Ukraine’s resilience should not be taken for granted, and the unity and determination of the West will be tested every day. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna in her online address to the participants of The Global Europe Forum of the European Parliament’s political group Renew Europe on Tuesday, 9 January.

The Deputy Prime Minister thanked Renew Europe for its unwavering support for Ukraine in its aspirations to join the EU and NATO. In particular, this support made the European Council’s decision to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova a reality.

“This was a very important decision, not only for my country and our people, but first and foremost for Europe itself, for the EU to once again become an organisation that matches its promises with actions. Together, we share a simple but very important principle: our Europe is one Europe, united by a real and deep process of integration. This must remain a key element to ensure the continent’s prosperity. Today, it is not a question of political strategies, it is not a question of vision, it is a question of survival and a question of existential transformation. We also share the vision of a united, strong Europe, capable not only of nurturing values but also of defending them,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

She stressed that russia, with its imperial appetite, was determined to continue the war.

“Ukraine has been destroying its plans for almost 700 days. And when we talk about supporting Ukraine, about building a strategy for our victory, it is not just about Ukraine. The full-scale war has created a direct threat to the security of the EU. This inconvenient truth should not paralyse us, but should mobilise us to act. Today, the war is being fought near the EU and NATO borders, not on the border, thanks to the relentless fight of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in extremely difficult conditions. Further strengthening of Ukraine’s defence capabilities is one of the elements of implementing the principle of collective security, also enshrined in Article 5 of NATO’s Washington Treaty. Ukraine’s resilience should not be taken for granted, nor should russia’s potential to mobilise additional resources to continue its aggression be underestimated. And the unity and determination of the West will be tested every day,” said Olha Stefanishyna.

She expressed gratitude to the EU for the record amount of assistance and support for Ukraine’s resilience, including financial and military aid. The EU has adopted 12 packages of sanctions against russia, lifted export quotas, and continues to provide strong support to Ukrainian businesses. The European Union has become a safe haven for Ukrainians fleeing the horrors of war.

“These measures must be continued, they are key to Ukraine’s economic survival and its ability to fight. We have managed to survive and remain fully operational throughout every day of the war. And the war continues. Unfortunately, this is sometimes forgotten in some offices when making decisions. So let me remind you of some important decisions on the agenda. Firstly, increasing military support for Ukraine and providing what has already been announced and agreed upon. Secondly, adopting a new financial instrument of EUR 50 billion. This will provide the necessary predictability and resilience in the face of growing full-scale russian attacks,” the Deputy Prime Minister stressed.

According to Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine does not take for granted the contribution of every European country, which is felt by every Ukrainian, but it is important to recognise that thanks to this support, Europe primarily ensures its stability and strength. Indeed, strengthening Ukraine’s defence is the most cost-effective investment in European security.

“It is very important to mobilise the necessary political will and to consolidate the need to support Ukraine for as long as it takes to win. This military and defence assistance can be enshrined in the decision of the NATO Washington Summit. I am convinced that perseverance will ensure our common victory. The European Union has always demonstrated results, progress, and unity through perseverance in adhering to the goals and principles on which it was founded. You can be sure that Ukraine will continue to fight hard. For its freedom, independence, and the European project. We have never failed Europe and we know that Europe will not fail us. So let’s make every effort to make Europe stronger, more capable and safer,” the Deputy Prime Minister added.