THREE years ago on Feb 24 Russia started its unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine with the aim of destroying the statehood of Ukraine, undermining all rulesbasedinternationalorder.Thefact that this aggression is illegal under international law is beyond doubt. On March 2, 2022, 141 states recognised the illegality by adopting a United Nations General Assembly resolution. It clearly stated that the Russian aggression violated Article 2(4) of the UN Charter and other rules of international law.

Many important developments have taken place during these three years. In 2022 Ukraine liberated 40 per cent of its territory temporarily occupied by Russia since February 2022, and in total 28pc of the territory temporarily occupied since 2014. In 2023 Ukraine ended Russian dominance in the Black Sea. In 2024, Ukraine moved the war into the enemy`s territory by launching the Kursk operation.

Russia`s war of aggression has already taken lives of thousands of Ukrainians, displaced millions, led to unimaginable human suffering. Nearly all Ukrainian cities bear the scars of indiscriminate missile and drone attacks. Many towns along the frontline lie in ruins. Ukrainians have suffered enormous losses, but they have managed to defend their independence.

In the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, Russia has imposed an atmosphere of terror and persecution, coercing civilians to acquire Russian citizenship and express loyalty to the occupying power. Killings, detentions, enforced disappearances,deportations and tortures are grim realities. Russian atrocities are part ofa genocidalpolicy aimed at erasing the Ukrainian identity.

After three years of struggle, our goals remain unchanged. Ukraine fights for the liberation of all occupied territories, restoration of sovereignty and territorial integrity in the internationally recognised borders. Russia must pay compensation for the destruction. War criminals must be brought to justice. All captured Ukrainian citizens should return to their homes.

To stop the Russian aggression, the president of Ukraine took initiatives lime Peace Formula and Victory Plan. Keyelements include non-recognition of forcefulchangestothe legalstatus of temporarily occupied territories, consolidation of international support, provision of assistance, and implementation of the peace formula.

Ukraine seeks peace like no country in the world, but it must be a just and reliable peace. Ukraine will not compromise its sovereignty, territorial integrity or strategic security. Ukraine welcomes peace proposals, but such efforts must be built on two principles: nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine; and respect for the UN Charter, sovereignty and territorialintegrity of Ukraine.

So far, Russia has shown no interest in peace initiatives. A just and lasting peace is only possible not through appeasement ofthe aggressor,but through strength.

The international community must do everything possible to bring the war to the end. Ukraine has spared no effort to ensure that 2025 becomes a year of just andlastingpeace.Peaceisclosertoday than ever in the last three years. Ukraine is thankful to everyone who stood with it all this time, and calls on all friends and partners to remain united until the completion of this long journey.

Ukraine is also grateful to the government and the people of Pakistan who provided humanitarian assistance in March and June 2022, and looks forward to the involvement of Pakistan in global efforts to stop Russian aggression and provide just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

Markiian Chuchuk Ambassador of Ukraine in Pakistan Islamabad