Islamabad (TDI): As Ukraine marks three years of resistance against Russia’s full-scale invasion, its Ambassador to Pakistan, Markian Chuchuk, reiterated Kyiv’s unwavering determination to defend its sovereignty and called for sustained international support.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Polish embassy and co-sponsored by the European nations, Chuchuk highlighted the immense human and economic toll of the war while condemning Russia’s continued aggression.
“Today, we come together with heavy hearts to mark a somber milestone. Three years have passed since Moscow launched its unprovoked and illegal war against Ukraine—a brutal, bloody conflict that has tested the resilience of the Ukrainians but has failed to break them,” he said.
“On behalf of Ukraine and all who supported our country, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Embassy of Poland for its generous hospitality in hosting this important event.”
He also extended his gratitude to the co-sponsors of the event, the Embassies of the Czech Republic, Germany, France, and the Delegation of the European Union (EU).
The Ambassador said that these three years have brought enormous difficulties to Ukraine. Innumerable lives have been lost or shattered—soldiers, civilians, women, and minors alike.
Families have been separated, communities destroyed, and nearly fifteen million Ukrainians have been displaced as refugees or IDPs, he added.
The envoy said that approximately more than one million military personnel from both sides have been killed or injured.
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“Despite all this, Ukraine has stood strong. We have fought back against a powerful country with huge resources, including nuclear weapons. We retain control over 82 percent of our territory—a testament to the courage of our people and the invaluable support of the global community.”
However, the toll has been staggering. Russian troops bombard our cities daily with drones and missiles. Air raid alerts are the constant reality in Ukraine. Residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and power facilities are intentionally attacked by Russian troops, Chuchuk said.
He further said that millions of Ukrainians face frequent electricity shortages. Thousands of buildings, urban infrastructure, and energy facilities are just rubble now.
In regions under Russian occupation, terror prevails. Civilians are forced into accepting Russian citizenship, subjected to persecution, torture, or forcible removal. Unlawful killings, arbitrary detentions, and documented war crimes characterize their administration. These actions are aimed at erasing Ukrainian identity, culture, and heritage, he added.
The envoy said that Ukrainian children bear the heaviest burden. Hundreds have been killed or wounded. Many others have suffered abduction, abuse, or forced relocation to Russia. These serious offenses demand accountability.
“In response, Ukraine, alongside 41 countries and the Council of Europe, has established the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. “
Together, we have brought back home more than 1,000 children—a small but meaningful step forward, he said.
He added that this war is not fought with weapons alone. It is also a war of truth against lies. Russia floods the world with propaganda and disinformation using modern technologies and sophisticated tools.
Some ordinary people—and even leaders—fall for these falsehoods, wrongly putting blame on Kyiv, the victim, rather than Moscow, the aggressor, he said.
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They fail to distinguish Russia’s unlawful aggression from the legitimate self-defense of Ukraine, as permitted under Article 51 of the United Nations (UN) Charter, he added.
The Ambassador said that until 2014, the majority of Ukrainians did not support NATO membership. In fact, Russian aggression has brought us—and nations like Finland and Sweden—closer to the group.
He said that Russia claims it aims to protect Russian-speaking Ukrainians from alleged discrimination, which has never occurred. In fact, its devastating attacks have killed thousands of Russian-speaking Ukrainians and dislocated millions more.
“If Russia seriously cared about their lives and well-being, would it inflict such huge suffering? Its actions sharply contradict its political rhetoric, exposing the inconsistency with its stated intentions.”
The envoy said that nearly 400 million people depend on Ukrainian food exports. By disrupting these supplies, Moscow has endangered 70 million with hunger. Despite this, Ukraine remains a steadfast contributor to international food security.
Grain from Ukraine
Through President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s “Grain from Ukraine” initiative, our country has delivered more than 286,000 tons of agricultural goods to 13 countries in Africa and Asia, supporting 20 million people, he said.
“Moreover, we have provided one thousand tons of wheat flour to Palestine and five hundred tons to Syria, demonstrating our commitment to helping those in need,” the diplomat added.
He said that starting a war is simple but achieving peace is far more challenging. We urge our partners to remain resolute. Abandoning Ukraine will not bring peace, it will only embolden Russia, prolong suffering, and extend instability globally.
He added that Ukraine wished for peace more than any party. President Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula offers a reliable framework to end this conflict.
The envoy said that it is the only practical proposal currently available. We urge all who want peace to unite with us in realizing it. Global and transatlantic solidarity is necessary to compel Russia to engage in genuine talks.
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Trust is fundamental to peace. Since 2014, Russia has violated over 400 bilateral agreements with Ukraine and 80 international accords, including the U.N. Charter, the Helsinki Accords, and the Budapest Memorandum. Lasting peace requires firm international guarantees, which Ukraine is diligently pursuing with our allies.
Chuchuk said that Ukraine is committed to making 2025 a year of just and lasting peace.
“Today, we stand closer to this goal than at any point in the past 3 years. In our opinion, an enduring peace must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security, underpinned by global guarantees.”
He added that Ukraine would welcome any constructive peace initiative, provided they adhere to two principles; No decisions regarding Ukraine shall be made without its involvement and full adherence to the UN Charter, respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Three years of war have passed. Today, we express our heartfelt gratitude to every country and person who has supported us. We ask our allies to remain firm and united until completion of this hard journey to peace.”
We also look forward to Pakistan’s support. Its voice matters. Pakistan’s support for peace in Ukraine is in line with its obligations under global standards and national interest, Chuchuk said.
He added that the outcome of this war will shape world security, defining the boundary between the power of law and the right of force.
“United, we can secure peace not just for Ukraine, but for all countries striving for a safer, more stable world.”
