Statement on the 4-year mark of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

Statement by Séamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and Stefano Palmieri, President of the Section for External Relations (REX)

Exactly four years ago, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbor, the independent and sovereign state of Ukraine.

The European Economic and Social Committee pays tribute to all the victims of what has become the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II. 

We remain unwavering in our support and solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people who are demonstrating incredible resolve and resilience in the face of immense hardship. 

Children and their families are enduring the fourth and harshest winter of war amidst continued and despicable Russian strikes deliberately targeting vital energy and water systems at a time of extreme sub-zero temperatures. 

After four years of war Ukrainians need peace and a democratic future as part of our European family. Echoing the words of First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska shared during our plenary session last week: we have to give the Ukrainian children back what Russia has taken from them – opportunities, education and hope for the future. 

The war has to stop. But not at any price. It must be a just, sustainable and human-centered peace, in line with the international rules-based order. 

This means putting the needs, concerns and voices of ordinary people at the heart of any settlement, in order to develop meaningful and sustainable solutions. 

It also means placing accountability at the forefront, including securing the release of all prisoners of war and all civilian detainees, bringing back missing persons, and ensuring the unconditional return of all forcibly transferred and deported Ukrainian children. 

We commend Ukraine’s political determination to remain on the European path. We are convinced that this reflects the will of the Ukrainian people, and we stand ready to support Ukrainian civil society organisations in assisting the government with advancing reforms. Reforms that aim to strengthen transparency and accountability, reinforce civil and social dialogue, and promote economic cohesion, thereby bringing the country closer to its European future.

We must continue this fight for Ukraine and for Europe. It is our shared duty to defend fundamental values of democracy, human dignity and the rules-based international order at a time when they are increasingly under threat.   

Slava Ukraini!