Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The President of the European Commission sent a video message to the Ukrainians on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Ukrainians taking to the European Square in Kiev to chant against the pro-Russian regime and demanding to remain in the embrace of Europe. Ursula von der Leyen said in her message, which was published by the Commission in a statement on Tuesday morning, “Ten years of dignity. Ten years of dignity.” Years of pride. Ten years of struggle for freedom. The cold November nights on Euromaidan changed Europe forever. An entire nation took to the streets and spoke with one voice. Ukraine belongs to Europe, it said. Our future belongs to us. And that's why The people of Ukraine wrapped themselves in European flags – defying snipers and riot police.
This is why Putin attacked the Ukrainians. With the occupation of Crimea. With the destabilization of Donbass. Then in 2022, with the comprehensive aggression against your country. Russia's war against Ukraine's freedom has been going on for ten long years. Not only for the people of Crimea and Donbass, but for many Ukrainians.
Like Roman Ratushny, who was still in high school when the protests started. He stood against the Berkut police in the square. Then as an activist, he stood against oligarchy and corruption. Finally, Roman stood against the Russian forces, paying the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield. But his dream still exists.
Today, Ukraine is closer than ever to realizing this dream.
Your Parliament has adopted far-reaching reforms in all seven steps that will lead you towards our union. We in the European Commission proposed starting accession negotiations. Today it is clearer than ever:
The future of Ukraine in the European Union. The future for which the field fought has only just begun. She concluded by saying in Ukrainian, “Long live Ukraine.” She said, “Slava, Ukraine, and long live Europe.”