In February 2022, Vladimir Putin’s Russia launched its unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Almost every foreign military expert predicted that the Ukrainian government would fall within weeks, or even days.
But that did not happen. Instead, the Ukrainians fought back against overwhelming Russian military force and resources, initially with very little outside military or financial assistance.
Their courage, fighting spirit and refusal to surrender were exemplified by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his now – famous “I don’t need a ride, I need ammunition” address to the world.
In another public address, President Zelenskyy said: “When you attack us, you will see our faces. Not our backs, but our faces”.
More than four years since the start of the invasion, Ukraine continues to resist, displaying tactical brilliance on the battlefield supported by technical innovations, including drones and other electronic weapons, which have astonished the world and redefined how war is fought in the 21st century. Numerous countries including, most recently, Saudi Arabia and many other Gulf countries are now lining up to access Ukrainian drone technology and to learn its military tactics.
All Eastern European countries – and many others in NATO and the free world at large – recognize that Ukraine is now the essential bulwark and bastion against Russian aggression and territorial ambitions. Ukrainians are paying for the defense of Europe and the entire free world with their blood and sacrifice.
Ukraine has already suffered nearly 60,000 civilian casualties, and this toll could ultimately reach 100,000 or more.
Military casualty figures are not made public, but are certainly very significant. At least 4.6 million people have been internally displaced, while 7 million Ukrainians remain abroad. According to official figures, at least 20,570 Ukrainian children have been forcibly displaced to Russia.
More than 3 million residential dwellings have been damaged or destroyed. Direct physical damage to Ukraine’s buildings and infrastructure has exceeded US$195 billion, with total recovery and reconstruction needs estimated at more than US$1 trillion.
But recently, the US cut off vital military aid to Ukraine and loosened sanctions on Russian oil while, at the same time, its military action in the Gulf regions has significantly increased Russia’s revenue from sales of crude oil, which undermines Ukraine’s attempts to eradicate this industry feeding Russia’s war machine.
The European Union continues to support Ukraine economically and militarily, but it faces its own budgetary and other strategic pressures which may affect the scale and sustainability of its long-term support.
Ukrainians have built a “Fortress of Courage” to defend Europe and the democratic world.
We need to give them all possible financial support to achieve this goal and we therefore ask you to donate whatever you can to help Ukraine maintain and strengthen its role as the “Fortress of Courage” of Europe and the entire free and democratic world.