A Joint Statement on the marking of four years since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 was released today. The Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan and the Embassy of Ukraine in Dushanbe jointly invited Tajik authorities, Tajikistan-based diplomats, the Ukrainian diaspora and international partners on 24 February 2026, to honor the resilience of the people of Ukraine and express the solidarity of the international community with their fight Russian aggression. The Embassies of France, Germany and the United Kingdom in Dushanbe associated themselves with this Joint Statement.
“While the day marks four years since Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the war of aggression started in 2014, when Russia temporarily occupied the Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula and invaded Ukraine’s Eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk,” says the statement.
“Sovereignty and territorial integrity are the cornerstones of international order; Russia wages a neo-colonial war against a sovereign member of the international community. Russia proved that it cannot be trusted. It violates international law, including the UN Charter while being a permanent member of the UN Security Council. It completely disregards its own legal obligations, international or bilateral agreements and clear commitments it made to respect Ukrainian sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, whenever it wants to push its interest. Russia has proven repeatedly that it does not hesitate to use military force to achieve its objectives disregarding international law, including the UN Charter. The Russian invasion is a blatant violation of international law, a direct threat to peace and security, far beyond Europe, and an unacceptable challenge to economic stability, energy, and food security. Russia’s attack on February 2022 intended to destroy the Ukrainian state within days. Ukraine is still standing and fighting back. Despite overwhelming Russian pressure, Ukraine managed to slow down Russian advances almost to a halt. Even under permanent drone and missile attacks, Ukrainians remain resilient and continue to rebuild, reform and invest in their future.
“Since the start of intense diplomatic efforts by US President Trump in 2025, Russia has taken a clear path of escalation: adhering to its maximalist positions, increasing its attacks against civilians across Ukraine, weaponizing energy needs by mercilessly attacking energy and transport infrastructure during the winter, and intentionally violating of the airspace of EU Member State by Russian drones and airplanes and intensifying the use of other hybrid warfare methods against EU Member States. No one wants peace more than Ukraine. Ukraine must be a full participant in any discussions regarding its future, ensuring its sovereignty and voice are central to the process. It is up to Ukraine to make decisions on the acceptable parameters for peace and its territory. 2 There can be no decision on Ukraine and on Europe without Ukraine and Europe’s engagement. Only a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine based on the principles of the UN Charter can be the basis for restoration of the international security and is a necessary condition for a strong transatlantic security. A peaceful Ukraine can be an innovative powerhouse, a security provider and a reliable partner for energy and food security, for Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan.
“The EU will continue supporting Ukraine, including on security guarantees, so that it is in the strongest position possible – before, during and after any ceasefire. This includes political, financial, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support. The EU will also continue and increase its firm and coordinated pressure on Russia until Russia stops its war.”
