On 24 February 2022, Russian forces began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In the face of this unprovoked and unjustifiable aggression, the EU has been standing firmly by Ukraine every step of the way.
Publication date : 23 February 2024
Over the past two years, the EU has led international efforts to support Ukraine in the short and long term and to hold Russia accountable for its crimes. Our actions for Ukraine include:
- providing support worth over €88 billion. This includes around €28 billion to address military and defence needs on the ground
- launching a new support mechanism which will provide up to €50 billion in loans and grants. This will help Ukraine to rebuild after the war and to make reforms on its path to EU membership
- giving the green light to start negotiations for Ukraine to join the EU
- introducing many wide-ranging sanctions against Russia and its supporters, including a 13th package that has been adopted on 23 February 2024.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen travelled to Kyiv on the day of the anniversary to pay tribute to Ukraine’s resistance which stands as a beacon of hope for freedom-loving people everywhere. She recalled Europe’s steadfast commitment to support Ukraine as long as it takes.
She paid tribute to Ukrainians who fight for the security of our entire continent. “This is why you have the entire European Union behind you. More than ever, we stand firmly by Ukraine, financially, economically, militarily and most of all morally, until your country is finally free,” she said.
In Kyiv, President von der Leyen announced that a new Defence Innovation Office would open to intensify and improve security cooperation between the EU and Ukraine. She also handed over 50 cars provided by the EU to Ukrainian national authorities. The cars will support the investigation and prosecution of war crimes in de-occupied territories and adjacent areas.
Author : Directorate-General for Communication