Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide: 1 000 days of full-scale war in Ukraine

For the first time since the Second World War, we are seeing a war between major powers in Europe.

The brave people of Ukraine have withstood the attacks of the Russian war machine for 1 000 days. The war has in no way gone as President Putin has hoped. His political objective remains unchanged: to gain control over all of Ukraine and force the Ukrainian people to submit to being governed by Russia and abandon their Ukrainian identity, language and culture. That has not happened, and it is not going to happen.

Our message to the Ukrainian people is that Norway stands with them, both here and now and in the long term. Norway is providing significant, long-term support to Ukraine in its fight to defend itself: from air defence to protect the civilian population from missile attacks to providing emergency humanitarian aid, safeguarding electricity and heating, reconstructing homes, facilitating the running of hospitals, and helping the Ukrainian government administration to continue to provide essential services. We want the people of Ukraine to know that this support will continue, also once the war is over. This is crucial both for Ukrainian people, who are trying to maintain their daily lives in the cities under very difficult circumstances, and for the soldiers in the trenches.

We are now seeing further escalation from Russia, including the weekend's attacks on critical infrastructure such as the electricity supply. Norway condemns these attacks. Energy security is essential for Ukrainian civilians to make it through a cold winter and to keep the economy afloat. Under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine, Norway is providing much-needed assistance to secure the electricity supply to people and key industries in Ukraine.

The past 1 000 days of full-scale war against the Ukrainian population should never have happened. President Putin's war of aggression is a serious violation of international law and must not be allowed to succeed. Ukraine and the international community are seeking peace. This must be a just peace, which respects Ukraine's freedom, independence and territorial integrity, not a 'peace' on President Putin's terms.

The war in Ukraine affects Ukraine, but it also affects our safety and security. We do not wish to live in a Europe where authoritarian leaders such as President Putin can unilaterally use force to redraw borders and change a system of governance.