One year.
On February 24, 2022, Russia sent its army to attack Kyiv.
On February 24, 2022, we knew that this Russian aggression signified the worst for the Ukrainian people.
On February 24, 2022, Ukraine, its people and its President chose resistance and freedom.
On February 24, 2022, we made a solemn commitment to be on Ukraine’s side in its fight for the right to exist.
For an entire year now, Ukraine has frustrated predictions of its defeat, and Ukrainian society continues its heroic fight for survival, on the European path that it has democratically chosen.
For an entire year now, the world has discovered the courage, dignity and absolute commitment of the entire Ukrainian people, who have upset the criminal plans of the Kremlin and its accomplices who only gave it three days to disappear beneath the assault of fascism.
But Ukraine does not want to submit to a deadly Russia. Ukraine no longer wants to see its culture, history and identity trampled on, ravaged and obliterated by its imperious neighbour, pretending to act as a brother, but who will go down in history and for Ukraine, as only a blood-thirsty torturer promising permanent terror. As it has always done.
For an entire year now, the world has at last understood the reality of the evil designs of Putin, his regime, militias, auxiliaries, sycophantic allies and collaborators.
War crimes, crimes against humanity, a genocidal context : Ukraine demands truth and justice, for all victims. A justice and truth essential for anyone who really desires peace on our continent. Without justice or truth, or the total defeat of the murderers, Europe can only expect a brief respite characterized by shame and lies.
For an entire year now, throughout the world, the spirit of resistance has won constantly growing support, uniting institutions, some of which had been considered no longer relevant, around the key values of our democracies.
On February 24, 2022, we promised to support the Ukrainian resistance until the departure of the Russian invader from its entire territory.
A year later, on February 24, 2023, we renew our promise: we will unconditionally and without weakening support Ukraine fighting for its survival, until victory.
Let’s meet on Friday February 24, 2023, Place de la République in Paris, from 6pm.