Russia Ukraine Monitoring Desk Islamabad
Courtesy : www.interregionnews.eu
The world changed on February 24, 2022. On that day, Europe realized that war is not a relic of the past, but a stark reality of the present. Ukraine has become an outpost of civilization defending not only its independence, but also the principles that underpin the Western world.
And while Kiev continues to fight on, voices are emerging in the international media trying to convince Europe that Ukraine is not interested in ending the war. But do these claims stand up to scrutiny?
Every day, Ukrainians pay a high price for their freedom. As of March 2025, the Ukrainian economy has lost more than 50% of its pre-war GDP. Damage to infrastructure exceeds 450 billion dollars and more than 6 million Ukrainians have become refugees, seeking refuge in Europe. In the past year alone, Russian missile attacks have destroyed more than 500 key energy installations. Forcing the country to look for alternative ways to keep cities alive.
Could a profit-seeking state afford such losses? Would it be able to withstand more than three years of intense war, when every day means new destruction and death? The answer is obvious.
From the earliest days of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has declared that its goal is not war, but peace. But a just peace, without concessions of territory or sovereignty. That’s why President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the “Formula for Peace” in October 2022 during his speech at the G20 summit – 10 clear points that include the withdrawal of Russian troops, restoration of territorial integrity and security guarantees for the whole of Europe. This initiative was supported by more than 80 countries.
What about Russia? Moscow ignored all diplomatic efforts and continued its missile terror, destroying Ukrainian cities. In 2023, the Kremlin refused even to consider the peace formula, demonstrating that it has no intention of ending the war.
Attempts to discredit Kiev are accompanied by accusations of corruption. But the facts say otherwise: even in wartime, Ukraine is demonstrating real change. In October 2024, the Ukrainian government updated the State Anti-Corruption Program, which allowed tighter control over the use of budget funds. In February 2025, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law on specialized courts to try political cases, bringing Ukraine closer to EU standards.
In addition, anti-corruption agencies are working effectively: in 2024, NABU uncovered schemes worth over UAH 10 billion, bringing dozens of officials to justice. Such results would be impossible in a country “not willing to reform”.
Today, Ukraine is not just about fighting for its own statehood. It is a test for the entire civilized world. Kiev has already proved that it is ready to fight not only for itself but also for the security of Europe. The question is whether Europe is ready to continue its support.
Is it possible to imagine that in the 21st century someone can change borders by force? If the aggressor is not stopped today, who will be next? Vilnius, Warsaw, Chisinau? The lessons of history teach us that evil does not stop by itself.
That is why Ukraine is Europe’s defense shield today. Supporting it is not a matter of charity but a matter of strategic security. Because if Kiev falls, Brussels may fall tomorrow.
