FOUR years ago, Russia invaded Ukraine in a full-scale war, which has touched lives around the world. Even the Pacific has been affected by wheat and fuel prices, forced higher by the war. After 48 months, the war is largely confined to TV screens in the Pacific. But BARBARA PLINKERT, Ambassador of the European Union to the Pacific, writes on why solidarity still matters in this terrible war of attrition.
Four years ago, Russia launched an illegal and unprovoked full-scale attack on Ukraine. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a blatant disregard of basic principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the rules-based international order. The European Union was built from the ashes of World War II in opposition to a world in which “the strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must,” as put by historian Thucydides. The Russian invasion of Ukraine reminds us of the importance of international law, especially in protecting the rights of smaller nations, and our commitment to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
During the last four years, it has become clear that Ukraine is neither a distant nor an isolated problem from which other nations and regions can remain insulated. While physical battles take place on the Ukrainian soil, the political and economic shockwaves of Russia’s war have reverberated far beyond Europe, disrupting global food security and energy supplies, deepening humanitarian crises, and compounding vulnerabilities in an already fragile world. For the Pacific region, where climate risks, economic shocks, and environmental challenges persist, the defence of universal norms and accountability remains crucial. We simply cannot let this invasion divert attention and resources from our shared challenges.
Russia’s ongoing aggression contradicts its claims of ‘seeking peace,’ having been unwilling to accept key elements of peace proposals aimed at ending the war. In the face of such devastation and global consequences, Ukraine has shown extraordinary resilience, courage, and resolve in defending its sovereignty and its future. The European Union has stood firmly alongside Ukraine, providing sustained political, economic, military, and diplomatic support. Yet resilience and solidarity, however admirable and vital, cannot substitute a just and lasting peace – one grounded in sovereignty, territorial integrity, and respect for international law.
While Ukraine is a part of Europe, the values of peace, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are universal. These same values of culture and peaceful existence form the bedrock of Pacific nations. They guided the adoption of the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum, affirming a collective commitment to a world where disputes are resolved not through force, but through dialogue, consensus, and respect for national sovereignty. Together, the European Union and the Pacific mutually recognise that lasting peace in Ukraine must be durable and credible. Recognising that the principles of the UN Charter are non-negotiable, Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine must end, and the global community must take a collective approach to end this dangerous precedent.
The European Union will support efforts towards accountability and reject all forms of violation of international law. Confronting the Russian aggression serves a just cause: upholding the rules-based international order in Europe, in the Pacific, and globally. Peace is never secure and sustained where aggression is rewarded or normalised. 2026 must be the year this aggression ends, where the tide decisively turns towards peace that is durable, credible, and anchored in international law.
This February 24, we urge all partners to step up solidarity for Ukraine. The European Union will continue to support Ukraine for as long as necessary. We acknowledge with gratitude the staunch support provided by our Pacific partners and friends. Reiterating our call to stand unwaveringly with Ukraine, we must reject Russia’s aggression, destabilising global security, defend the rules-based international order, and let peace prevail for Ukraine and for us all.