Honourable senators, I rise today to recognize a grim anniversary. Two years ago from next week, on February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine. A Europe that had been at peace since the end of the Second World War now presents a threat to the free world and the entire international order.

After the fall of the Soviet Union and the achievement of Ukraine’s independence in 1991, Ukraine set out on a path toward democracy and an open society. Vladimir Putin despises this independent, Western-facing and democratic direction. His goal in invading Ukraine is to destroy this new Ukraine and return it to the dark days of authoritarian rule.

It has become clear over the past two years that if Putin can’t have Ukraine, he’ll try to make sure that Ukrainians can’t have it either. Consequently, we see the destruction that Russia has perpetrated. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have died or been injured since the invasion, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, estimates staggering losses on the Russian side — over 300,000 casualties, including 107,000 deaths — as, without remorse or regret, Putin uses his own citizens and other conscripts as cannon fodder.

In addition, the conflict has triggered a huge wave of displacement. One in four Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes by Russia’s war. There’s more: There have been violations of international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international criminal law. A crime of aggression was committed when Russia invaded the sovereign nation of Ukraine with no justification, which is a violation of the United Nations Charter. In addition, there are war crimes, crimes against humanity and evidence of genocide.

Ukrainians have fought tirelessly over the past two years, and Western allies, including Canada, have provided essential military, financial and humanitarian support. In the past year, Ukraine has taken back control of its Black Sea shipping routes and successfully repelled Russian missile and drone attacks. Recently, the European Union, or EU, unblocked €50 billion in aid to Ukraine.

However, there are troubling circumstances as well. Last year’s spring offensive by Ukraine achieved few gains, and Russia has ramped up its attacks and domestic production through support from countries such as Iran and North Korea — another axis of evil: Iran, North Korea and Russia. And there is the continuing drama south of the border as the U.S. Congress continues to stall an essential package of military aid.

This will be a critical year. Ukraine can be successful if it gets the support it needs to push back the current offensive. Colleagues, Canada must continue its steadfast support for Ukraine, and I, for one, know that Canadians are onside.

On Saturday, February 24, Canadians will rally in communities across this country in support of Ukraine in events organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. I will be there at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto. I hope that you, too, will show your support in rallies in your communities. Please let us stand with Ukraine.

Thank you, d’akuju.