Marking 1000 days since the escalation of conflict, Ukraine reflects on its resilience, the support it has received, and its continued efforts towards peace.
19 November 2024 marks 1000 days since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine on 24 February 2022—a period of immense challenges, resilience, and unwavering determination. Despite being thrust into an unprovoked war, Ukraine has remained steadfast, working to protect its homeland while adapting to a transformed reality.
Since then, everyday citizens across Ukraine have confronted the constant threat of air attacks, many were forced to leave their homes, and some have lost theirs for good – a reality that has stripped away the sense of safety and normalcy that some around the world take for granted. Many families are used to living with disrupted sleep, always prepared to seek shelter as alarms sound throughout the night, while children grow up knowing the sound of sirens better than the sound of school bells.
Yet, despite these challenges, the spirit of our people remains unbroken. We continue to work, to hope, and to envision a brighter future. Families are rebuilding homes, communities are finding ways to support each other, and Ukrainian children are still dreaming of better days. This resilience reflects a powerful collective will that drives us forward each day and demonstrates the support that we receive – from each other and the world.
From the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Singapore was among the first nations to raise its voice in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty. By condemning the invasion and imposing sanctions, Singapore demonstrated its firm commitment to the principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The humanitarian assistance provided by the Government of Singapore, the Singapore Red Cross Society, and all people of goodwill played an important role for our country at its darkest hour.
Ukraine recognises the significance of this stance and highly appreciates Singapore’s readiness to uphold international law and its commitment to a world where national boundaries are respected, and peace is maintained.
Singaporeans at every level demonstrated incredible empathy and support through grassroots initiatives, offering their friendship and solidarity to the people of Ukraine. We remember how the entrepreneur Priveen Suraj Santakumar left Singapore in 2022 to provide food, warm clothes, medical supplies, and shelter support for refugees in Poland and Ukraine. Or Charanjit Singh Walia, a retired restaurateur, who offered meals and housing to refugees through his charity foundation Warsaw Seva, exemplifying kindness and dedication. Also, Ix Shen, a Singaporean actor who lived in Ukraine and worked with volunteers delivering humanitarian aid and spreading the word about the events in Ukraine through online reports and later – through his memoirs. We can’t forget the commitment of Rudy Taslim and Lam Bao Yan who helped rebuild war-torn areas in Ukraine by constructing over 500 bomb-resistant, insulated emergency homes with essential amenities, aiming to help vulnerable populations and creating local jobs during construction. In addition, dozens of Singaporeans organised events to raise awareness and funds for those in need. I cannot overlook the role of the Ukrainian community in Singapore who continue to do a great job in helping their compatriots back home.
These individual efforts in addition to numerous other cases of heartfelt solidarity and engagement remind us that compassion has no borders and that Ukraine’s struggle for peace and justice is shared by many. These initiatives have strengthened the ties between Ukraine and Singapore and reminded Ukrainians, even thousands of miles away, that people stay connected heart-to-heart, empowering those in need.
While the Ukrainian people remain resilient and committed to the goal of achieving just and lasting peace, this path is yet to be completed, as the country continues to defend itself from external aggression. We seek not a temporary cessation but a real and lasting resolution.
This approach is enshrined in a ten-point Ukraine’s Peace Formula – a framework based on the UN Charter principles that aims to restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity, uphold human rights, and prevent future conflicts. The Formula’s principles are globally significant, as they establish a blueprint for ensuring that wars of aggression are no longer tolerated as instruments of policy and that the key principles of the UN Charter are respected.
As we reach the 1000-day mark of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainians continue to look into the future with determination and hope. This strength is sustained by the will of Ukrainians and the support of like-minded nations and people, who share our commitment to the principles of freedom and sovereignty. The core principles of statehood, that the world needs and Ukraine fights for.
Source: H.E. Kateryna Zelenko, Ukraine Ambassador
