Three years ago, on February 24, 2022, Russia launched a large-scale, brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, escalating the conflict that began a decade earlier in 2014 with Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea and violation of Ukraine’s borders. The attack, which violated international law, changed the lives of all Ukrainians, their identity and the political landscape of Europe. This date marks not only a day of mourning, but also the beginning of a long struggle for freedom and the defense of values that are fundamental to Ukraine and the international community.

The last three years have left deep wounds. More than 12,000 Ukrainian civilians killed and over 30,000 wounded (UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; as of December 31, 2024), as well as 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed and 370,000 wounded provide an insight into the terrifying reality of war.

Towns, villages and infrastructure were destroyed, families were torn apart. More than 3.6 million internally displaced persons have fled within Ukraine, while over 6.8 million people have found refuge abroad. Around 6.2 million of these people are now living in European countries, about 76,000 Ukrainians are currently registered in Austria. (as of November 2024).

Despite the massive destruction, the Ukrainian population has never lost its determination to defend itself against aggression with enormous resilience. However, the human and economic costs of the war are enormous and the future remains uncertain. 

Commitment to humanistic values
However, it is not only the political decisions and military strategies that will determine the future of Ukraine, but also the values of solidarity and empathy across borders. For many of us, Ukraine was once far away. Today we realize how closely connected we are. For three years now, we have seen the efforts of displaced Ukrainians to become part of Austrian society and to integrate. Children are born here and attend school. Ukrainians have learned German, are studying, working and have built a life in Austria. Networks have been created in which we have been able to learn from each other.

We at Office Ukraine are trying to make a solidarity contribution in this difficult situation for Ukraine. However, solidarity must also include stability. We support many projects and initiatives and experience the recognition that Ukrainian artists, curators, actors, musicians and cultural workers receive. Despite the difficulty of asserting themselves in this closely interwoven scene, it is impressive how consistently Ukrainian artists living in Austria work on their projects. They are supported by initiatives and associations that show solidarity with those who have had to flee. And: there is a civil society that takes solidarity seriously and opposes the misanthropic politics of the far right. Because every small gesture, every project can bring people together who stand up for humanist values. Despite the precarious situation and against the backdrop of global political uncertainty, hope must continue to drive our actions.

The top priority at international level is to massively increase support for Ukraine and to work together with Ukraine towards a just solution to the Russian war of aggression – a war that not only threatens the sovereignty of Ukraine, but the freedom of the whole of Europe.