Video message of President Charles Michel for the fourth summit of the International Crimea Platform

Crimea is Ukraine. For ten years we have confirmed this loud and clear. This year we mark the 10th anniversary of the illegal occupation of Crimea. Russia's war against Ukraine did not start in February 2022. It started in February 2014 with Russia's assault on Crimea. Then this terrible full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The European Union supports a just peace because the UN charter must be the backbone of international law. We support President Zelenskyy's Peace Formula as well as the rules based international order, and we firmly support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and every other nation around the world. We will continue to assist you in rallying support for your peace plan based on these fundamental principles.

Dear Ukrainians, the EU is your home. That is why we are determined to support you for as long as it takes with military, financial and political support. We will continue to rally the international community to isolate Russia and to show the world that the Kremlin's behaviour is extremely dangerous for all of us.

As we speak, brave Ukrainian men and women are fighting, resisting and suffering across your great land. Mothers, daughters, fathers and sons defending their families, their cities, their loved ones. So it is our duty as Europeans to also meet this moment in history and to be by your side in your hour of need. You are battling for our shared hopes and dreams, for our common values and for our common future. No words can express my gratitude for your bravery and your sacrifice. Thank you. Slava Ukraini.