«Two years ago the Ukrainian people faced an unprecedented existential threat in history: Russia launched a full-scale, unprovoked, brutal armed aggression against the Ukrainian state. Its goal is the destruction of Ukraine and Ukrainians as a nation.
In case of victory, the Russian Federation will impose its own vision of
history. It will take us back to the era of spheres of influence, empires, and erasing the identity of entire nations.
Together, we must do everything possible to ensure that this gloomy scenario does not work out.
Ukraine’s victory is in the strategic interests of countries who believe in the rules-based order, who realize that whatever the price of helping Ukraine is, it’s cheaper than fixing the world if Ukraine doesn’t win», - said Head of the Mission of Ukraine to NATO Nataliia Galibarenko, addressing the audience.
NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană also addressed the Permanent Representatives of Allied nations, representatives of the International Staff, NATO Military Staff, and partners.
The participants honored the memory of the fallen defenders of Ukraine with a minute of silence.
During the ceremony, the Ukrainian national anthem was played at NATO Headquarters.
Permanent Representatives of NATO member states also symbolically expressed their support for Ukraine by adding sunflowers to the installation in the shape of a map of Ukraine — flowers that have become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance.