On the 2nd anniversary of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU delegation in Kuwait took a stand of solidarity by hosting the poignant art exhibition "Postcards from Ukraine" by the Ukrainian Institute.

The project revealed the profound impact of Russian atrocities on Ukrainian culture. The exhibition not only highlighted the resilience and the cultural richness of Ukraine but also amplified the call for just and lasting peace, which is fiercely sought by Ukrainians.  Dive deeper into the stories behind "Postcards from Ukraine" 

At this somber commemoration, Ambassador of Ukraine, Dr. Oleksandr Balanutsa, shared words of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people:

“For 731 consecutive days, we have witnessed how security, peace, stability, and predictability become concepts of a bygone era. After the horrors of World War II, we grew accustomed to living by rules that seemed to preclude the return of evil. Yet, evil has returned. Its flames have already touched Ukraine and now threaten Europe and the world at large.

For Ukraine, this battle against evil is existential. For the rest of the world, its consequences so far lie in the realm of political, economic, environmental, and other non-lethal damages. But how long will the world allow Russia to be as it is? Will the world accept the triumph of a totalitarian regime, thereby negating the path to free development for the benefit of humanity?

Ukraine knows this cannot be allowed. Bucha, Irpin, Borodyanka, and other Ukrainian cities that have suffered from the Russian onslaught fully illustrate Russia's vision of ‘peace’ and ‘development’. For the Russians, nothing is sacred – neither human life nor cultural heritage – so they destroy everything in their path. We do not want to view our country through old photographs and do not want to read about ourselves in yellowed books. We want to create our future, in one word – to live. 

Thus, all of Ukraine's diplomatic efforts are now focused on preparing for the first Peace Summit at the level of state and government leaders in Switzerland, as agreed during the meeting between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd in mid-January. Ukraine has prepared its vision for the Summit's outcomes. It will focus on the main joint principles regarding respect for international law, the UN Charter, and working on a joint plan to achieve a fair, comprehensive, and sustainable peace and restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity within its 1991 borders. Following the inaugural Peace Summit, Ukraine proposes holding a series of thematic international conferences and high-level meetings on key aspects of the Peace Formula.

Undoubtedly, without the international support, we could not plan such ambitious international initiatives. We are grateful to the G7 countries for the publication of the Joint Declaration in support of Ukraine on July 12, 2023, which 32 states have already joined. This step demonstrates efforts aimed at ensuring a free, strong, independent, and sovereign Ukraine. In this context, it’s worth mentioning the International Working Group on Environmental Consequences of the War (initiated by the Office of the President of Ukraine) recently presented an Environmental Treaty for Ukraine. It is very important because the way Russia conducts its war – attacking civilians, natural objects, and civilian infrastructure – is illegal under national and international law. Justice must prevail for these crimes. There are many important initiatives aimed at achieving this justice, and Ukraine's experience can help better rethink the international understanding of environmental damage during war. This aspect should be underscored because Kuwait experienced the same ecocide horrors in the 90s. Its consequences are still felt today, as rains still wash away mines from that time in local national parks.

Every day for Ukrainians begins with gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the possibility to wake up, and to Ukraine’s allies. When we learn that Sweden is providing Ukraine with the largest military aid package since the start of the full-scale invasion, Canada is transferring over 800 unmanned aerial systems to Ukraine, 15 partner countries led by Lithuania and Iceland are signing a Memorandum of Intent to create a Demining Coalition, and the international Drone Coalition is launched with the participation of Latvia, the UK, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, Estonia, and the Netherlands, we understand that we are not alone.

In conclusion, the global danger from Russia's inhuman regime is obvious, but we have reassured ourselves that danger has many shades – it does not immediately threaten your existence. Initially, it undermines stability, then shakes electoral moods, eventually resorts to provocations, and waits for the right moment for a decisive physical strike. This is akin to the tactic of a thousand cuts. None of them is fatal, but together they bleed life. Ukraine has so far prevented Russia from moving further, holding it at the borders of Europe. How long we can last under resource scarcity is unknown. One thing is clear: we did the impossible on February 24, 2022, and will continue to stand only under the condition of consolidated resistance to Russian evil”.