24 February 2024
Russia bears full responsibility for this war, a blatant violation of international law including the UN Charter, for which it must be held fully accountable. There can be no impunity for Russian war crimes and violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law, including the forced deportation of children and conflict-related sexual violence. We condemn Russia’s appalling attacks against Ukraine’s cities and its civilian, energy, and port infrastructure, some of which have also impacted Allied territory. We also condemn all those who are facilitating Russia’s war and amplifying Russia’s disinformation. Russia must immediately stop this war and completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from Ukraine in line with UN General Assembly resolutions. We do not and will never recognise Russia’s illegal and illegitimate annexations, including Crimea. Russia has not shown any genuine openness to a just and lasting peace. Allies welcome and support President Zelenskyy’s commitment in setting out the principles for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace through his Peace Formula.
Allies remain as resolute as ever in supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes for Ukraine to prevail. We welcome efforts of all Allies and partners agreeing bilateral long-term security commitments and arrangements with Ukraine. As Ukraine exercises its inherent right to self-defence as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter, Allies and partners are providing ongoing military, financial, and humanitarian assistance. NATO continues to support Ukraine with urgently needed non-lethal equipment and supplies to strengthen Ukraine’s self-defence. NATO is committed to help strengthen and rebuild the Ukrainian security and defence sector, support Ukraine’s deterrence and defence in the long term, and transition Ukraine to full interoperability with NATO. Work is ongoing on long-term recovery and reform including on air and missile defence, humanitarian demining, medical rehabilitation for wounded Ukrainian soldiers, support to veterans, post-war reconstruction, defence procurement, and strengthening Ukraine’s defence industrial capacity. We have also agreed to establish a NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Centre in Poland to identify and apply lessons learned from Russia’s war against Ukraine.
A strong, independent, and democratic Ukraine is vital for the stability of the Euro-Atlantic area. Ukraine’s fight for its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders directly contributes to Euro-Atlantic security. In the NATO-Ukraine Council, Allies and Ukraine are working closely and taking decisions together, as equals, to support Ukraine’s further integration with NATO, in line with Vilnius Summit decisions. Ukraine’s future is in NATO. Allies and Ukraine stand together.
Source – NATO
NATO Secretary General’s statement on the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine
24 February 2024 –
Today, we mark two years since Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine. Starting the biggest war in Europe since World War Two. Let me begin by honouring all those brave Ukrainians who have fallen or been wounded in defence of their homeland.
The situation on the battlefield remains extremely serious. President Putin’s aim to dominate Ukraine has not changed. And there are no indications that he is preparing for peace.
But we must not lose heart. Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable skill and fierce determination again and again.
Ukraine did not collapse in weeks, as many feared it would. You have recaptured half of the territory seized by Russia. Pushed Russia back from large parts of the Black Sea. And inflicted heavy losses on the Russian forces.
Above all, Ukraine retains its freedom and independence. This has been made possible by your courage and resolve. Enabled by major military and economic support from NATO Allies. Just in the past days and weeks, NATO Allies have announced new packages of aid worth billions of dollars. These cover key capabilities like artillery ammunition, air defence, and combat boats. As well as F-16 equipment and spare parts, drones, and demining equipment. More support is on the way.
President Putin started this war because he wanted to close NATO’s door, and deny Ukraine the right to choose its own path. But he has achieved the exact opposite: Ukraine is now closer to NATO than ever before.
We are helping to make your forces more and more interoperable with Allies. We will open a new Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre in Poland together. And we are deepening our political ties through the NATO-Ukraine Council, where we consult and make decisions together.
Ukraine will join NATO. It is not a question of if, but of when.
As we prepare you for that day, NATO will continue to stand with Ukraine. For your security, and for ours.