On February 24, 2022, at 5:30 a.m. Moscow time, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced what he termed a “special military operation,” initiating a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Initially expected to conclude within days, the conflict has now spanned 1,000 days, marked by immense Ukrainian resilience and defiance.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Ivan Lukachuk, Charge d’Affaires of Ukraine in Ghana, reflected on this grim milestone.

“Today Ukraine is marking already the 1,000th day of Russian unprovoked full-scale aggression against Ukraine. This period has been marked by immense resilience, sacrifice, and defiance by the Ukrainian people and their armed forces,” he remarked.

He highlighted Ukraine’s counteroffensive achievements, such as reclaiming territories in Kharkiv and Kherson, and acknowledged the widespread international support that has been critical to Ukraine’s efforts.

“The milestone serves not only as a moment to honour those who have fought and sacrificed but also as a rallying call to maintain international pressure on Russia through sanctions and diplomatic measures,” he added.

The Humanitarian and Diplomatic Toll

Mr. Lukachuk emphasized the humanitarian devastation caused by the war, noting countless lives lost, destroyed cities, and millions displaced. He pointed to Ukraine’s pursuit of peace through President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula, first proposed at the G20 Summit on November 15, 2022.

Explaining the initiative, he said, “The Peace Formula…serves as a comprehensive approach to achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. It aims not only to end Russia’s aggression but also to preserve the global security system from further erosion.”

The Charge d’Affaires stressed the urgent need for global support: “The ongoing escalation of the war by Russia risks normalizing and undermining the international order. We see this, for example, in North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.”

International Support and Pathways to Peace

Ukraine’s peace initiative has gained significant backing, with 141 states supporting a UN General Assembly Resolution in February 2023. Additionally, the First Global Peace Summit held in Switzerland in June 2024 reinforced international commitment, with 101 delegations adopting a Joint Communique on a Peace Framework.

On the contentious issue of Russian participation in peace talks, Mr. Lukachuk said, “At some point, Russian representatives may need to be involved. However, this cannot happen while Russia continues its aggression and disregards international law. Until then, it falls upon the global community to pressure Moscow to commit to peace.”

Ukraine’s Victory Plan

To strengthen Ukraine’s position and end the conflict, President Zelenskyy introduced a Victory Plan on October 16, 2024. The plan outlines five priorities: NATO membership, a robust defence strategy, deterrence against future threats, economic cooperation, and a framework for post-war recovery.

“The aim is to strengthen Ukraine sufficiently to end the war within the next year. If successfully implemented, it will create a pathway to lasting peace and deter potential aggressors,” explained Mr Lukachuk.

A Call for Collective Action

In closing, Mr. Lukachuk reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to peace and sovereignty. “Achieving peace requires a collective effort and unwavering commitment to justice and international law. Ukraine is ready to continue working with global partners to build a secure, peaceful future,” he affirmed.

As Ukraine marks this sombre milestone, the world watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that ensures justice and lasting peace.