February 24th 2025 marks three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This attack is a continuation of violence and violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity that started with Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 after the Maidan Revolution. For 1095 days, Ukraine has been fighting for its right to exist as an independent state, a right that Russia denies and that more than 46000 Ukrainian soldiers have given their lives for, while more than 390000 have been injured on the battlefield (kyiv independent quoting president Zelensky).

Russia continues to commit numerous human rights abuses in Ukraine, including the ill-treatment, torture and killings of POWs, civilian casualties, and efforts to restrict fundamental rights (UN OHCHR). Russia is also responsible for unlawful detentions and forced disappearances of civilians. Through the abduction of Ukrainian children, the imposition of Russian laws and russification in occupied territories of Ukraine, Russia is attacking the future of Ukrainians to live independently in their home nation.

Recently, the US Defense Secretary has voiced that a return to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders would be unrealistic. This statement raises great concerns for AEGEE-Europe as it constitutes an attack on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and right to self-determination according to Art. 1.2 and Art. 2.4 UN Charter. It is to be stressed that Russia’s acts in Ukraine have no justification and must not be recognized as a new status quo. Statements by Ukraine’s closest allies that go against these principles are highly irritating and counterproductive. AEGEE-Europe calls on Ukraine’s allies to respect public international law and to uphold and increase their support for Ukraine. This also applies to the winners of the elections to the German Bundestag yesterday, who should be reminded that Russia will never stop its imperial aspirations if Ukraine’s allies give in to its illegal demands. In light of the US’ recent policy changes, a strong and united Europe as an answer to Russia’s aggression is more crucial than ever.

It must be clear that all so-called negotiations or solutions to the war in Ukraine can only happen when Ukraine, including Ukrainian civil society, women, and youth representatives, are included in them. Any plans about Ukraine’s future without Ukrainians must not be accepted, and at no point should Ukraine be pressured into them. 

We remain in full solidarity and support with Ukraine and its youth, and continue to condemn Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine. We call on Russia to immediately seize its attack on Ukraine, and to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We encourage everybody to step up their support for Ukraine, via showing signs of solidarity by going to demonstrations, voting for parties that support Ukraine, informing yourself about Ukraine by using verified sources, or donating. More information about how you can support Ukraine can be obtained in our Help Ukraine Booklet.

For the aforementioned AEGEE-Europe: 

  • Condemns all attacks on civilians committed by Russia;
  • Condemns in the strongest terms suffering brought on children and youth, who have been deprived of their education and a chance to live a peaceful life;
  • Applauds the continued effort and commitment towards helping Ukraine, highlighting especially the role of youth and youth organisations;
  • Calls for the international community, especially the EU, to strengthen its commitment towards helping Ukraine and providing necessary equipment for the defence and restoration of its sovereign territory;
  • Calls upon the European Union to give strong security guarantees to Ukraine in the event of a settlement, to prevent further Russian aggression
  • Demands continued humanitarian aid for those affected by the conflict;
  • Demands strengthening the sanctions against Russia, to impede its war machine as much as possible
  • Demands that Ukraine must be included in all negotiations regarding its sovereignty

 

#StandWithUkraine

For our previous statements please refer to:

Statement | One month since the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam – AEGEE-Europe
Statement | One Year Since Russia’s 2022 Invasion of Ukraine – AEGEE-Europe
Statement | Two Years Since Russia’s 2022 Invasion of Ukraine – AEGEE-Europe 

Source: 

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/02/12/us-defense-chief-suggests-ukraine-should-abandon-hope-of-winning-all-territory-back-from-russia_6738092_4.html?lmd_medium=al&lmd_campaign=envoye-par-appli&lmd_creation=ios&lmd_source=default 

https://kyivindependent.com/a-very-bloody-war-what-is-the-death-toll-of-russias-war-in-ukraine/#:~:text=According%20to%20President%20Volodymyr%20Zelensky%20on%20Feb.%2016.%2C,start%20of%20Russia%27s%20full-scale%20invasion%20in%20February%202022.