The Ambassadors of the European Union countries in Oslo, along with the Norwegian Secretary of State, Eivind Vad Petersson, and the Ukrainian Ambassador to Norway, Oleksiy Gavrysh, will meet on February 24 in front of Parliament to reaffirm their commitment and that of their respective countries to achieving peace in Ukraine on the fourth anniversary of the start of the Russian invasion.
The European Union and Italy confirm their commitment to supporting Ukraine in achieving a just and lasting peace based on the principles of the United Nations Charter, essential for Ukraine’s future and the long-term security of Europe. While supporting Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the EU is committed to rebuilding and maintaining Ukraine’s essential state functions, including progress on its path to EU accession.
A just and lasting peace in Ukraine is a guarantee of security for Europe, and no agreement can succeed without the full involvement of Ukraine and Europe. Any peace agreement must be sustainable and credible, which in our view would allow renewed aggression.
The Ukrainian people, who have endured untold suffering and demonstrated enormous resilience, deserve more than anything a just and lasting peace based on international law and United Nations principles. The EU and its member states are Ukraine’s main supporters, providing extensive political, financial, and military assistance. Support for Ukraine is a security imperative, not a political choice or a humanitarian gesture.
Russia’s war against Ukraine poses a serious threat to European security, with direct implications for the safety of EU citizens. Aggression cannot benefit all aggressors, as history shows that concessions to aggressors lead to further instability. Russia can end the war at any time by withdrawing its forces.
By continuing this baseless war of aggression, at grave human and economic costs, Russia is leading its country to bankruptcy, militarizing the winter and attacking Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure. The EU will continue to exert pressure on Russia, including through sanctions and diplomatic isolation, until a just and lasting peace is secured.
The Ukrainian people are demonstrating heroic resilience and strength against Russia’s brutal aggression, which knows no bounds. But the Ukrainian people are human, like all of us, and their resilience demands not only our admiration, but also our support and action.
