On 24 February 2023, the day that marks one year since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo reaffirmed his country's support for the Ukrainians in a video message posted to Twitter.
De Croo stressed that Ukrainians have now lived "under darkness and Russian barbarism" for a year, needless suffering and destruction" for a year, but added that the Ukrainian people have shown "remarkable resilience and determination."
"Standing up for their freedom, defending their values of openness and democracy. We have seen courageous fathers and mothers, daughters and sons, wanting to live in peace and security without having their houses bombed, and schools and hospitals destroyed," he said.
As millions have been forced to flee their home, Belgium has welcomed more than 8,000 Ukrainian refugees. "From the very first hour, Belgium has stuck by your side, and we will continue to do so. You are defending yourselves against Russia's illegal invasion, illegal occupation and illegal annexation – a clear violation of international rules undermining European security."
De Croo underlined that Belgium remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and in its commitment to the rules-based international order. "This is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the world, we will never abandon you."
Belgium's Foreign Affairs Minister, Hadja Lahbib, also posted a video to her social media channels, saying that one year after the first bombings, the international community is more aware than ever of the stakes involved in this war.
"This week, at the United Nations, we are all gathered to condemn this aggression by Russia and to root for the 'Just Peace' resolution and revive peace," she said. "24 February 2022 has sadly gone down in history as the day when war returned to the European continent, the day when the basic principles of international law, treaties and writings based on the values we hold dear were shattered."
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This declaration of war made Belgium, Europe and the entire international community face a choice, Lahbib stressed. "To defend the respect of these rights and values, or let the law of the strongest win, help the Ukrainians defend themselves or to let Vladimir Putin invade and subdue a neighbouring state."
"We have chosen. We choose the respect of the rule of law over force, we have chosen to defend a vision of the world based on the respect of international norms and essential values that unite us," she added. "This choice has united us and made us stronger. Ukraine is bravely resisting thanks to our support, that of the European Union and our Western allies."
