Western countries, EU and NATO express support for Ukraine on 1,000 days of great war

, 19 November 2024, 09:08

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

War with Russia