Op-ed: 1,000 Days Unbroken, Europe’s necessity to secure Ukraine’s victory

As we mark 1,000 days of Ukraine’s unyielding resistance, MEPs Andrzej Halicki, Michael Gahler, Sandra Kalniete, and Rasa Juknevičienė urge Europe to intensify its support. Ukraine’s fight is Europe’s fight—decisive action now is key to securing Ukraine’s victory and safeguarding our future.

As the world marks 1,000 days since Russia’s unjustified, unprovoked, and illegal full-scale invasion, it is a moment for resolve. Ukraine’s fight is not just a defence of its sovereignty; the fate of Europe is being decided on its battlefields. We must do whatever it takes to secure Ukraine’s victory.

For Ukraine to triumph, Europe must not falter. Military and financial assistance must increase, not diminish. We must honour our commitments to arms supplies. European governments must remove restrictions that prevent Ukraine from targeting military assets within Russia. Allowing Ukraine to neutralise threats at their source effectively is not an escalation; it is a necessity. By denying Ukraine the ability to strike military targets within Russia, we are playing into Putin's hands and allowing Russia’s military-industrial complex to operate unimpeded.

Ukraine cannot fight with its hands tied while Russian drones and missiles devastate its cities and infrastructure.

Our military support remains inadequate compared to our potential. While Ukraine spends 25% of its GDP on defence, Western nations contribute just 0.1% of their combined GDP. A commitment of at least 0.25% of Western GDP would significantly enhance Ukraine’s capacity to prevail, potentially generating €120 billion annually in military aid – a threefold increase over 2023 levels.

This war requires us to take bold geopolitical decisions. To eliminate the grey zones that invite aggression, Ukraine must achieve EU and NATO membership as soon as possible. The European Parliament has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO. This is not only about Ukraine's future; it is about securing Europe's future.

Beyond military aid, Europe must prepare for the reconstruction of Ukraine. The estimated damages inflicted by Russian aggression exceed $157 billion, and rebuilding Ukraine will require substantial and sustained financial support. The human cost of this war has been staggering. Russia must be held accountable for the destruction it has caused. The EU must close loopholes in its sanctions regime and utilise frozen Russian assets for reconstruction. Establishing a legal framework to confiscate Russian state-owned assets and setting up a special tribunal to address Russian war crimes are essential steps towards justice.

Failing Ukraine now will cost far more later. Supporting Ukraine is not just an act of solidarity—it is a strategic imperative for a secure, united Europe. As we commemorate 1,000 days of unbroken resistance, let us ensure that Ukraine's struggle does not stretch into another thousand. We must act decisively to secure Ukraine’s victory. 

Andrzej Halicki, Vice-chair of the EPP Group in charge of Foreign Affairs

Michael Gahler, European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Ukraine

Sandra Kalniete, European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Russia

Rasa Juknevičienė, European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Georgia