As of February 24, the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine marks four years, although the conflict has persisted for twelve years since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. The initial full-scale invasion in 2022 revealed Russia's true intentions to destroy Ukraine's statehood, national identity, and its right to self-determination, placing not only Ukraine but also the security landscape of Europe under severe threat.

On this significant date, the ambassador highlighted that the war has turned into a long-standing reality for the region, emphasizing that Russia's approach has not only disregarded international law but has also led to overwhelming humanitarian crises characterized by the deliberate targeting of civilians and the destruction of peaceful towns. The prolonged aggression has created an environment where European security is compromised, leaving no one feeling safe.

With over 1,462 days of ongoing war, the situation has become more extensive than the duration of the Second World War and even the Soviet conflict with Germany. The ambassador’s remarks serve as a poignant reminder of the widespread implications of the conflict and underscore the importance of international support, specifically pointing to Finland's contributions that will not be forgotten by Ukraine.