Do not normalise the war: commemorating three years of Ukrainian courage

Three years ago, Russia launched its full-scale invasion, shattering peace in Europe and upending millions of lives. Since then, Ukrainians have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, fighting not only for their sovereignty but also for the very values that underpin the European project. Yet as the war drags on, there is a growing risk that the world becomes desensitised to the suffering, treating this conflict as just another geopolitical crisis. We cannot allow this to happen. Through our Ukraine Initiative, Friends of Europe has been steadfast in its commitment to sustaining international support for Ukraine, recognising that the war’s outcome will shape not only Ukraine’s fate but also the stability of Europe and the integrity of the international order.

Voices from Ukraine: stories of resilience

At the heart of this conflict are the people of Ukraine, whose lives have been forever changed. As part of our work on Ukraine, Friends of Europe has engaged directly with Ukrainian citizens to amplify their harrowing accounts of the war’s impact. They spoke of destroyed homes, lost loved ones, disrupted education and the daily struggle of life in a warzone. As captured in these video clips, their testimonies remind us that behind every statistic is a human story, whose future depends on our sustained commitment to Ukraine’s victory. These powerful narratives form part of our ‘Do not normalise the war‘ campaign, a series of articles, podcasts, videos and events aimed at keeping global attention on Ukraine’s fight for freedom.

As we enter the fourth year of Russia’s brutal aggression, Friends of Europe is hosting a high-level discussion to reflect on the war’s impact and Ukraine’s resilience. The event will also explore the role of Europe in shaping a potential peace deal, drawing on a new publication by Valbona Zeneli and Michael Ryan.

As geopolitical shifts – including Donald Trump’s return to power – threaten to sideline Europe in future negotiations, the article argues that Europe must step up. With significant financial and strategic investments in Ukraine’s success, Europe cannot afford to be a passive player. Instead, it must assert itself as a key security guarantor, ensuring that Ukraine’s future aligns with democratic principles and long-term stability.

The war in Ukraine is about more than just territory – it’s about the principles that define Europe. To secure Ukraine’s future and counter Russian aggression, we must provide continued military, economic and strategic support, while also ensuring people understand the stakes. Friends of Europe is committed to combating ‘war fatigue’ and advocating for sustained international engagement, reminding the world that Ukraine’s fight is Europe’s fight, and its victory is vital for the future of democracy and stability.

Related content:

• Event | Three years of courage: navigating Ukraine’s future and the road to peace
• Article | Ukraine: the art of the deal – Is Europe in?
• Videos |  Stories of Ukrainian lives
• Podcast | The most consequential week for Europe’s security since February 2022
• Initiative | The Ukraine Initiative