The European Parliament will convene an emergency session today, February 24, 2026, to mark four years since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine, underscoring the European Union’s unwavering commitment to supporting Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to address the Parliament remotely from Kyiv.
As the conflict enters its fifth year, the session comes as aid from the United States has stalled, prompting the EU to increase its financial support for Ukraine’s self-defense. European Parliament Member Sandra Kalniete stated that Europeans have done much to support Ukraine, and the EU is now financing Ukraine’s self-defense since the US has paused military assistance.
“Ukraine is strong and has not surrendered for one thousand four hundred and sixty-one days. Ukraine currently has the strongest army in Europe. With unparalleled experience. With innovation and technology on the battlefield. And most importantly – with the will to fight. And to defend its country, values and freedom. Ukraine is a shield that protects Europe and humanity from a third world war. It’s the duty and also the strategic interest of Europe to strengthen Ukraine’s self-defense. Ukraine must be armed, provided with the necessary weapons, anti-aircraft missiles and ammunition. We must ensure that Ukraine has the ability to strike deep into Russia,”
Kalniete emphasized the need to accelerate Ukraine’s path toward EU membership, arguing that its security is inextricably linked to the stability of the continent. “Ukraine will become a member of the European Union. Even if one country is currently blocking the start of negotiations. We must be creative and politically courageous. Ukraine is so important for European security that it must be accelerated into the EU. We must apply a reverse enlargement process, gradually increasing the country’s rights and obligations as negotiation sections are closed, until it becomes a full member,” Kalniete noted.
Kalniete, a member of the European Parliament’s informal Friends of European Ukraine group, joined colleagues in issuing a joint statement highlighting the Ukrainian people’s heroism and advocating for Ukraine’s future within Europe. The statement comes as the international community reflects on the ongoing human cost of the war.
The group’s statement read, “Today, we, Friends of European Ukraine in the European Parliament, stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, commemorating the fourth anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked, illegal and brutal full-scale invasion. We stand with the families who have lost loved ones, light candles in memory of the heroes who gave their lives for Ukraine’s freedom and the defense of a democratic Europe.”
The statement continued, praising the strength, unity, and resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of twelve years of Russian aggression, beginning with attempts to undermine Ukraine’s sovereign choice to integrate with Europe and the illegal occupation of Crimea and parts of the Donbas region.
“We reaffirm that Ukraine’s future lies within the European Union. We are committed to working closely with Ukraine to support its path to EU membership and the fulfillment of accession criteria. Implementing reforms during wartime is extremely complex, yet Ukraine’s path to EU membership is a strong contribution to a prosperous and democratic future. It is also one of the most meaningful ways to honor the memory of the Heavenly Hundred and all the other Ukrainian defenders who continue to fight for their country today.”
The statement also condemned Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, residential areas, and civilian buildings, particularly during the harsh winter months, asserting that these actions demonstrate Russia’s lack of interest in a just and lasting peace. Any peace agreement, the statement emphasized, must be acceptable to the Ukrainian people and fully restore Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including the return of illegally deported Ukrainian children, the release of prisoners of war and unlawfully detained civilians, and accountability for war crimes and acts of aggression.
The European Union and its citizens strongly support Ukraine, providing the largest amount of aid to the country and continuing to do so. The recently approved €90 billion support loan for Ukraine will provide crucial fiscal stability, cover budget shortfalls, and allow for the purchase of vital military equipment. The statement also expressed strong disapproval of the Hungarian government’s actions in delaying and blocking EU support for Ukraine, calling for continued strengthening of EU-Ukraine cooperation in security and defense, better protection of Ukrainian airspace, and the provision of all necessary defense assistance. A secure and sovereign Ukraine means a secure Europe.
“Slava Ukraini!” the statement concluded, offering deep respect and gratitude to the Ukrainian people.
Image: EP
