Europe’s security is dependent on a free Ukraine

For one thousand days, Ukraine has stood resolutely against Russia’s illegal invasion. Renew Europe honors the courage and determination of the Ukrainian people and reaffirms its commitment to advocating for increased financial and military support, a shared European future, and justice for the crimes committed by the Russian regime.

We believe Ukraine must be free to determine its own destiny. We strongly condemn the intervention of Iran, China, and North Korea in this conflict. The European Union must join forces with democratic allies to shape a future for Ukraine that is free, secure, and firmly anchored in Europe. Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security.

In response to a livestreamed address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the European Parliament, Renew Europe President Valérie Hayer said:

“In this war, there is an aggressor and a victim. Every day, Ukrainian soldiers and civilians endure atrocities that are reminiscent of the worst acts of terrorism. Yet, despite this horror, the people of Ukraine remain unyielding. Supporting Ukraine is not just a moral obligation, it is also a direct investment in Europe’s security. These thousand days have shown us that the Russian regime is capable of the worst, and that lasting peace can only be achieved if we stand firm against autocrats. Europe must redouble its support for Ukraine.”

Addressing President Zelenskyy personally, President Valérie Hayer added:

“Mr. Zelensky, with our common family, Renew Europe, with the overwhelming majority of our colleagues in this Parliament, and with all the peoples of Europe, I tell you: we will support you to the end.”

Renew Europe MEP Nathalie Loiseau (Horizons, France), co-chair of Renew Europe’s contact group with the Ukrainian party ‘Servant of the People’, said:

“We have always said we would support Ukraine for as long as necessary. After one thousand days of Russian aggression and the brave defense by Ukraine, it is clear that we must accelerate and expand our support. Ukraine’s future is inseparable from Europe’s security. We will not see lasting peace in Europe until Russia withdraws its troops from Ukrainian soil.”

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann MEP, Chair of the Security and Defence Subcommittee in the European Parliament, said:

“One thousand days in Ukraine means one thousand days of unimaginable Russian brutality and a direct threat to the European security architecture. A defeat in Ukraine would undermine Europe’s security framework and must be prevented at all costs. Russia, however, continues to show that it has no interest in negotiating. We must recognize that any meaningful negotiations can only succeed if we equip Ukraine with the military means to negotiate from a position of strength. Europe must take decisive action now.”