24 February 2026 09:38 UTC · NATO · NATO Transcript · Source · Email X Link

NATO commemorates fourth anniversary of invasion, pledges support

Key points

Continued NATO support for Ukraine
Calls for sustained military, financial and humanitarian aid, especially ammunition

TL;DR

NATO commemorates the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
NATO says it stood with Ukraine from the beginning and will stand with it throughout the challenges ahead.
NATO says Ukraine needs military, financial and humanitarian aid, including ammunition today and every day.
NATO states that peace requires strong Ukrainian forces and effective security guarantees from Europe, Canada and the United States.
NATO notes President Trump has been clear he wants to end the war now and says Putin must show if he is serious about peace.

Original text

Create an account Reset password Already have an account? Log in From now on you can download videos from our website If you would also like to subscribe to the newsletter and receive our latest updates, click on the button below. Enter the email address you registered with and we will send you a code to reset your password. The password must be at least 12 characters long, no spaces, include upper/lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Click the button to return to the page you were on and log in with your new password. 24 February 2026 2 MIN READ We gather this morning to mark yet another terrible anniversary. Four years of unforgiving war. We remember today - and every day - what Ukraine has endured. But while we pay tribute to those lost and those suffering, we also stand in hope. Inspired by four years of unbroken resistance. Four years of unwavering grit. I first had the honour to address Ukraine's parliament just a few weeks after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. I said then that this war is about “a sovereign people's right to choose its own path. It is about freedom. Yours and ours.” That remains true today. NATO stood with Ukraine from the beginning. We stand with you today, and we will stand with you throughout the challenges ahead. I was in Ukraine again just three weeks ago. I saw the homes and power supplies struck without mercy by Russia. I met the villagers of Yahidne who survived the brutality of Russian captivity, and I paid my respects to the fallen heroes on the Maidan. Ukraine is a nation of quiet heroes, where both civilians and soldiers bear the burden of war. It is imperative that Ukraine continues to get the military, financial and humanitarian aid it needs. To enable Ukraine to defend itself against Russian terror from the skies and to hold the frontlines. This support is essential. Ukraine needs more. Because a promise of help does not end a war. Ukraine needs ammunition today and every day until the bloodshed stops. Ukraine continues to blunt Russia's aggression and despite Putin's posturing, Russia has failed to meet their ambitions on the battlefield. Putin must show if he is serious about peace. President Trump has been clear from the start that he wants to end the war now. Ukrainian people deserve a just and lasting peace. Their security is our security. There cannot be true peace in Europe without real peace in Ukraine. When the fighting eventually stops, the peace has to hold, with strong Ukrainian forces ready to deter and defend and effective security guarantees from Ukraine's partners - Europe, Canada and the United States. This will provide the stability for Ukraine to rebuild, and will be the foundation of its prosperity. I know it's hard to think about the future when so much hardship remains. This has been a bleak winter for Ukraine, but there is hope and help at hand. During the darkest days of the Second World War, Winston Churchill said, “Our qualities and deeds must burn and glow through the gloom of Europe.” The flame of freedom is alive in Ukraine. And that flame continues to burn and glow. Slava Ukraini. Link was copied to clipboard GALLERIES NATO commemorates the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine Back 0.25 0.5 0.75 Normal 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 Back 0.25 0.5 0.75 Normal 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 NATO commemorates the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine NATO Secretary General and Head of Ukraine's Mission to NATO commemorate the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine View usage rights Usage rights CLOSE This media asset is free for editorial broadcast, print, online and radio use. It is restricted for use for other purposes. TITLE DATE DURATION NATO Secretary General and Head of Ukraine's Mission to NATO commemorate the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 0:00 / 0:00 Audio Language Selection: Audio Language Selection: Download Playback speed Back 0.25 0.5 0.75 Normal 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 Download Playback speed Back 0.25 0.5 0.75 Normal 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 Back 0.25 0.5 0.75 Normal 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 Remarks by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in a ceremony to commemorate the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

NATO commemorates fourth anniversary of invasion, pledges support

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