Polish Embassy Event Highlights EU’s Ongoing Support for Ukraine

On Tuesday 25 February 2025, the Embassy of Poland in Luxembourg, the Representation of the European Commission in Luxembourg and LUkraine asbl held a conference titled “Russia’s Full-Scale armed attack on Ukraine - Three Years Later” at the Polish Embassy in Luxembourg-Limpertsberg.

The conference discussed the EU Agenda on support for Ukraine, taking into consideration political, military and financial aspects of the conflict. In the context of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the panellists analysed the broader implications of Russian aggression, while highlighting the challenges in building resilient global security architecture.

The conference was divided into three panels and moderated by Philippe Schockweiler. The recurring message from all speakers was the unwavering support for Ukraine, the necessity for Ukraine to be part of any peace talks concerning the country, the importance of ongoing sanctions against Russia, the need to combat disinformation and that strength lies in unity.

Rafal Hykawy, Charge d’Affaires A.I. at the Polish Embassy in Luxembourg, welcomed the audience, including ambassadors and dignitaries from European countries and beyond. He stated that Poland has expressed continued solidarity, military, financial and human support to Ukraine and will continue to do so. He confirmed that one of the aims of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union was to open negotiations regarding Ukraine’s succession into the EU. He emphasised that any settlement reached regarding the war between Ukraine and Russia must be more than just a pause in the conflict. This would be necessary to ensure Russia does not regroup and recommence aggressive tactics at a later time. He stated that Ukraine was not only defending its own country, but was also defending peace in Europe.

Natalia Anoshyna, Charge d’Affaires A.I. at the Embassy of Ukraine to Belgium and Luxembourg, expressed her hope that Ukraine would become an EU member during the Polish Presidency. She spoke of how Russia violated the UN Charter, designed to maintain international peace and security as well as upholding international law, both in 2014 and 2022. In an emotional speech, Ms Anoshyna stated that current EU sanctions against Russia were not having the desired effect. She accused Russia of being a terrorist state seeking to destroy Ukraine and expressed her fear that Russia would not respect a ceasefire. She emphasised that Russia must be held accountable for crimes committed during the war, including the forced removal of Ukrainian children to Russia, before reiterating the importance of Ukraine and Europe being involved in any negotiations to end the conflict.

Alexandrina-Livia Rusu, Ambassador of Romania to Luxembourg, reminded the audience that Romania has the longest border with Ukraine. She emphasised that peace in Ukraine must be based on the principles of the UN Charter and that peace talks cannot take place without Ukraine’s input. Romania has worked, with Moldova, to ensure ongoing energy connectivity for Ukraine as well as the transport of grain through the country.

Anne Calteux, Head of Representation of EU Commission to Luxembourg, stated that the EU believes sanctions work and that the commission will define new sanctions, but that Russia has the ability to reconstruct quickly. She clarified that an EU preparedness strategy will be based on a whole government and a whole society approach. She spoke of the EU white paper on the future of European defence and the importance of discussions regarding funding of a new defence architecture.

Fleur Thomas, British Ambassador to Luxembourg, spoke of the need for the UK and EU to increase defence spending. She confirmed that Kremlin-linked elites are no longer permitted to enter the UK. British Prime Minister, Keir Stamer, spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday 22 February 2025 and is preparing to meet with President Donald Trump in the USA. Ambassador Thomas stated that US involvement is required to maintain lasting security. She acknowledged President Trump’s role in bringing Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiation table but stressed that Ukraine must be involved in peace negotiations.

Benno Laggner, Ambassador of Switzerland to Luxembourg, explained that even though Switzerland is a neutral country, this does not mean indifference, especially when the UN Charter and international law is being violated. Switzerland will increase defence and military spending and cooperation, as far as neutrality allows. He spoke of the threat to nuclear safety and security as a result of the conflict. He emphasised the need to maintain western solidarity and stated that Europe must do more for its security, as it cannot rely on transatlantic cooperation.

Inna Yaremenko, Representative of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights in Luxembourg and Vice President of LUkraine asbl, spoke passionately about the forced removal of Ukrainians, including almost 20,000 children, from Ukraine to Russia. She stated that the forced relocation commenced six days before the invasion in February 2022, when 6,000 people, including 2,000 children were removed. She explained that names and documents were altered and many were adopted by Russian families and taught to fight against their homeland. She emphasised that those responsible must be held accountable. Under a “Bring them Back” initiative, 1,200 children have been returned to Ukraine.

Nicolas Zharov, President of LUkraine asbl, explained that, since its foundation in 2014, LUkraine’s primary goal is raising awareness of ongoing Russian aggression towards Ukraine. He stated that the unity of Ukrainians is an example for all the world; the country fought back and, after three years, is not losing. He emphasised that the future lies in dialogue and unity and that Russia must face the consequences of its actions and be pushed to the point where it can no longer be a threat to the world.

All speakers were united in their ongoing support for Ukraine and emphasised the need for Ukraine to be involved in any discussions regarding its future. 

The conference ended with an exhibition of photographs, “Eyes of the War”, taken by Polish war correspondents on the frontlines and in towns and villages throughout Ukraine, prior to Polish and Ukrainian refreshments and food being served.

HOM