Tuesday marks the 1000th day since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with the outgoing Belgian Government paying tribute to the "Ukrainians tirelessly defending their country".
Kyiv woke up on Tuesday to reports of another Russian overnight strike in north-east Ukraine, which killed seven people, including a child. Recent drone attacks have also reached the Ukrainian capital and the port city of Odessa in the south.
On the battlefield, the situation remains difficult as weary Ukrainian troops fight on multiple fronts. Trump’s election is also set to change the course of the war after rallying against sending Ukraine military support.
Despite the general bleak overview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was boosted by US President Joe Biden’s approval of allowing Ukraine to use long range US missiles inside Russian territory, which has sparked a furious response from Moscow. The Kremlin claims it marks an escalation despite Russia having used long range missiles when attacking Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib pictured during a visit to destroyed buildings in Triokhsviatytelska street and other areas in the Kyiv city centre, on the second day of a visit to Ukraine, on Sunday 27 November 2022. Credit: Belga
The outgoing Belgian Government has paid tribute to the embattled country, with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo also posting a video message (in English) on social media.
Having held the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of the year, Belgium has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted in a statement on Tuesday. The country paid tribute to the "courage" and the "resilience" of Ukrainian civilians, soldiers, aid workers and refugees.
"For 1000 days now, Ukrainians have been fighting tirelessly to defend their country, their cities and their families in the face of Russia's unjust aggression – to ensure that our European values of equality, freedom and respect for international law triumph," the outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadja Lahbib said.
1000 days of Russian aggression against the brave people of #Ukraine
They are fighting a war for freedom and for the future of democracy in Europe. Belgium’s commitment to Ukraine and president @ZelenskyyUa is ironclad. pic.twitter.com/yhBAcVOZ8m — Alexander De Croo 🇧🇪🇪🇺 (@alexanderdecroo) November 19, 2024
The Belgian Government reiterated that the country and its allies remain "safe" due to membership of NATO and the EU – but underlined why it is important for EU Member States to show solidarity with Ukraine.
"Since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, war has tragically returned to the European territory," Belgian Minister of Defence Ludivine Dedonder said.
"It is a country that has chosen democracy and wanting to move closer to the European Union that has been targeted by Vladimir Putin's autocratic regime. As members of the EU, we have shown our solidarity with the Ukrainian people."
Credit: Belga
"Ukraine's struggle, as well as the suffering inflicted on its people, is a flagrant injustice and an attack on democracy," Minister Dedonder continued.
Since the beginning of the conflict Belgium has sent both lethal and non-lethal material support, as well as helped run training courses at home and abroad.
"Support that we must continue to provide, because the war in Ukraine is about much more than just territory. This war is about the foundations of our society: freedom, equality, sovereignty and respect for international law and universal human rights," the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
