Ambassadors unite in solidarity with Ukraine on second anniversary of Russia's invasion

Ukrainian Ambassador to Korea Dmytro Ponomarenko, front row ninth from left, poses with dozens of ambassadors to Korea during the special screening of the documentary "Culture vs War" to mark the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine at a theater in Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

During a special screening in Seoul on Friday for the documentary "Culture vs. War," hosted by the Embassy of Ukraine to commemorate the second anniversary of Russia's invasion, Ukrainian Ambassador to Korea Dmytro Ponomarenko underscored Moscow's immoral aggression towards Ukraine.

"Tomorrow marks two years of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine," Ponomarenko said. "The beginning of open hostilities was preceded by eight years of lower intensity hybrid aggression, the occupation of Crimea and Donetsk and Luhansk regions."

The screening of "Culture vs. War" was attended by dozens of ambassadors and diplomatic missions in Korea to support Ukraine. U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg, British Ambassador Colin Crooks and EU Ambassador Maria Castillo Fernandez all made an address before the screening.

“It (Russia) has committed countless acso, of brutality against Ukraine's citizens. Russia's actions are destabilizing not just Eastern Europe but elsewhere too,” Crooks said. “We now know that Russia is using North Korean weapons in Ukraine, which it has procured in violation of the U.N. Security Council resolutions on North Korea that it once supported. In doing so, Russia is actively and selfishly undermining peace and security right here on the Korean peninsula in pursuit of its bloody war in Ukraine.”

The U.S. ambassador underscored the significance of ongoing aid to Ukraine and expressed appreciation for the European Union's recent decision to broaden financial and military support.

“The moment is now upon us when we must step up with more financial, military and humanitarian assistance. We're very pleased that the European Union has taken action with a $50 billion facility that they voted on a few weeks ago," Goldberg said. "The U.S. Congress is taking similarly wise, self-interested action to defend America's leadership and to create the kind of world and future we all want for our children and grandchildren."

Ukrainian Ambassador to Korea Dmytro Ponomarenko gives an opening speech during an event to mark the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

With unwavering determination, Ponomarenko recounted Ukraine's resilience amid the turmoil.

"Two years on, Ukraine is still standing and fighting back. We have liberated more than half of occupied territories, lifted Russia's naval blockade by sinking nearly a third of its Black Sea fleet and depleted their Air force," he said.

"Russia's aggression against Ukraine is the bloodiest war Europe has seen in 80 years. With this war, Putin seeks to redraw the world map and rewrite history."

Ponomarenko underscored the significance of international solidarity in resisting Russian aggression.

"The war has taken away many precious lives of Ukraine’s best, most dedicated and courageous patriots at the front and thousands of innocent civilians. It has taken happy childhoods from Ukrainian children, many of whom were stolen and forcibly deported by Russians," the ambassador said.

"What it has not taken away is our resolve to fight to the end and drive the aggressor from our territory."

In a rallying call to the global community, Ponomarenko urged unity in the face of tyranny.

"The outcome of the Russian war against Ukraine will define the line between good and evil, allowed and forbidden, in the 21st century," he said. "We can win this war and prevent the death of the rules-based world, as long as our partners remain committed to the cause of defending freedom from tyranny."