Op-ed by EU Ambassador to Montenegro Johann Sattler and Chargé d’Affaires of the Polish Embassy in Podgorica Malgorzata Lakota-Micker
Today marks three years since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine – a tragic turning point in this conflict that actually began eleven years ago, with the illegal annexation of Crimea and Donbass. This act of aggression violated the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, the fundamental pillars of the international order. As we reflect on these three years of destruction and determination, one thing is abundantly clear: our unwavering support for Ukraine is not only a moral obligation, but a strategic imperative.
The position of the European Union is unequivocal. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine are not subject to negotiation. Russia is the aggressor, and must not be rewarded for its aggression. Any compromise on this issue would undermine the very foundations of international relations. Russia is waging a neo-colonial, imperialist war against a sovereign member of the international community and will not stop at Ukraine’s borders.
This commitment is not merely declarative. The European Union and its member states have become the largest donor to Ukraine, providing a total of €134.7bn in support, including €48.7bn in military aid. The EU Military Assistance Mission has trained over 73,000 Ukrainian soldiers, strengthening Ukraine’s capacity to defend its sovereignty and the values we jointly inherit. The EU and its member states, including Poland – a neighbouring country of Ukraine and the current EU Council Presidency – remain united in providing economic, financial, military and humanitarian support to Ukraine.
The latest events have highlighted two key facts: unity within the EU is of crucial importance, and increasing support for Ukraine is more urgent than ever. However, as we increase support, we must remain vigilant. Russian strategic manipulations must not dictate the terms of peace. Any credible peace process must include Kiev and Europe. The principle is clear: “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” A century ago, history showed Montenegro what it means when you are not at the table while the fate of your country is being decided. No nation in the world should suffer a similar fate.
The role of Montenegro in this joint struggle is worthy of recognition. Since the beginning of the war, Montenegro has provided more than €10m in aid, including military and humanitarian support. Montenegro is consistently aligned with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), implementing all sanctions packages against Russia and consistently supporting peace initiatives through co-sponsorship and voting in the United Nations.
The latest decision of the Defense and Security Council of Montenegro on the participation of the Army in the EU Military Assistance Mission and NATO’s security support and training program for Ukraine further confirms this commitment. We believe that the Montenegrin Parliament will soon adopt these key decisions, strengthening the country’s role in collective security.
But above all, Montenegro showed solidarity when it was most needed, at a time when millions of Ukrainian refugees were crossing the borders of Europe. This country took the title of the first country outside the EU to grant temporary protection to Ukrainian refugees. According to some estimates, Montenegro received more Ukrainian refugees per capita than any other country in the world. Its generous support in the form of health care and accommodation reflects the compassion and solidarity of Montenegrin society, which will never be forgotten.
Today, we stand at a turning point in history, where bad decisions can threaten everything that the European Union has fought for since its foundation. While some old partnerships are being tested and the rules-based international order is being undermined, we must be more united than ever. We must understand that the struggle of Ukraine is also our struggle. Its safety is our safety. Today, as we mark this sad anniversary, we renew our promise: we will stand by Ukraine and not abandon the Ukrainian people.
