Four years of courage: Ukraine stands, and so must Europe
Four years ago today, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, unleashing a war of aggression that has shattered millions of lives, torn families apart, and challenged the very foundations of the rules-based international order that Europeans have built together since 1945.
Today, the European Parliament adopted a resolution reaffirming its unwavering solidarity with Ukraine. Renew Europe proudly supported this resolution.
We think today of those who fight on the front lines - the anonymous heroes who, day after day, defend their homeland with extraordinary courage, including veterans who, despite grievous wounds and profound trauma, refuse to lay down their arms for the country they love. We think of the children unlawfully deported by Russia, torn from their families in a deliberate act of cruelty. We think of the victims, the grieving families, the loved ones separated by frontlines and forced displacement. Their suffering and their sacrifice must not be forgotten.
The Ukrainian people have demonstrated a remarkable capacity for resistance, Renew Europe's commitment to their cause is unconditional.
"We will stand by Ukrainians for as long as it takes - and these are not empty words. It is the contribution we owe them. We will never stop pressing our governments to strengthen their military, financial and humanitarian support for Ukraine, and to hold to account those who shamefully use the promised aid to the Ukrainian people as a bargaining chip. More than ever, Ukrainians need our support. There can be no let-up in our commitment to a people fighting for their freedom - which is also our freedom"
Valérie HayerRenew Europe MEP, France, Renaissance
" said Valérie Hayer, President of Renew Europe.
Against overwhelming force, Ukraine has stood firm - not only for itself, but for all of us, transforming the very meaning of European solidarity in the process.
MEP Petras Auštrevičius, Renew Europe’s shadow rapporteur for Ukraine, emphasised:
"In its failed attempt to seize Ukraine in three days, Russia suffered a historic defeat: Ukraine stood firm, turned decisively toward the West, and in doing so transformed not only itself, but Europe as well - profoundly and irreversibly. Understanding, solidarity, and steadfast support for Ukraine define today's Europe. They affirm our core principles not merely in words, but in action. This is the response of European civilisation to autocracy and imperial aggression. Ukraine is Europe. Supporting Ukraine and its independence means defending the very essence of European identity, freedom and future."
Petras AuštrevičiusRenew Europe MEP, Lithuania, Liberalų Sąjūdis
Ukraine's European destiny is not a distant prospect - it is an imperative. Renew Europe has been, and remains, a resolute supporter of Ukraine's path to EU membership. It must be an integral part of any future peace settlement. A free, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine at the heart of Europe is the strongest possible answer to those who sought to erase it from the map.
We all should have these words of the Ukrainian writer Yuri Andrukhovych in mind : "At every minute of its resistance, the Ukrainian people reminds other European nations that freedom and justice are not abstract notions, but values that are more than ever relevant."