As Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day today, the EU reaffirms its unwavering support for the country in defending itself against Russia for as long as necessary. “Europe will always be by Ukraine's side, because Ukraine is Europe,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a video message. Ukraine is entering its third year of conflict with Russia, which illegally invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Europe has been by Ukraine's side since day one of the invasion. The EU has provided and will continue to provide financial, humanitarian, military, diplomatic and moral support to Ukraine. To date, the EU and its member states have provided some €114 billion to Ukraine and its people, offered temporary protection to more than four million people fleeing the invasion, and mobilized their financial might to support Ukraine's resistance and recovery, including through the proceeds of frozen Russian assets and the €50 billion Ukraine Facility.
The EU and its Member States will continue to respond to Ukraine's immediate military and defence needs, in particular through the European Peace Facility and the EU Military Assistance Mission, as well as direct bilateral support from Member States, while Ukraine continues to make rapid progress towards EU membership, in line with the EU's firm belief that Ukraine is European.
EU support for Ukraine is directed towards securing a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in Ukraine – a peace that restores Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The EU's continued support until peace is achieved reflects the opinion of the majority of Europeans: according to a recent Eurobarometer survey, nearly nine in ten Europeans (87%) are in favour of providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by war, and more than eight in ten (83%) are in favour of welcoming into the EU people fleeing war.
The EU raised the Ukrainian flag in front of the European Parliament and lit up several key buildings in Brussels in Ukrainian colours to show solidarity with Ukraine on its Independence Day.
More Information
EU-Ukraine solidarity
Solidarity with Ukraine
Video message from President von der Leyen
Eurobarometer Survey
