Ambassadors comment on the third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine

An official event was held in Nicosia to mark three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The gathering took place at the Pantheon and was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, on behalf of 20 embassies in Cyprus, representatives of the international community, journalists, and public figures.

The event was organised by the embassies of Ukraine, Poland, and Sweden in the Republic of Cyprus, with the support of the Sushko Foundation, which promotes cultural diplomacy and supports the Ukrainian diaspora abroad.

The programme featured a photography exhibition by Ukrainian and Polish photographers, an open discussion, and the premiere screening of the documentary ‘Can You Hear Me? The Invisible Battles of Ukrainian Military Medics’, directed by Francis Farrell and Olena Zashko. The film sheds light on the unseen front lines, where Ukrainian military medics work tirelessly to save lives in wartime and cope with the psychological toll.

The event was opened by the ambassadors of Ukraine, Poland, and Sweden, who emphasised the importance of continued international support for Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and democratic values.

Ambassador of Ukraine Ruslan Nimchynskyi said, "Three years of resistance. Three years of gratitude. Three years of absolute heroism of Ukrainians. Ukraine has shown incredible resolve in the face of Russian aggression, effectively resisting it through military, diplomatic, and informational efforts, backed by powerful international support. Now, more than ever, Ukraine needs your support to continue this fight for survival."

Ambassador of Poland Marek Szczepanowski said, “Three years after the outbreak of war, we are meeting today to protest against this unprovoked brutal aggression by Russia against Ukraine, to express our condolences and sympathy to the Ukrainians to whom this war has brought a tragedy that is difficult to describe, and to protest against the continued killing of innocent people by the Russian regime.

But above all, this event is an expression of our solidarity with the Ukrainian people and a sign of our unwavering support for Ukraine, whose soldiers are fighting heroically for their very existence against the Russian invaders. Ukrainians can be sure that, just as Poles have helped them unconditionally from the very beginning of Russian aggression, we will continue to do so, regardless of any circumstances.”

Ambassador of Sweden Martin Hagström said, “Today’s event serves to mark three full years since Russia launched its illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Three years of brutal war waged by Russia, but also three years of remarkable Ukrainian resilience and defence, and of strong and unwavering international support. Sweden stands with Ukraine, and we will now further bolster our support. We, all of us, should do everything we can to help Ukraine achieve peace through a position of strength.”

Speech by Oleksandr Teren

One of the key moments of the event was the speech by Ukrainian veteran and social leader Oleksandr Teren, who shared his personal experience from the front lines, spoke about the heroism of military medics, and underscored the importance of supporting Ukraine’s defenders.

"This war is reshaping not only our lives but the entire world. Today, I want to share not only our pain but also our determination. Ukrainians, like all of us, do not surrender in the face of danger. We are fighting for our future, and our mission is to bring peace back to all of us.

Our soldiers, medics, and everyone on the front lines are not just fighters. They are true professionals working on the battlefield, never backing down. But it’s crucial to understand that while we fight on the front, life does not stop. Across Ukraine and beyond, people continue to work, rebuild, and recover, helping each other.

We are grateful for the assistance we receive and know that your decision to help is not just about supporting Ukraine – it’s about preserving peace and stability worldwide. If the world truly believes in the values it proclaims, then it must act.

Our children deserve to grow up in freedom, our land must remain Ukrainian, and the occupiers must stay on their soil, far, far away. This is a fight for our country, our history, and our future. And the world must stand with us."

A documentary as a reflection of war

The screening of ‘Can You Hear Me?’ was a central part of the event. The film, which was partly filmed at a rehabilitation facility in Sweden, tells the stories of military medics who served on the front lines in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia and their rehabilitation during short respite programmes in Sweden.

"Our film gives voice to those who save lives while others fight. They face not only physical traumas but also deep emotional wounds. It is a story of strength, pain, and hope," said co-director Olena Zashko.

The film’s premiere sparked a lively discussion among attendees, highlighting the critical need to address the mental health of military personnel.

The event concluded with a discussion on the role of international aid in supporting Ukraine’s military and civilians.

This gathering reaffirmed that Ukraine’s fight for independence is a fight for the freedom of the entire democratic world. International unity and support remain crucial for victory and the country’s recovery.