EU reaffirms unwavering support for Ukraine on war's fourth anniversary, vows to increase pressure on Russia

2026-02-24 - 11:32

The presidents of the European Council, European Commission, and European Parliament issued a powerful joint statement Tuesday on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, declaring that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity remains the indispensable foundation of international peace. "No country can annex its neighbor and borders cannot be changed by force. The aggressor must not be rewarded," the statement affirmed, reiterating that any comprehensive, just, and lasting peace must be based on UN Charter principles with full respect for Ukraine's sovereignty. Comprehensive Support and Pressure Campaign The EU leaders emphasized the bloc's unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people—a commitment maintained since "the first day" of the invasion. The statement highlighted that "Putin's war of attrition is steadily wearing Russia down," and declared EU determination to "put further pressure on Russia to stop its aggression and engage in meaningful negotiations towards peace." The leaders stressed the importance of maintaining transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine amid what they described as a "challenging international and geopolitical environment." European Future and Reconstruction Reaffirming Ukraine's European trajectory, the EU presidents said the country can count on the bloc's full support throughout its accession process and post-war reconstruction efforts. The joint declaration underscores the EU's strategic commitment to Ukraine's long-term integration even as the conflict continues, positioning Brussels as Kyiv's primary partner in both wartime defense and eventual rebuilding.