Four years ago, Russia launched a brutal and unlawful invasion of Ukraine, in clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic institutions. Despite sustained international diplomatic efforts, Vladimir Putin continues to disregard international law, deliberately targeting civilians and critical infrastructure, and weaponising extreme winter conditions in an attempt to break the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Thousands of missiles have struck Kyiv and cities across Ukraine’s sovereign territory, yet Ukraine endures.
The Ukrainian people have made their will clear: they want to live in a free, independent and European Ukraine. They are defending their homes, their democracy and their future. By contrast, the Russian people remain constrained by authoritarianism and fear, deprived of genuine democratic choice.
The role of the EU
More than 80 years ago, the peoples of Europe began building a common project founded on democracy, cooperation and peace. That project, as we know, later took institutional form in the European Union. In 2022, war returned to Europe’s borders to undermine this achievement. Illiberal leaders within the Union, such as Viktor Orbán, try to weaken the EU by obstructing support for Ukraine, spreading disinformation and aligning themselves with the Kremlin.
At the same time, attempts by President Trump to negotiate directly with Moscow, without fully involving Ukraine and its European partners, risk sidelining those whose future is at stake. Nothing about Ukraine should be decided without Ukraine, and nothing about Europe without Europe.
Ukraine is part of the European family. Its security is inseparable from Europe’s security. A just and lasting peace, one that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, is essential not only for Ukraine but for the stability and democratic future of Europe.
EFA stands with Ukraine
EFA unequivocally condemns Russia’s aggression and calls for an immediate ceasefire leading to credible negotiations involving all relevant parties, with Ukraine’s full participation and with full respect for its right to restore control over its internationally recognised territory. The tragic loss of life on both sides underlines a simple truth: territorial gains achieved through violence are meaningless when measured against human suffering.
It is time to secure freedom and peace for the brave people of Ukraine, and, in doing so, to safeguard the European project itself. Now is the time to prevent further escalation and to build a just and lasting peace.