefield. And against criminal attacks on civilian targets," she wrote.
In 2022, Russia thought its full-scale invasion would end in days.
1,000 days later, Ukraine bravely resists.
On the battlefield.
And against criminal attacks on civilian targets.
Tonight our buildings adorn the Ukrainian flag to honour the brave men and women of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/KKJ7jgWIHdAdvertisement:– Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 18, 2024
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stressed that Ukraine needs the unwavering support of its partners and that the war should end in a just and sustainable peace.
"Ukrainians fight for freedom, for Europe’s security and for world peace. Our support for Ukraine is an investment into the future of humankind," she said.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock noted that these 1,000 days have been a time of great grief for Ukraine, but they have also shown the courage and unity of Ukrainians. "We will stand by you until you regain peace. Glory to Ukraine," Baerbock wrote.
"Yet through every hardship, Ukrainians have shown unparalleled bravery and resilience. Europe's support for Ukraine is unwavering. We will continue to help Ukraine and rebuild its future," said former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who will soon head the EU's diplomatic service.
1,000 days of Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine.
– Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) November 19, 2024
Each day is one too many.
Yet through every hardship, Ukrainians have shown unparalleled bravery and resilience. Europe's support for Ukraine is unwavering. We will continue to help Ukraine and rebuild its future pic.twitter.com/6d07rKHiKk
"Lithuania has stood with Ukraine through it all–before the invasion, during the darkest days, and now in the gruelling fight for freedom. Ukraine can always count on us," said Lithuanian Defence Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas.
1000 days of Ukraine’s heroism, courage, and pain.
– Laurynas Kasčiūnas (@LKasciunas) November 19, 2024
Lithuania has stood with Ukraine through it all–before the invasion, during the darkest days, and now in the grueling fight for freedom.
Ukraine can always count on us. Together, we will celebrate victory. 🇱🇹🇺🇦
Patrick Turner, NATO's Senior Representative to Ukraine, said that the 1,000-day mark is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience shown by Ukrainians and that this resistance inspires the world. "Our commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine is unshakable," he said.
1000 days of struggle, resilience, and hope. 1000 days since Russia launched a brutal, unprovoked, and unjustified war against Ukraine.
– NATO in Ukraine (@NATOinUkraine) November 19, 2024
Patrick Turner, NATO Senior Representative to Ukraine, delivered an official address🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/6tJ27pQpKt
The EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said the day before that all EU decisions to support Ukraine had taken too long and that member states needed to learn to act faster and in greater unity.
He also stated that the Russian government is not in the mood for real negotiations and reminded that the de facto Russian-Ukrainian war has been going on for almost 4000 days.