Today, we mark yet another sober anniversary - it has been three long years since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.

In today’s world, as we see efforts to rewrite history, it is important to be clear about what happened 3 years ago in front of our own eyes.

In 2022, Russia unleashed an unjustified, unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine.

And we must remember that it didn’t happen overnight. Georgians know this better than anyone. Drums of war have been pounding since 2008 when Russia invaded Georgia. Then in 2014 Russia invaded Donbass and annexed Crimea. 

Three years ago, by launching a full-scale invasion on its sovereign neighbor, Russia once again proved that it cannot be trusted. It repeatedly breaks international law, disregards its international and bilateral obligations, and clear commitments it made to respect Ukrainian sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

War crimes committed against civilians show Russia’s absolute contempt for human life, as protected by international humanitarian law and human rights.

There can be no confusion that Russia wages a neo-colonial, imperialist war against a sovereign member of the international community. And with it, it also attacks the global rules-based order.

Sovereignty and territorial integrity are the cornerstones of international order. Therefore, the message today from the EU here and in Brussels and at the United Nations in New York is very clear - Support for Ukraine is not merely a political choice or a humanitarian gesture, it is our common security interest. Appeasement would mean military threat directly to the EU and neighboring countries, including Georgia.

For over 3 years, Ukrainians have been fighting relentlessly to defend their freedom, independence and sovereignty. Because of their bravery, three years into the war, Russia has not reached its objectives. During these years, Ukrainians have been fighting not just for Ukraine but for all of us.

In Europe, we understand this very well. We have stood by Ukraine from day one and will continue to do so for as long as it takes. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion three years ago, the EU has provided to Ukraine €134 billion in humanitarian, financial, economic and military support – making the EU the largest supporter of Ukraine.

The EU will support Ukraine to achieve just, lasting and comprehensive peace from a position of strength.

Ukraine did not choose to go into war. It was illegally invaded, with brutal tactics, and forced to defend its territory, its people, its independence. It is Russia that started the war, and it is Russia that can stop it anytime by withdrawing its troops.

There is no doubt that anyone wants peace more than Ukraine.

This is why, there can be no decision on Ukraine and on Europe without Ukraine and Europe’s engagement.  

It is very clear that Russia will try to use all opportunities to bring divisions among the partners of Ukraine. We should not walk into Russia’s trap. If we stick together, we can achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. This is in the EU’s interest, it is in Ukraine’s interest, but also in Georgia’s interest!

From the EU side, we are firmly determined to continue standing by Ukraine. The EU fully respects sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as it does in case of Georgia and any other sovereign nation.  This is what EU does, while Russia blatantly tries to rewrite borders and attack its neighbors. Russia cannot prevail.