Two years into the war, the world still stands with Ukraine

As the Russia-Ukraine war entered its third year, some international observers have questioned Ukraine’s ability to win. 

According to a recent Quincy Institute poll, “more than two-thirds of Americans support urgent U.S. diplomacy” to force an end to the Russo-Ukraine war. Meanwhile, reports by Euronews and Deutsche Welle stated that “Ukraine fatigue” is apparent across Europe. 

Some Europeans, like their American counterparts, have called for forced negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. This is the case even as Russia has launched its new brutal attack on Ukraine’s Kharkiv province.

But calls for peace are premature. To date, most Ukrainians state that the Russo-Ukraine war can only end with a total Ukrainian victory. Morale remains high, and most Ukrainian citizens want Russian forces entirely out of their country. 

Besides, history has shown that Russia has broken numerous ceasefire agreements. Based on previous violations by the Russian Federation, it is wishful thinking that a peace negotiation between Ukraine and Russia would have a different outcome. Russia’s current treatment of Ukrainians in the occupied territories further emphasizes this point.

Outside Ukraine, governments and organizations worldwide continue to support the Eastern European state. 

For example, the U.S. Congress passed a new $61 billion aid package to Ukraine last month. This assistance will allow the Ukrainians to combat Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. Similarly, the United Kingdom announced a new $3.74 billion defense aid package that would be provided to Ukraine annually. Finally, the European Union recently provided Ukraine with a $4 million emergency aid package. This was on top of the $50 billion aid package that the Europeans announced in February.

Support for Ukraine has also gone beyond these Western countries and institutions. Millions of citizens around the globe have also provided aid to Ukraine. This was most prevalently seen during commemorations of the war on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Millions gathered in dozens of countries to show solidarity and support for Ukraine.

The Ukrainian World Congress reported rallies supporting Ukraine in 700 cities across 69 countries.

In a speech in Helsinki, Finland, the Speaker of the Finish Parliament Jussi Halla-Aho called on the international community to continue aiding Ukraine.

Meanwhile, in Sweden, hundreds gathered to protest and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called on Russia to end its war.

Similarly, as individuals gathered in Canada, several political figures joined the rallies supporting Ukraine. Ontario Premier Doug Ford asked the international community to supply the Ukrainians with the tools needed to win the war.

In Japan, dozens of Ukrainians gathered in Tokyo to protest Russia’s ongoing war. The Japanese government also recently hosted a conference with Ukrainian officials to discuss Ukrainian reconstruction efforts.

Prominent figures in other parts of the world echoed these sentiments. In Washington, D.C., Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and others reinforced that the United States stands with Ukraine.

Meanwhile, in a speech in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Germany, Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner called Russia’s invasion a war of aggression.

In London, Ukrainian Catholic Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski reminded the world that Ukrainians are determined to end and win the war.

In Ireland, thousands protested Russia’s brutal war and Deputy Prime Minister Michael Martin expressed the country’s continued support.

Countries in the Middle East and Africa also held rallies. In Lebanon, the Ukrainian community hosted an event commemorating the second anniversary of the Russian invasion. The Lebanese government is also in contact with the Ukrainian government about the war.

Similarly, the Ukrainian community in the United Arab Emirates held an event and the UAE hosted a “Solidarity for Ukraine” event in Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, in South Africa, the Ukrainian Association of South Africa held seminars on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and there was a community demonstration recognizing the war.

In Uganda, the European Union Mission posted a statement condemning Russia’s invasion and prominent dignitaries to Uganda attended an event to discuss the war.

In Argentina, thousands came together. Most recently, Argentine President Javier Milei said he is planning a Latin American Summit to gather support for Ukraine.

In Australia, hundreds gathered, calling on their government to continue supporting Ukraine. Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations leader Stefan Romaniw reminded the crowd that Ukraine is fighting for Western values, and that it needs weapons to win the war.

As for India, members of the Ukrainian diaspora gathered in Delhi to condemn Russia’s war and the Indian government urged its citizens to avoid joining Russia’s army as volunteers.

Finally, in Taiwan, a group named Taiwan Stands with Ukraine organized a rally in solidarity with Ukraine. In Taipei City, members of the group said international community support for Ukraine is imperative, as this Eastern European country is fighting for democracy.

These events are just a glimpse of what occurred worldwide on Feb. 24. From government officials and policymakers to religious leaders and community members, millions continue to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom. Participation at last week’s peace summit by delegates from dozens of countries further suggests that the world continues to stand with Ukraine.

No one knows when the war will end, but countries around the world are continuing to demonstrate that they will continue to support and stand by Ukraine. For now, the global community has shown it is committed to Ukraine and will do what it takes to help the Ukrainians defeat Russia.

Mark Temnycky is an accredited freelance journalist covering Eurasian affairs and a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center. He can be found on X @MTemnycky