A thousand days of war on European soil

Brussels – A thousand days of large-scale war in Ukraine, ignited by Russia’s invasion on 24 February 2022, continue unabated, with no ceasefire in sight. This sombre milestone compels the European Union and its Member States to reassess their economic and military support for Ukraine, while also exploring their diplomatic potential to broker a peace aligned with international law. The urgency of this endeavour is heightened by the possibility of Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency, which could leave the EU bearing the burden of supporting Kyiv alone in a conflict showing no signs of abating.

The European Parliament on war and peace

On 19 November, the European Parliament convened an extraordinary plenary session to mark what its President Roberta Metsola described as “a thousand days of terror, suffering, and unimaginable losses, but also a thousand days of courage, resilience, and indomitable spirit.” In her address to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who joined via video conference from Kyiv, Metsola reaffirmed her unwavering support: “The European Parliament has stood by the Ukrainian people and their representatives in the Verkhovna Rada, and we will continue to do so today, tomorrow, and every day, for as long as it takes.” She expressed pride in the institution’s leadership in providing “political, financial, humanitarian, and military assistance” and underscored that peace must be “true, based on justice and dignity, and in keeping with the principle that no decisions about Ukraine should be made without Ukraine.”

In his remarks, Zelensky issued a stark warning: “If anyone in Europe believes they can remain untouched by selling Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, or the Baltics to Putin, they should remember that no one can stay in calm waters while there is a storm.” He emphasised that ending the war requires justice, but noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to engage seriously in negotiations until he faces the consequences of his actions on Russian territory, such as “destroyed air bases, confiscated assets, and targeted arms production facilities.” Zelensky expressed hope that 2025 would mark “the year of peace” after a thousand days of conflict.

Zelensky’s address spurred debate among political leaders in the European Parliament about the EU’s capacity to maintain its support for Ukraine while pursuing peace. Manfred Weber, President of the European People’s Party, stated: “This is not a regional war. Iranian weapons and North Korean soldiers are present on European soil. We must take greater responsibility, and we will.” Iratxe García Pérez, President of the S&D group, echoed this sentiment: “If the EU were attacked by Putin tomorrow, would we hesitate to strike the source of the attacks? Every red line we impose on ourselves is paid for by the Ukrainian people in destruction and lives.”

Terry Reintke, co-chair of the Greens/EFA group, pledged continued support “for as long as it takes, until peace becomes a reality,” defined as the Ukrainian people living “in freedom and security, not under Russia’s colonial yoke.” The Left’s Martin Schirdewan stressed the need for an immediate end to the war through “a just and lasting peace, respecting Ukrainian sovereignty and meeting international law standards,” calling for increased diplomatic pressure on Russia.

In contrast, Kinga Gál, Vice-President of the far-right Patriots for Europe group, voiced support for Ukraine’s right to self-defence but opposed sending arms to Kyiv. Renew Europe’s Valérie Hayer sharply criticised such stances: “Some claim to be pacifists but are in fact Putin’s allies, advocating for the law of the strongest under the pretext of peace.” Nicola Procaccini, Co-President of the ECR group, stated that “we must continue fighting for Ukraine. If we fail to defend freedom today, we accept chaos tomorrow. Europe is more than a treaty; it is a shared destiny.”

EU support for Ukraine

The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stressed the resilience of Ukraine: “A thousand days ago, Russia tried to erase Ukraine from the map. For a thousand days, it has failed, thanks to Ukraine’s strength.” She pledged ongoing European and Western aid, including €50 billion from the EU by 2027 and $50 billion from G7 countries by 2026. Additional measures include €65 million for school meals for Ukrainian children and reinvestment of revenues from immobilised Russian assets into military production, and the repair of energy infrastructure ahead of winter. Von der Leyen expressed confidence in Ukraine’s EU membership prospects: “One day, not too far from now, you will be part of our Union. I am certain we can move to the next stage of negotiations.”

Since February 2022, the EU and its Member States have provided over €143 billion in financial, military, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and its refugees. In February 2024, the Ukraine Facility allocated €50 billion for recovery, reconstruction, modernisation, and reforms. In July, the EU made its first payment of €1.5 billion from frozen Russian assets. More than €93 billion has been directed to economic support, €33 billion to military aid, and €17 billion to aid 4.2 million Ukrainian refugees granted temporary protection in the EU. The European Union has also supplied over 152,000 tonnes of essential goods, including medical supplies, mobile hospitals, school buses, and 8,500 power generators.