Photo by Silver Ringvee on Unsplash
As we mark the sombre milestone of 1,000 days of all-out war, Ukraine continues to stand firm against Russia’s unprovoked invasion. What began on February 24, 2022, as an aggressive assault on Ukrainian sovereignty has now evolved into a broader battle for the survival of democracy and international law. Ukraine’s resistance against the barbarian axis of Russian, Iranian, North Korean and Chinese autocrats is not only a struggle for its freedom but for the values that unite the global community.
Over the past three years, Ukraine has demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Soldiers and civilians alike have shown unwavering bravery in defending their homeland. Ukrainians have made it clear that they will fight to the last for their independence, freedom, and democratic ideals. Their resistance has become a powerful symbol of the universal struggle for liberty, inspiring people around the world who face oppression.
This is not just Ukraine’s fight. It is a global struggle for the preservation of fundamental rights: the right to self-determination, the rule of law, and the protection of freedom. Ukraine’s battle has come to represent a stand against authoritarianism, a stark reminder that tyranny cannot suppress the human desire for freedom.
On the battlefield, Ukraine’s armed forces have achieved significant victories, liberating over 15,000 square kilometres of occupied territory, including vital cities and villages in the east and south. But this progress has come at an enormous cost. Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians have lost their lives. Entire cities have been destroyed, and vital infrastructure lies in ruins.
As of November 2024, it is estimated that Russia has suffered around 720,000 military casualties, with Ukraine also bearing a heavy toll. Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced, both internally and abroad. More than 3.7 million Ukrainians remain displaced within the country, while over 6.2 million have fled to other European nations in search of safety. The scale of the human suffering is staggering.
Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian aggression would not have been possible without the support of the international community. Military aid, humanitarian assistance, and economic support from partners have been essential in sustaining Ukraine’s defence. This support is not simply charity; it is an investment in global security. The outcome of this war will have far-reaching consequences for international peace and stability.
The conflict in Ukraine is not confined to one nation—it represents a challenge to the international order itself. Russia’s actions threaten to erode the principles of international law and security, setting a dangerous precedent for other authoritarian regimes. As Ukraine defends its territory, it is also defending the principles of democracy and human rights that form the foundation of global peace.
Ukraine’s fight is not just a battle for its sovereignty—it is also a fight to join the European community. Ukraine’s pursuit of European integration reflects its commitment to the democratic values of freedom, justice, and the rule of law. The European Union has been a critical partner in Ukraine’s struggle, providing both direct support and solidarity. Ukraine’s eventual membership in the EU will help solidify the unity of Europe and further advance the cause of democracy on the continent.
The solidarity shown by the European Union and other international partners is more than an act of charity, it is an investment in the future of global security and peace. As we reflect on 1,000 days of conflict, we should recognise that Ukraine’s battle is also our battle. If Ukraine falls, the values of democracy and human rights will be undermined across the world.
In these uncertain times, Ukraine has shown what true courage and unity look like. The fight against oppression for freedom and justice is one that we share. The global community should ensure that Ukraine does not face this struggle alone. Only by standing together can we honour the sacrifices of the Ukrainian people and secure a future for Europe and the world rooted in peace and democracy.
As we commemorate this painful milestone, let us remember: the cause for which Ukraine fights is the cause of all who value liberty, justice, and the right to live free from fear.
