Remarks

Good morning ladies and gentlemen, dear ambassadors, dear Ukrainian friends and colleagues. Ambassador Galibarenko, dear Natalia,

Three years ago, the belief that all-out war in Europe was a thing of the past came to an abrupt and sobering end.
As missiles flew and armour rolled across the border from Russia to Ukraine.

In the face of Russia’s onslaught, Ukraine did not falter.
Ukraine did not fall.
You fought.
With courage, strength and determination.

Three years after this abrupt end to peace, you continue to stand strong.
And from the beginning, we have made sure that you don’t 
stand alone. 

NATO Allies have given unprecedented support.
Air defences, fighter jets, tanks, artillery and ammunition. 
99% of all military aid.  

This will continue.

In 2024, Allies pledged 40 billion euros of security assistance to Ukraine.
But they provided even more.
In excess of 50 billion euros, well over half of this coming from Europe and Canada.

NATO’s new command in Germany is now leading the coordination of security assistance and training for Ukraine.  

Our Comprehensive Assistance Package is helping Ukraine better provide for its own security, and is providing support as Ukraine continues with its reforms.

And just last week, I was in Poland for the opening of the first ever joint NATO-Ukraine civil-military organisation together with the Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister.  
The Joint Analysis Training and Education Centre will help us all learn the lessons from this war, so that together we can enhance our readiness to deal with the challenges ahead.

We will continue to work with Ukraine on all fronts.
Bolstering our partnership and ramping up our support.

We all want this terrible aggression against Ukraine to come to an end. 
One that is just and lasting. 

How this war is ended matters not only to Ukraine, but also to all of us, in Europe, and in the world.

There are North Korean troops fighting in Europe.
Iran is supplying missiles and deadly drones to Russia.
And China is feeding Russia’s war machine. 

They and others will take note of any deal to end this terrible aggression.
So we must ensure that Russia will never again try to take one more kilometre of Ukrainian land.

This will require robust security guarantees.
And Allies have a vital role to play.

So, as we mark three years since Russia launched its all-out war, I want to reaffirm that NATO is determined to support Ukraine through the challenges ahead.

The bravery, resilience and strength of the Ukrainian people – soldiers and civilians alike – are an inspiration to the world.

I want to personally thank the Ukrainian veterans that have joined us today, with their story of bravery and surmounting all possible challenges. We are humbled by your courage and by your commitment.

And your story, of tragedy, but also of victory, represents the strong spirit of the Ukrainian nation. So, thank you for being here with us, and thank you for your attention.