For many in Western Europe, “Europe” is a fact — an institution, a passport, a currency. But
for Ukrainians, it is something deeper: a dream, a compass, and, above all, a choice. Over the
past years, I’ve had the honor of witnessing that choice take shape — in conversations with
students, in resilience on the frontlines, and in the determined reforms of a country that has
endured pain to walk its European path.
When Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine, many thought this would break
Ukraine. It did not. On the contrary — Ukraine stood firm, and with it, so did the European
dream.

Ukraine: Defender of European Values

Let us be clear: Ukraine is not just defending its own sovereignty. It is defending the core
principles of the European Union — democracy, human dignity, freedom of speech, and the
rule of law. The future of European democracy is being written today in Kyiv, in Kharkiv, in
Mykolaiv.
That is why I have repeatedly said: Ukraine is the shield of Europe. The front line between
autocracy and democracy runs through Ukrainian soil.

The Moral Frontier

There is a fundamental contrast between Russia and Ukraine: Russia seeks greatness; Ukraine
seeks freedom. That difference defines not only geopolitics but values.
Ukraine’s integration with Europe is not just strategic — it is emotional, generational, and
moral. It is a nation that chooses dignity over submission, reform over stagnation, and
community over empire.

Europe’s Responsibility

If Ukraine is ready to die for European values, is Europe ready to stand for Ukraine?
Supporting Ukraine is not charity. It is in Europe’s strategic and moral interest. It means
providing weapons, yes — but also opening educational opportunities, expanding market
access, supporting civil society, and fighting Russian disinformation across the continent.

Ukrainian Resilience, European Renewal

Ukrainians have shown the world what true courage looks like. Farmers defending villages.
Teachers continuing lessons in shelters. Soldiers defending liberty in trenches. This is not just
national bravery — it is European strength.
In Ukraine’s suffering, there is also renewal. Ukraine’s dream of Europe is powerful because
it is not complacent. It reminds us why Europe matters — not just as a market, but as an idea.

A Final Thought

Europe will not be whole without Ukraine.
If we allow Ukraine to fall, we allow authoritarianism to spread. But if we embrace Ukraine
fully — politically, economically, and emotionally — we prove that the European dream is
not only alive. It is stronger than ever.
Ukraine belongs in Europe — not just geographically, but in spirit.