Message at 3rd Anniversary of Full-Scale Invasion – Manifestation in Support of Ukraine

Dear friends,

I cannot be here with you. Today I am in Ukraine. But I am very much with you in spirit. Here in the heart of Europe, where we meet because Ukraine, is in our hearts.

Three years ago – the invader came. For months, for weeks, for days they said they would not attack. And then they attacked. An unprecedented, unprovoked and illegal invasion.

Three years of war. Three years of bitter struggle. War against Ukraine. War in Europe. For three years you have held out: with immense courage; Against overwhelming odds;  Against a cruel and merciless enemy. At immense cost.

In those three years the whole of Europe has seen your suffering: In Bucha, in Izium, In Lyman. In those three years the whole of Europe has seen your courage: on the front lines and in your homes; every day as the rockets fall.

We have seen how you turned a three day war, into a three year nightmare for Putin. We support you in this fight, as we have done, the last three years. A fight for freedom, for democracy and for your European future. A fight for your survival as a nation – and survival of the values we share.

You are not only defending Ukraine. You are defending Europe. In those three years we have come closer together, built ties of friendship that will never be broken.

Yes – there must be peace. But it must be a just peace, peace through strength.

I want you to know: you can count our support – Military, Humanitarian, Political.

My dear friends, Three years ago, we were at your side. We were at your side from the very first day, and that will not change. Three years later I can say: Europe was with you. Europe is with you. Europe will stay with you.

Slava Ukraini.

Photographer: Lukasz Kobus. (c) European Union, 2025