Thank you to the Ukrainians in The Netherlands for organizing this event and for inviting PAX to speak.
And thank you all, here on Dam square, for showing up in such numbers in support of Ukraine. Especially now!
Because when Trump drops Ukraine, we have to stand up and lift it!
We are here together to show that our solidarity only grows stronger. And that we stand for a future with a free and democratic Ukraine! An independent Ukraine that can decide its own future. A future in which justice prevails.
Already for 11 years the people of Ukraine live under the threat of Russian aggression. Already for 3 years the country is attacked daily and has to fiercely defend itself against Russian forces. So many people have lost their lives, their homes, their future!
We are closely in touch with our partners and friends in Ukraine. They continue their work in areas near the frontline and on the Russian border.
Like Ruslan, who assists with evacuation from his hometown Toretsk, which is now being destroyed house by house as Russian troops grind their way forward. He said: “we will hold strong. With or without Trump, we will (re)build our country!”
Like Vika, from Dnipro, who organizes support groups and empowerment of women in rural areas of Dnipro. Her motivation to stay and work in Ukraine is the courage of all those Ukrainians who do the same: the soldiers defending the frontlines, the volunteers raising money and making candles for the trenches. She calls on us to continue believing in Ukraine and to support!
Like the volunteers in Horodnia, 20 kilometers from the Russian border, who make camouflage nets for the Ukrainian soldiers and who organize cultural events to raise money and raise their spirits. They ask us not to forget that occupation is not peace.
Horodnia is now liberated, but many Ukrainians are still suffering under Russian occupation: intimidation, torture, execution, abduction of children and oppression. The entire existence of Ukraine, its language, its culture, its people is under attack.
Trump says he is negotiating peace with Putin. However, there can be no just peace if Ukraine is not part of the negotiation process!
We believe that the international rule of law, justice, accountability, and the protection of the people of Ukraine should be central in any peace process. Ukraine should be at the negotiation table, to ensure that its interests and concerns are taken into account and are protected.
And there can be no democratic elections in Ukraine, without a sustainable peace! It is up to Ukrainians to elect their president according to Ukrainian law.
To negotiate a sustainable peace, Ukraine needs to be in a strong position. That requires clear and unified support from Europe and preferably from a broader coalition of the willing. Military, financial and political. And there need to be clear and tangible security guarantees for Ukraine, to prevent a continuation of the war or a renewed Russian invasion in 2, 5 or more years.
This war is also an information war. And in the past weeks and days we have seen a sharp increase in disinformation and blatant lies. Russia is directly interfering in European elections, such as those today in Germany. Even if a ceasefire is reached, this hybrid war is likely to continue to undermine democracy and support for Ukraine.
Let’s not forget our core values and what is at stake.
Let’s not forget who is the aggressor that started this war.
Only when the Russian army returns home, will there be peace. Aggression should never be rewarded
This is about winning a just and lasting peace. A peace that will provide security for Ukraine and for Europe.
In the Netherlands, Ukraine can count on massive support. PAX calls on all politicians to prioritize strengthening the global coalition in support of Ukraine. First to secure this just and lasting peace.
Next to pursue justice, accountability and healing and to help rebuild Ukraine.
Let us not forget about Ukraine.
Let us not give up hope.
But let us stand together here and do whatever we can, whatever you can, no matter where you are for a democratic, safe and free Ukraine.
