The Ambassador of Ukraine in Pakistan, Markian Chuchuk, delivered a speech in Islamabad today, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine. The event, hosted by the Embassy of Poland and co-sponsored by the Embassies of the Czech Republic, France, Germany, and the Delegation of the European Union, brought together dignitaries and supporters of Ukraine’s struggle for freedom.
In his speech, Ambassador Chuchuk acknowledged the immense challenges Ukraine has faced over the past three years, emphasizing the resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of overwhelming adversity. He revealed the staggering human cost of the war, with thousands of lives lost and approximately 15 million people displaced. Russian bombardment has ravaged Ukraine’s cities, targeting civilian infrastructure such as residential buildings, schools, and hospitals, causing widespread suffering.
Chuchuk detailed the ongoing violations of human rights in Russian-occupied regions, where civilians are subjected to persecution, forced relocations, and unlawful killings. He also highlighted the forced abduction and relocation of Ukrainian children, underscoring Ukraine’s efforts to bring back over 1,000 children through international cooperation.
The Ambassador called attention to Russia’s disinformation campaign, which aims to blur the lines between fact and fiction and mislead the global community. He condemned the false narratives spread by Russia, particularly those claiming to protect Russian-speaking Ukrainians and prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. According to the Ambassador, the true motivation behind Russia’s aggression is imperialism—Russia’s desire to erase Ukrainian national identity.
Despite the hardships, Ukraine has continued to contribute to global food security. Chuchuk pointed to the country’s efforts to provide aid to nations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East through initiatives like “Grain from Ukraine,” which has delivered thousands of tons of food to countries in need.
As Ukraine faces the ongoing war, the Ambassador called for continued international support, urging a unified stance to ensure that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are upheld. He also reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to a just peace, one that respects international law and guarantees security.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Chuchuk introduced Ukraine’s cultural project “Culture vs. War,” showcasing a documentary and photo exhibition by Kostiantyn and Vlada Liberov. The project aims to highlight the cultural devastation caused by the war while offering a deeper understanding of its impact.
Ambassador Chuchuk ended his speech by urging the global community, including Pakistan, to continue supporting Ukraine in its quest for a lasting and just peace. He called for solidarity in upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter, emphasizing that the outcome of this conflict will shape global security and the future of international law.
Speaking on behalf of the EU Embassies of the Czech Republic, France, Germany, and the European Union, the Polish Ambassador Maciej Pisarski reaffirmed Europe’s unwavering support for Ukraine. He condemned Russia’s unprovoked invasion as a gross violation of international law, emphasizing its threat to European security and global stability.
“Ukraine is defending itself against this aggression, striving to restore its territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders, which we fully support,” the Ambassador stated.
Pisarski stressed that European nations remain united in resisting aggression, rejecting territorial annexation, and upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty as non-negotiable. “We stand with Ukraine not only for their freedom but for ours. Appeasing aggressors only emboldens them,” he declared.
Drawing historical parallels, the Ambassador reflected on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, highlighting the importance of learning from history to prevent future conflicts. He reaffirmed the European Union’s steadfast commitment to peace, democracy, and Ukraine’s European aspirations, emphasizing that EU leaders have strategically supported Ukraine’s path to membership.
“This war is not just about Ukraine—it’s about the future of Europe and the reaffirmation of fundamental principles enshrined in the UN Charter,” he stated, concluding with a call for persistence and unity in countering aggression.
