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REMARKS

by H.E. Ihor Prokopchuk, Ambassador of Ukraine to Romania,

at a Conference

“Marking three years of Romania’s response to 

the Ukraine refugee situation”

Bucharest, 21 February 2025

Distinguished Government officials,

Dear UNHCR Representative,

Excellencies, colleagues Ambassadors

Dear participants of this Conference,

Дорогі українці,  

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This is the third time that the event of this kind is organized in Bucharest under the auspices of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister and the regional office of UNHCR (Romexpo 2023, Gara de Nord 2024).

We meet again to recall and commend the emergency response that has been provided by the Government of Romania, Romanian people and civil society to the flood of Ukrainian citizens, fleeing for safety; to reaffirm the solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people; to map put the priority areas of engagement for the upcoming year.

The brutal war continues. Being few days away from 24 February we remember that on that day 3 years ago a militarily strong nuclear power launched an unprovoked all-out war of invasion against a neighbouring smaller, independent and democratic state, thus starting the biggest land war in Europe since World War Two. Russia’s fierce attacks and bombardments continue every single day and night, targeting and terrorizing civilian population of Ukraine and making them seek shelter and safety.

Today I want to express again profound gratitude to all stakeholders in Romania – Romanian Government, people, civil society, international organisations and donors – for support, various forms of assistance, empathy and psychological comfort offered to Ukrainians on the territory of this country. This response has become a remarkable contribution towards strengthening the bonds of friendship between our two neighbouring states and peoples.

In the Response Plan 2025/2026, launched today, you will see the estimate that 79% of school-aged Ukrainian children in Romania follow the Ukrainian curriculum online. A recognized factor is a language barrier, but let me point out that what particularly motivates them and their parents is the desire to return back home and continue there once the conditions allow.

This makes me emphasise that there is no other nation that wants peace more than Ukrainians do, because they immensely suffer from the russian war of aggression. To make peace sustainable, it must be a solid, fair and just peace, underpinned by international law and respecting Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders.

Few days ago, at the meeting in Paris the Interim President of Romania stated that the “security of Ukraine is the security of Europe, including Romania”. One could not agree more.

Unity is the key word at this defining juncture. It is essential for all of us to maintain international solidarity and unity in putting an end to russia’s armed aggression and restoring a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

Thank you for your attention, for your assistance and support! 

Слава Україні!