Statement by President von der Leyen on 1,000 Days of Ukrainian Resilience, via video message

One thousand days ago, Russia tried to wipe Ukraine off the map.

 And for one thousand days, Russia has failed – because of Ukraine's resistance, and the sacrifice of your heroes.

Today is a day of mourning, but also a day of promise. We promise to keep standing by your side, for as long as it takes.

You can rest assured that European and Western support will continue to flow. 50 billion euros until 2027 from the European Union. 50 billion dollars until 2026 from G7 countries and the European Union.

And now, we are using the proceeds of immobilized Russian assets to boost military production inside Ukraine, and to repair your energy infrastructure ahead of the winter.

Because Russia has to pay for one thousand days of crimes and destruction.

Today I can also announce an additional 65 million euros in support for the initiative to buy school meals for Ukrainian children. It is an initiative of First Lady Olena Zelenska.

And the future of a country begins with its children. Russia wants to steal Ukraine's future.

We will not allow that.

So granting the children's right to education and making sure they have a warm meal at school, is also a form of resistance.

Dear Ukrainian friends,

The winter ahead may be scary. But it is in stormy days that true friends show up. And Europe is your true friend. We know that one day not so far away you will be part of our Union. Your progress towards joining us is impressive, even more so while you fight an existential war.

And I am confident that we can move to the next stage in our negotiations.

Ukraine's future is in our Union. Your freedom is our freedom. And our Union is your home.

Long live Europe.
Slava Ukraini.

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