Ukrainian and European leaders on Tuesday marked 1,000 days since Russian President Vladimir Putin began his full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“1,000 days together. 1,000 days of Ukraine,” the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted in a video, recalling the key moments of the wartime struggles and pain, and the support Ukraine received.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a video message to Ukrainians that the EU still vowed to “stand by your side for as long as it takes.”
“Russia tried to wipe Ukraine off the map, and for 1,000 days Russia has failed because of Ukraine’s resistance and the sacrifice of your heroes,” von der Leyen added.
A Ukrainian flag was raised in front of the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, and several other EU officials shared messages of support on the anniversary.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell wrote on X that one of his most meaningful tasks was to rally European support for Ukraine, but he noted that Europe needs to do more — and be quicker — to help Kyiv. “History will judge us by our actions and our reactions,” Borrell said.
His incoming successor to the top diplomat post, Kaja Kallas, wrote on X that “each day is one too many” of Ukraine’s war, but “through every hardship, Ukrainians have shown unparalleled bravery and resilience.”
“Europe’s support for Ukraine is unwavering. We will continue to help Ukraine and rebuild its future,” Kallas wrote.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recalled Ukrainian heroism and Polish aid and solidarity during the war, and noted that by supporting Ukraine, “we’re moving the war away from our Polish and European borders.”
“Let us remember that every single day,” Tusk said.
