Petra Pereyra, Ambassador of European Union to Botswana and SADC
Olivier Brochenin, Ambassador of France to Botswana and SADC
Gabriela Bennemann, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Botswana and SADC
Three years ago, on 24 February 2022, the world awoke to an act of unprovoked and brutal aggression. Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine shattered international norms, violating Ukraine’s sovereignty and plunging Europe into its most severe security crisis in decades. The images of tanks rolling across borders, missiles striking Ukrainian cities, and millions of innocent civilians forced to flee their homes remain seared in our collective memory. Three years on, Ukrainians – among them entire families with small children – are still dying in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Yet, Ukraine stands resilient, defiant and relentless. The Ukrainian people have demonstrated extraordinary courage, defending not just their homeland but also the principles of international law, with the United Nations Charter at its heart: sovereignty and territorial integrity, international peace and security. On this anniversary, we honour their sacrifice and reaffirm our unwavering support to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a challenging international and geopolitical environment, the importance of maintaining global solidarity with Ukraine and countering Russian disinformation cannot be overstressed. There is also the need to ensure the international community’s continued focus on the consequences of this war and on supporting Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula. No one wants peace more than Ukraine. Any peace deal must be sustainable. A bad deal will only lead to more war, just as it did before. The killing can stop anytime – Russia just needs to withdraw its troops.
The European Union’s Unwavering Support
The European Union remains united in its commitment to support Ukraine including through political, military, economic, humanitarian and financial assistance. The EU and its Member States are Ukraine’s leading supporter, providing over EUR 135 billion, with EUR 48.7 billion on military assistance. The European Union has enhanced military support to Ukraine, including the provision of defence equipment, training, and strategic assistance necessary to uphold Ukraine’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. The European Union reaffirms its commitment to sustainable and long-term financial and economic support to Ukraine, including macro-financial assistance, support for reconstruction and economic and social recovery, and measures to ensure the resilience of Ukraine’s economy and critical infrastructure. We express full support for Ukraine’s European integration aspirations. Ukraine’s future is in the EU.
The Global Implications on Ukraine’s Fight
The war on Ukraine is not just a European crisis; it is a defining struggle for the international order. Russia’s attempt to redraw borders by force threatens global stability, undermining the United Nations Charter and setting a dangerous precedent. If aggression is rewarded, no nation can feel secure. Rewarding the aggressor can never be an option. If Russia is not stopped in Ukraine, other countries may feel emboldened to use force for territorial gains. This is not in the interest of the international community. Therefore, Ukraine’s victory is essential for safeguarding international law,
deterring future aggressors and preserving the values we hold dear. The European Union continues to work with global partners to ensure Russia is held accountable.
A Call for Continued Support
While Ukraine has defied expectations, the war is still ongoing. Russia’s warfare, including its hybrid elements, seeks to weaken our resolve. Nevertheless, we stand firm. As we mark the third anniversary of this unjustified war, let us recommit to supporting Ukraine until victory is achieved. The Ukrainian people have shown the world what true resilience looks like. It is up to us now to match their determination with unwavering solidarity. Europe stands with Ukraine.
