Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Elisa Spiropali addressed the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in Vienna, marking four years since Russia’s unlawful aggression against Ukraine. She said Ukraine’s resilience stands as a powerful example of courage and unity for all of Europe.

“Four years ago, Russia launched its full-scale invasion, believing Ukraine would collapse within days. Four years later, Ukraine stands tall. Not because the war was easy or the cost small, but because your courage outweighed the fear imposed upon you. Russia expected surrender but found a nation united in dignity. It sought submission but met determination,” Spiropali declared.

She recalled her visit to Kyiv in January, where she met President Volodymyr Zelensky and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. She said their discussions went beyond endurance — they focused on rebuilding, reform, and Ukraine’s European future.

“A country that plans its reconstruction in the midst of war believes in its tomorrow,” she said. “I also met Ukrainian soldiers recovering from battle wounds. Their bodies bore the scars of war, but their spirit remained unbroken — calm, resolute, and forward-looking.”

Spiropali stressed that Ukraine’s sacrifice is not only for land but for the principles that define Europe: freedom, sovereignty, human dignity, and justice.

“Russia’s aggression is not only an attack on Ukraine. It is an attempt to undermine the foundations of European security,” she warned. “It seeks to normalize changing borders by force, to divide us, and to exploit our fatigue as policy. We must not let fatigue become policy. Peace remains our shared goal.”

She emphasized that every responsible nation seeks peace, but peace cannot reward aggression. “It cannot legitimize occupation or ask Ukraine to compromise its sovereignty for temporary calm,” she said.

“Justice is not the enemy of peace,” Spiropali continued. “Justice makes peace durable. Those responsible for war crimes and grave violations of international humanitarian law must face accountability — not out of revenge, but out of respect for law, for victims, and for the stability of our continent.”

Spiropali reaffirmed Albania’s unwavering stance. “We stand firmly for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We support all credible diplomatic efforts toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace — including continued engagement by our transatlantic partners. Peace must align with international law, preserve Ukraine’s independence, and protect its European path.”

She paid tribute to the sacrifices of Ukrainian families and cities that have endured immense suffering. “History will judge this moment not only by time but by the clarity of our principles and the loyalty we show to them in times of trial.”

“Today, Albania stands with Ukraine — with your people, your freedom, and your right to choose your future,” Spiropali concluded. “Your resilience has inspired Europe. Your determination has strengthened it. Ukraine will stand. Ukraine will prevail. You are not alone.”