Ukraine(Washington Insider Magazine)-As Ukraine marks its Independence Day, the European Union has reiterated its steadfast support for the nation in its fight against Russian aggression, pledging to stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary.
“Europe will always be at Ukraine’s side because Ukraine is Europe,”
declared European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a recent video message. This celebration comes as Ukraine enters its third year of conflict following Russia’s illegal invasion in February 2022.
Since the onset of the invasion, the EU has provided crucial support to Ukraine, encompassing financial, humanitarian, military, diplomatic, and moral assistance. To date, nearly €114 billion has been allocated to support Ukraine and its people. The EU has also offered temporary protection to over four million individuals fleeing the war and mobilized financial resources from frozen Russian assets, including its €50 billion Ukraine Facility, to help Ukraine resist and recover from the ongoing conflict.
The EU and its member states remain committed to addressing Ukraine’s urgent military and defense needs. This support is channeled through initiatives such as the European Peace Facility and the EU Military Assistance Mission, alongside direct bilateral assistance from individual member states. Concurrently, Ukraine is making swift progress toward EU membership, in line with the EU’s firm conviction that Ukraine belongs in Europe.
The EU’s ongoing support for Ukraine aims to foster a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace that restores the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This commitment reflects the sentiments of a vast majority of Europeans; a recent Eurobarometer survey indicates that nearly 87% of Europeans support humanitarian aid for those affected by the war, while over 83% advocate for welcoming refugees into the EU.
In a show of solidarity on Ukraine’s Independence Day, the EU displayed the Ukrainian flag in front of the European Parliament and illuminated several key buildings in Brussels in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. This gesture underscores the EU’s commitment to Ukraine and its people during these challenging times.