On the 24th (local time), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) held an event at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, to mark the fourth year of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, reaffirming continued support and solidarity with Ukraine.

According to DPA, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said at the event, “It has been four years since an unforgivable war began,” and, “We remember today, and every day Ukraine has endured.” He added, “NATO has stood with Ukraine from the beginning, stands with it today, and will continue to do so through the challenges ahead.”

Rutte said that both civilians and soldiers in Ukraine are bearing the burdens of the war, stressing the continued need for military and humanitarian aid. He said that support for defensive capabilities, including air defenses to respond to air raids and to maintain the front line, is essential.

He said, “Promises of support alone cannot end the war,” and, “Ukraine needs ammunition every day until the bloodshed stops.” He called on allies to expand tangible support.

He also mentioned security planning for after the war. Rutte said, “Even if the fighting stops someday, peace must be maintained,” and that “a strong Ukrainian military must be postured for deterrence and defense, and allies such as Europe, Canada, and the United States must provide effective security guarantees.”

He also said, “The people of Ukraine deserve a just and sustainable peace,” and emphasized that “Ukraine’s security is our security, and without genuine peace in Ukraine there is no genuine peace in Europe.”

He called on Russia to enter negotiations sincerely. Aiming at President Vladimir Putin, he said, “Ukraine is still holding back Russia’s aggression, and despite Putin’s showmanship, Russia has not achieved its objectives on the battlefield,” and, “Putin must show through actions that he is serious about peace.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, “Putin has not achieved his goals and has not forced Ukrainians to submit,” and, “We have defended our independence and have not lost our statehood.” In a post on social media the same day, Zelensky wrote, “Behind the words ‘four years of war’ are millions of our people, their courage, and an almost unbelievable level of endurance.”