February 24, 2026 marks four years since the Russian Federation launched its illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a continuation of Russia’s armed aggression against our state that began in 2014.

Every act of Russian aggression that goes unanswered by a firm and resolute international response leads to new crimes. The Russian Federation has not abandoned its efforts to dismantle the global order based on respect for international law, and for the UN Charter in particular. Moscow’s imperial ambitions extend beyond Ukraine. They aim at destabilizing and weakening European countries, restoring the rule of force in international relations, and undermining multilateral cooperation.

Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, which began in 2014, combined with the aggressor’s impunity and an insufficiently decisive international response, has produced the most serious destabilization of the international order since World War II. By refusing to end its war against Ukraine, Russia is undermining the European and global security architecture, strategic stability, and the nuclear nonproliferation regime.

Russia systematically employs state terror. The deliberate destruction of Ukraine’s critical civilian infrastructure during periods of extreme winter cold is an attempt not only to trigger a humanitarian catastrophe in the heart of Europe, but also to create the conditions for a nuclear incident. Among the most dangerous and cynical elements of Russia’s conduct are its systematic use of prohibited methods of warfare, strikes designed to maximize civilian casualties, the use of indiscriminate weapons, and the deployment of hazardous chemical agents.

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

These criminal actions require not further attempts at appeasement, but a principled, firm, and determined response. Russia understands only the language of strength.

In exercising its inherent right of self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Ukraine is defending not only its right to exist, its national identity, and its sovereign choice of its future. Ukraine is defending the rules-based international order from the chaos and lawlessness that Moscow seeks to impose on the international community, and it is upholding our shared values of freedom and justice.

Strategically, Russia has already suffered defeat: none of its imperial objectives has been achieved, while Ukraine has demonstrated unity and resolve in defending its statehood. Ukraine is and will remain an integral part of a united Europe and an indispensable component of the continent’s security architecture. In this context, Ukraine’s full integration into Euro-Atlantic political and security structures is not only a historical necessity, but an essential condition for effective collective security and for lasting peace in Europe and North America.

Ukraine is already one of the key pillars of European security. With the support of its allies, the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to contain the military machine of an aggressive Russia that poses an existential threat to the entire Euro-Atlantic community.

Ukraine seeks, more than anyone else, an end to this war and the restoration of peace on its territory. The Ukrainian people deserve a just peace and guaranteed security.

Ukraine appreciates the peace efforts of President Donald Trump and the United States, with the active involvement of European countries and other partners. We are making every effort to end the war and the killing as soon as possible. To this end, Ukraine has put forward a number of constructive proposals and insists on the need for concrete steps by the Russian Federation. We are convinced that this requires increased military and economic pressure on Moscow from the international community.

We count on further strengthening support for Ukraine’s Defense Forces and on the full integration of our country into the European political and security architecture so that our common efforts to end the war can succeed as soon as possible.

Unity is essential in increasing pressure on the aggressor: political isolation of the Russian Federation, sanctions, the full use of immobilized Russian assets to support Ukraine, and entry bans for those Russian citizens who participated in the aggression and for their family members in Europe and the G7 countries. All of this contributes to our common security.

Ukraine continues to work with its partners to launch the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and other elements of the justice architecture to ensure accountability for Russia and for Russian perpetrators. Holding the Russian political and military leadership accountable will be not only an act of justice, but also a guarantee against the repetition of such crimes in the future.

We will also continue to use every international platform and mechanism to secure the return of our people — prisoners of war, civilians, and deported children.

The Russian Federation is expanding its aggression through information operations, efforts to erode trust in democratic institutions, and the fueling of internal divisions in Europe. Countering this strategy in the information domain is a critical component of European and global security and stability.

The financial, humanitarian, energy, security, and defense assistance already provided by international partners represents a significant investment in the resilience of the Ukrainian people and in the country’s reconstruction. Long-term, systematic, and predictable financial support for Ukraine is critical not only for Ukraine’s victory and recovery, but also for the security, stability, and prosperity of all of Europe. Ukraine must emerge from this испытание stronger — as a reliable partner in building a secure future for the entire continent.

To prevent renewed aggression, Ukraine must receive clear, legally binding, and effective security guarantees backed by the necessary resources and capabilities. We call for increased contributions to building a security architecture that eliminates any “gray zones” that could serve as a pretext for future aggression. We encourage decisive action in support of Ukraine — including weapons deliveries, financing, and joint defense production. The implementation of the PURL program and the SAFE initiative will strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and contribute to a stronger pan-European security system.

Ukraine cannot afford weakness in confronting Russian aggression, because our survival and our future are at stake. Nor can the free and civilized world afford weakness if it seeks to preserve international peace and security. We expect resilience and strategic determination from our partners. Together we are strong: united by common goals, equipped with the right strategy, and ready to act, we will overcome any threat and secure a free and peaceful future for the next generations.