Ukrainian Ambassador to Korea Dmytro Ponomarenko gives a speech during an event marking the 1,000th day of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine at the War Memorial of Korea, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin
Ukrainian Ambassador to Korea Dmytro Ponomarenko marked the 1000th day of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, reflecting on the difficult journey his country has endured while expressing profound gratitude for international support during an event held at the War Memorial of Korea on Tuesday.
"I stand before you to reflect on what has been an incredibly difficult and painful journey for my country," Ponomarenko began. "However, I also stand with a sense of profound gratitude and determination. The international community's unwavering support has been and continues to be crucial to Ukraine's resilience in the defense of our freedom and democracy."
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on Feb. 24, 2022. This marked a significant escalation in the conflict, which had been ongoing since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and began supporting separatist movements in eastern Ukraine.
The 2022 invasion has led to widespread international condemnation and significant geopolitical ramifications. For nearly three years, Ukraine has been engaged in an intensive battle for its independence and the very values that bind the global community together.
"What began as a direct assault by the Russian Federation has now become a broader international conflict, expanding beyond Europe's borders," Ponomarenko said.
"As we face not only Russian aggression but also its new partner in this war, North Korea, it directly affects the geopolitical landscape of Northeast Asia, challenging global security and threatening the peace of the Korean Peninsula itself."
Ponomarenko emphasized the broader implications of the conflict, emphasizing that Ukraine is now fighting not just for its own survival but "for the stability of the international order and the future of democratic values."
The alliance between two authoritarian regimes, Russia and North Korea, must be seen for what it is, "a direct challenge to the principles of sovereignty, self-determination and the rule of law," he said.
The ambassador expressed deep appreciation for the international support Ukraine has received, stating that Ukraine would not have made it through these one thousand days without the steadfast support of our international partners providing vital military, humanitarian and financial assistance.
However, Ponomarenko underscored that the war is far from over and called for continued and increased support.
"It is more critical than ever that the international community remains resolute. I must urge our partners to continue and increase your support for Ukraine. The war is not only about defending our borders; it is about ensuring that authoritarian regimes fail in their efforts to undermine democracy and peace. The aggressor state must be held accountable through sanctions and diplomatic pressure," he said.
"The one-thousandth day of this war is a milestone, but it's also a reminder that the journey ahead will be long and challenging. Let us continue to stand together in the fight against aggression and work to build a future where Ukraine is free, secure, and prosperous, where we can live in peace with our neighbors, and where our children will grow up in a world defined not by war and destruction but by hope and freedom."
As he concluded his speech, Ponomarenko called for a moment to reflect on the lives lost, the families torn apart and the heroes who courageously defend their homeland, as well as the civilians who have suffered, the soldiers who have given their lives and the families who have borne the unimaginable weight of this war.