With Ukraine: three years of resilience, unity and determination

Today marks three years since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine – a tragic turning point in a conflict that began eleven years ago with the illegal annexation of Crimea and Donbas. This act of aggression violated the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, the fundamental pillars of the international order. As we reflect on these three years of destruction and determination, one thing is abundantly clear: our unwavering support for Ukraine is not just a moral obligation, but a strategic imperative.

The European Union's position is unequivocal. Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity are not negotiable. Russia is the aggressor, and must not be rewarded for its aggression. Any compromise on this issue would undermine the very foundations of international relations. Russia is waging a neo-colonial, imperialist war against a sovereign member of the international community and will not stop at Ukraine's borders.

This commitment is not just declarative. The European Union and its Member States have become the largest donor to Ukraine, providing a total of €134,7 billion in support, including €48,7 billion in military assistance. The EU military assistance mission has trained over 73 Ukrainian soldiers, strengthening Ukraine's capacity to defend its sovereignty and the values ​​we share. The EU and its Member States, including Poland - Ukraine's neighbour and current EU Council Presidency - remain united in providing economic, financial, military and humanitarian support to Ukraine.

Recent events have brought to the fore two key facts: unity within the EU is crucial, and increasing support for Ukraine is more urgent than ever. However, as we increase support, we must remain vigilant. Russian strategic manipulations must not dictate the terms of peace. Any credible peace process must include Kiev and Europe. The principle is clear: “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” A century ago, history showed Montenegro what it means to be absent from the table when your country’s fate is being decided. No nation in the world should suffer a similar fate.

Montenegro's role in this common struggle is worthy of recognition. Since the beginning of the war, Montenegro has provided more than 10 million euros in assistance, including military and humanitarian support. Montenegro has consistently aligned itself with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), implementing all sanctions packages against Russia and consistently supporting peace initiatives through co-sponsorship and voting in the United Nations.

Montenegro's role in this common struggle is worthy of recognition. Since the beginning of the war, Montenegro has provided more than 10 million euros in aid, including military and humanitarian support. Montenegro is also the first country outside the EU to grant temporary protection to Ukrainian refugees.

The latest decision of the Defense and Security Council of Montenegro on the participation of the Army in the EU Military Assistance Mission and NATO's Security Support and Training Program for Ukraine further confirms this commitment. We believe that the Montenegrin Parliament will soon adopt these key decisions, strengthening the country's role in collective security.

But above all, Montenegro showed solidarity when it was most needed, at a time when millions of Ukrainian refugees were crossing Europe's borders. The country became the first non-EU country to grant temporary protection to Ukrainian refugees. By some estimates, Montenegro has received more Ukrainian refugees per capita than any other country in the world. Its generous support in the form of healthcare and accommodation reflects the compassion and solidarity of Montenegrin society, which will never be forgotten.

Today we stand at a turning point in history, where bad decisions could jeopardize everything the European Union has fought for since its founding. As old partnerships are tested and the rules-based international order is undermined, we must be more united than ever. We must understand that Ukraine's fight is our fight. Its security is our security. Today, as we mark this sad anniversary, we renew our promise: we will stand with Ukraine and we will not abandon the Ukrainian people.

J. Satler is the EU Ambassador to Montenegro

ML Miker is the Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Poland in Podgorica.