By Ruslan Nimchynskyi, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Cyprus

Three years ago, on February 24th, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion and brutal act of aggression against Ukraine, igniting the largest and deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II.

For three years, the Ukrainian people have demonstrated unwavering courage, standing strong against the Russian aggressor to defend their freedom, independence, and the fundamental right to live in their own land.

Russia’s initial expectation of seizing Kyiv within ten days proved to be a gross miscalculation, a testament to the fierce resistance and unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people.

Now, more than ever, Ukraine needs your support to continue this fight for survival. The consequences of this war extend far beyond the battlefield, creating a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions.

The daily lives of Ukrainian civilians have been shattered, with widespread suffering, displacement, and a desperate struggle for basic necessities becoming the norm.

Families endure relentless shelling, making ordinary life impossible. Millions are deprived of heat, electricity, water, and sanitation for extended periods, plunging them into a daily battle for survival.

Deliberate missile strikes have devastated civilian infrastructure, turning hospitals, schools, and homes into rubble. Over 1.5 million homes have been destroyed, leaving countless families displaced and vulnerable.

Attacks on energy infrastructure have intentionally disrupted access to electricity, heat, and water services, compounding the misery of innocent civilians.

The psychological toll of this war is staggering, with 30% of Ukrainians now suffering from mental health disorders as a result of the constant stress and anxiety. The emotional scars of this conflict will persist for generations to come.

Even schools have become targets of artillery strikes and military encampments, robbing millions of children of their education. Since February 2022, over 4,000 attacks on educational facilities have been recorded, a blatant violation of international law and a tragic loss for Ukraine’s future.

Beyond the physical destruction, Russia’s aggression aims to eradicate Ukrainian identity itself, reminiscent of the darkest chapters of the 20th century. This cultural annihilation is evidenced by the damage or destruction of 2,185 objects of cultural infrastructure, including 784 libraries, 120 museums and galleries, 39 theaters, cinemas, and philharmonics, as well as 1 333 objects of cultural heritage of Ukraine, including monuments, monumental art, and architecture.

There hasn’t been a single month when the statistics haven’t grown. An example is the attack on Odesa on 1 February. At least 26 buildings located in the historic center of Odesa were damaged. The historic center of Lviv was also damaged as a result of deliberate Russian actions. These attacks may be viewed as an attempt to destroy Ukrainian identity, which falls under the definition of genocidal policy.

Russian forces have committed apparent war crimes and crimes against humanity, including torture, summary executions, and enforced disappearances.

Russia continues to take measures to illegally transfer (deport) civilians, minors, and young orphans from the TOT of Ukraine (parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions) to the territory of Russia and to temporarily occupied territories of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

As of February 2025, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine confirmed the facts of the deportation/forced displacement of 19,546 children between 24.02.2022 and 10.12.2023. 21,240 children were found, and 387 children were returned to the territory of Ukraine. 2,232 children are officially reported missing, 512 were killed, 1,152 were injured, and 13 were victims of sexual violence.

Russian Children’s Rights Commissioner M. Lvova-Belova has publicly stated that over 700,000 Ukrainian children have been “settled” in Russia, with many scattered across the country. Documented cases include 19,546 children, with 4,390 orphans or children lacking parental care being illegally transferred. Currently, 1,700 children are reported missing.

Ukrainian people have never wanted any war, we are a peaceful nation. Moreover, in all years of the independence, Ukrainians have been making efforts to strengthen peace in other regions of the world. Before the full-scale invasion, Ukraine was known for its peacekeeping efforts, participating in 36 missions, including Cyprus.

Russian dictator has been bearing through decades the mad idea to capture Ukraine, dreaming rebuilt a new Russian empire like the Soviet Union.

Today, Ukraine, Europe and the world need a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. Ukraine wants to end this war more than any other country. It must be real peace not appeasement of the aggressor. Ukraine is open to diplomacy, but only to the one that leads to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

Ukraine is doing everything possible to ensure that 2025 becomes a year of just and lasting peace for our country and the world. The only realistic way to restore a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine has been and remains the Peace Formula, which is based on respect for the UN Charter and the imperative to fully restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders.

It is necessary to create conditions that will lead to a change of Russia’s position, which at the moment neither wants any negotiations and an end to the war nor has it changed its plans to completely destroy Ukraine.

Until such conditions were not created Ukraine’s allies and partners need to make every effort possible to continue to support Ukraine.

It is important to understand that reducing military aid to Ukraine will only feed Russia’s illusions about the possibility of a military victory. This will push peace further away.

Since the first days of the full-scale invasion, Russia has been issuing a surrender ultimatum to Ukraine. This has not changed today. That is why we must push Moscow towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace with real and effective security guarantees. The key factor for unlocking a political and diplomatic settlement is the implementation of the “peace through strength” principle.