Today marks four years after Russia launched its full‑scale war of aggression against Ukraine. The presidents of the European Parliament, the European Council and the European Commission issued a joint statement reaffirming the European Union’s steadfast support for Ukraine and its people.The leaders paid tribute to the brave people of Ukraine, who continue to resist and defend their country, noting that Russia has not achieved its military objectives.The statement highlighted that, as Russian forces fail to advance on the battlefield, they have “deliberately target[ed] Ukrainian civilian and critical infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, hospitals, schools and residential buildings in the midst of a severe winter.” Despite these attacks, Ukrainians remain formidable in their fortitude, determination and resilience.The EU’s objective, the leaders said, is a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and they affirmed that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is the cornerstone of that peace.“No country can annex its neighbour. Borders cannot be changed by force. The aggressor cannot be rewarded,” the statement reads. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)The Union pledged to maintain unwavering political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine, noting it remains Ukraine’s biggest donor. Since 2022, the EU and its member states have provided close to €200 billion in support and agreed to extend €90 billion in aid in 2026–27 to help Ukraine meet urgent budgetary and defence needs, with around €60 billion earmarked for military requirements under the “Porcupine programme.”The joint statement also underlined recent assistance during the winter, including emergency energy support and humanitarian aid. Work is underway with Ukraine on a new energy security and preparedness plan focused on repairing and reinforcing power grids, restarting damaged power plants and deploying decentralised renewables.In urging further pressure on Russia’s energy and financial sectors and additional measures against the shadow fleet, the leaders reaffirmed their determination to push Russia towards meaningful negotiations and peace with dignity and long‑term security. They emphasised that Russia must be held accountable for its crimes and the damage caused, pledging to help operationalise both the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and an International Claims Commission.Looking ahead to the post‑war period, the EU expressed readiness to contribute to robust and credible security guarantees to ensure Russia can never again attack Ukraine; it also reiterated full support for Ukraine’s EU accession and post‑war reconstruction.“We stand firm with Ukraine. For a just and lasting peace. For a strong and sovereign Ukraine in a strong and sovereign Europe.”Credit: European Parliament Multimedia Centre •