24 February 2026 15:06 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Source · Email X Link

European Commission reiterates unwavering support for Ukraine

Key points

Four years since Russia’s invasion
EU commits continued support and assistance

TL;DR

Marks four years since Russia's full-scale invasion and calls for solemn solidarity with Ukraine.
Reports a 26% rise in civilian casualties from Russian bombing in 2025 and highlights humanitarian hardships (loss of heating and electricity).
Announces continued EU financial assistance (over €50 billion under the Ukraine Facility) and cooperation on environment and reconstruction with partners including Sweden.

Original text

European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Commissioner Roswall's speech at a film screening to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine Bratislava, 24 February 2026 Ambassador Ben David, His Excellency Ambassador Kastran, Ladies and gentlemen, Today, we mark four long years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Four years of Russia's relentless, senseless aggression. War is a chaos machine. Countless lives destroyed. The economy shattered. The natural environment and cultural heritage devastated. According to reports, civilian casualties in Ukraine caused by Russian bombing soared by 26% in 2025. Statistics like these are startling, but they only tell part of the story. They cannot convey the sense of loss, or the wider pain and terror felt across Ukraine. For example, I fear for the people of Ukraine without heating or electricity in sub-zero temperatures. So, today is a day to stand in solemn solidarity. To recognise the incredible strength and perseverance of the Ukrainian people. And to acknowledge the resilience of Ukraine's civil society and institutions. Dear friends, Today is about the past four years. But it is also about the future of Ukraine and its people. And, even in the most difficult times, with limited access to power and heating, with limited human resources, Ukraine continues its work on the EU accession process. In this process, you have a determined partner in the European Commission. Because in all of this, cooperation is crucial – with Ukraine and European partners, with civil society, and with business partners. I am especially grateful to Sweden, one of Ukraine's major partners on the environment. Sweden, together with the EU and other partners, is providing important assistance in many environmental sectors, including waste and chemicals. Under the Ukraine Facility, the European Commission continues managing financial assistance of over 50 billion euros to Ukraine. We are collaborating with multiple international donors and bilateral partners on targeted projects, such as LIFE Plus, or the New European Bauhaus initiative. And we will continue to support and cooperate with Ukraine. Ladies and gentlemen, We cannot allow anniversaries like this one to become normalised. This is a dark day – not just another calendar day. But it is also an opportunity to reiterate our unwavering support for and solidarity with Ukraine. Now, let me finish by thanking the Embassies of Ukraine and Sweden for gathering us here today. And congratulations to Francis Farrell and Olena Zashko and to everybody involved in making the film. But most of all, to the Ukrainian military medics – the subjects of today's film. One year ago, I was in Kyiv and had the honour to meet military medics and hear their stories. I can assure those heroes that – despite the title – they are not invisible. And they will never be forgotten. On the contrary – we are in awe of their incredible bravery, selflessness, and dedication. Thank you. SPEECH/26/468

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