Full Speech by Volodymyr Shkurov, Ukrainian Ambassador to Albania, at the Opening of the Commemorative Exhibition “Four Years of Resistance”
Honorable Vice Speaker of the Albanian Parliament, Ms. Klodiana Spahiu
Your Excellencies, Ambassadors,
Honorable Acting Mayor of Tirana, Ms. Anuela Ristani,
Dear fellow Ukrainians,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear friends,
Today marks four years since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine.
Four years ago, on the morning of February 24, the world awoke to a horrific reality that many believed had been left in the past forever. Russia launched a war of aggression — a war aimed at destroying a sovereign state, silencing a free nation, and forcibly redrawing its internationally recognized borders.
This war was not Ukraine’s choice.
Ukraine did not choose war.
But Ukraine chose resistance.
For four years now, my people have been defending their fundamental right to life. We are defending not only our land and our homes, but also the core principles upon which European and Euro-Atlantic security is built sovereignty, freedom, and the right of nations to determine their own future.
This war carries a devastating human cost.
Hundreds of thousands killed and wounded.
Hundreds of cities and towns were destroyed, from Mariupol and Bakhmut to small communities whose names the world often did not even have time to learn.
Thousands — nearly 17,000 — civilians have been killed, including 684 children. These figures are far from final. The number of civilian victims in Mariupol alone may exceed these totals several times over. The true scale of the tragedy will only be known after the war ends and access to the occupied territory is restored.
Nearly 11 million Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes.
Families separated. Children are orphaned. Lives shattered.
Approximately 20,000 — and according to independent experts, up to 35,000 — Ukrainian children have been unlawfully deported to Russia. They have been separated from their parents, deprived of their language, their names, their identity. We call upon the international community to make every possible effort to secure the return of Ukrainian children and to ensure accountability, in accordance with international law, for all those responsible.
Today, around 8,000 Ukrainian military personnel and approximately 10,000 civilians remain in Russian captivity. Numerous cases of torture, sexual violence, and abuse against prisoners of war and civilians have been documented. These are not abstract accusations. These are established facts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, which have no statute of limitations.
And despite all this — Ukraine stands.
During this extremely harsh winter, the aggressor intensified its terrorist tactics — launching missile strikes against energy and civilian infrastructure. As a result of systematic and deliberate attacks, millions of people in major cities have been left without heat, water, or electricity.
When temperatures outside drop to minus twenty degrees Celsius or lower, homes are often just as cold. Elderly people, the sick, and small children are forced to survive in inhumane conditions.
Our hospitals operate on generators, saving lives under the sound of explosions, missiles, drones, and bombs.
We stand thanks to our brave and unbreakable Armed Forces, and to the selfless dedication of Ukrainian energy workers, emergency responders, municipal workers, doctors, volunteers, teachers — all those who sustain the resilience of our nation.
We stand thanks to teachers who continue educating children in bomb shelters, underground classrooms, and online — and we are grateful that our children simply can learn.
We stand thanks to a society that has learned not to retreat in the face of inhuman hardship. Ukrainians have answered Russia: we may be without light, without water, without heat — but we are without you. This is the conscious choice of free people who choose independence and democracy.
And we stand because we are not alone.
I sincerely thank all those who have stood with Ukraine throughout these years. Those who provide military and financial assistance. Those who help us survive this winter by sending generators, heaters, and equipment for water and electricity supply. This support literally saves lives.
My special gratitude goes to the Government and the people of Albania — our reliable partner, a country that knows well the price of freedom won through struggle.
In the presence of fellow ambassadors here today, I thank our European and American friends and partners, and all people of goodwill around the world for their solidarity and support.
Clear and consistent support for Ukraine sends an essential message: aggression must not and cannot be rewarded, and international law must prevail.
After four years of war, one truth remains clear: for those under attack, there is no such thing as “fatigue.”
Ukraine does not seek a frozen conflict or a fragile compromise.
Ukraine seeks a just and lasting peace — a peace that restores our territorial integrity and guarantees security for future generations.
That is why Ukraine insists on peace based on real security guarantees. Once before, we trusted security assurances when we gave up the world’s third-largest nuclear arsenal. The result is known to all of you. The guarantor became the aggressor, attempting to destroy the very country whose security it had pledged to protect.
Today, I would like to address Ukrainians living and working here in Albania. Let us remember we are an inseparable part of Ukraine. Through our work, solidarity, and daily civic engagement, the world sees the true face of our country — a nation of dignity, responsibility, integrity, and strength.
Thank you for supporting Ukraine, for helping those affected by the war, and for preserving Ukrainian identity.
We understand that Ukraine’s resilience is not limitless. But we also know that our determination is unshakable.
Special honor and gratitude to our defenders who protect our homeland. Eternal memory and gratitude to those who gave their lives for Ukraine’s freedom.
I kindly ask you to stand for a minute of silence to honor the memory of those who gave their lives for Ukraine.
…
Thank you.
The memorial exhibition we present to you today is testimony to the suffering and pain of our people, and to the heroism and resilience of Ukrainians who chose freedom and independence. It is also a testament to our faith in victory and democracy.
The outcome of this war will shape not only Ukraine’s future. It will determine the security of all Europe, the credibility of international institutions, and the true strength of the values we proclaim and are called to defend.
Ukraine will continue to fight — for its people, for its freedom, and for a Europe whole, free, and at peace.
I sincerely thank the Municipality of Tirana and all colleagues for participating in today’s event. Thank you for your attention to Ukraine in this difficult time.
Thank you for standing with Ukraine.
Thank you for your solidarity. Glory to Ukraine!
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