On 24 February 2026, it will be four years since the beginning of Russia’s illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, which continues the Russian armed aggression against our country that has been ongoing since 2014.

Every act of Russian aggression that goes unanswered by the world leads to further crimes. The Russian Federation continues its attempts to undermine the global order based on respect for and adherence to international law in general, and the UN Charter in particular. Moscow’s imperial ambitions are not limited to Ukraine. It seeks to destabilize and weaken European countries, restore the rule of force on the global stage, and undermine multilateral cooperation frameworks.

The armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which began in 2014, has, due to the impunity of the aggressor and the insufficiently resolute reaction of the world, resulted in the greatest destabilization of the international order since World War II. By refusing to end the war against Ukraine, Russia is destroying the architecture of European and global security, strategic stability, and the nuclear non-proliferation regime.

Russia systematically resorts to state terrorism. The deliberate destruction of Ukraine’s critical civil infrastructure during extreme winter conditions is Russia’s attempt not only to create a humanitarian catastrophe in the heart of Europe but also to provoke a nuclear incident. Among the most dangerous and cynical tactics employed by the Russian Federation are also the systematic use of prohibited methods of warfare, attacks aimed at maximizing civilian casualties, and the use of indiscriminate weapons and hazardous chemical agents.

Russia is replicating the worst crimes of totalitarian regimes of the past, attempting in the 21st century to employ genocidal practices to force Ukrainians into submission or to expel them from their native land.

Such criminal actions by Russia require not further attempts at appeasement but a principled and decisive response. Russia understands only the language of force.

Exercising its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Ukraine is today not only defending its right to exist, its national identity, and the choice of its own future. We are protecting the world from the total destruction of international legal architecture, from chaos, lawlessness, and arbitrariness that Moscow seeks to impose on the international community. We stand guard over freedom and justice — our shared values that the aggressor seeks to destroy.

Strategically, Russia has already suffered defeat. None of its imperial objectives have been achieved, and Ukraine has demonstrated unity and the will to resist attempts to destroy our statehood. Our country has been and remains an integral part of a united Europe, without which the security architecture of the European continent cannot be imagined. In this regard, Ukraine’s full integration into Euro-Atlantic military and political structures is not only a timely requirement but a necessity for effective collective security and the preservation of long-term peace in Europe and North America.

Today, Ukraine is already a key center of power in Europe. The Ukrainian armed forces, supported by allies, are holding back Russia’s war machine, which poses an existential threat to the entire Euro-Atlantic community.

Ukraine seeks to end the war and restore peace on its territory more than anyone else in the world. The Ukrainian people deserve a dignified peace and guaranteed security.

Ukraine values the peace efforts of President Donald Trump and the United States, with active participation from European countries and other partners. We are making every effort to bring the war to a swift conclusion and to stop the killings. Ukraine has put forward a number of constructive proposals and insists on constructive steps from Russia. We are convinced that this requires increased military and economic pressure on Moscow by the international community.

We count on further strengthening support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the full integration of Ukraine into European political and security structures so that our joint efforts to end the war succeed as quickly as possible.

Unity in increasing pressure on the aggressor is essential — political isolation of Russia, sanctions, full use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, a complete entry ban into Europe and G7 countries for Russian citizens who participated in aggression against Ukraine, as well as their family members. All of this contributes to our shared security.

Ukraine continues to work with partners on the practical launch of a Special Tribunal on the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and other elements of a justice architecture to hold Russia and Russian perpetrators accountable. Bringing the military-political leadership of the Russian Federation to justice will not only be an act of justice but also a guarantee that such crimes will not be repeated in the future, not only in Europe but elsewhere in the world.

We will continue to use every international forum and mechanism to bring our people back — prisoners of war, civilians, and abducted children.

Russia expands its aggression through information attacks, undermining trust in democratic institutions, and fueling internal conflicts in Europe. Countering Russia’s strategy in the information space is a critical component of security and stability for Europe and the world.

The financial, humanitarian, energy, security, and defense support already provided to Ukraine by international partners has been a substantial investment in the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the reconstruction of the state. Long-term, systematic, and predictable financial aid to Ukraine is critically important not only for Ukraine’s victory and recovery but also for the shared security, stability, and prosperity of Europe as a whole. Ukraine must emerge from this trial stronger — as a reliable partner in building a safe future for the entire continent.

To prevent repeated aggression, Ukraine must receive clear, legally binding, and effective security guarantees, supported by partner resources and capabilities. We call for increased contributions to building such an architecture, eliminating any “gray zones” that could serve as a pretext for new aggression. We encourage decisiveness in supporting Ukraine — through arms deliveries, financing, and joint defense production. The implementation of the PURL program and the SAFE initiative is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities, contributing to the enhancement of the pan-European security system.

Ukraine cannot afford weakness in resisting Russian aggression, as this concerns our survival and our future. Nor can the civilized world, which seeks to preserve international peace and security, afford weakness. We expect resilience and strategic determination from our partners. Together, we are strong. United by common goals, equipped with a sound strategy, and ready for decisive action, we will overcome any threat and ensure a free and peaceful future for generations to come.