ISLAMABAD: Polish Ambassador Maciej Pisarski, Ukrainian envoy Markiian Chuchuk, German Ambassador Alfred Grannas and French Ambassador Nicolas Galey hosted an event of solidarity with Ukraine two years after the Russian invasion.

Held at the Polish embassy, the event was attended by diplomats and representatives of international and local organisations.

Speaking on the occasion, Ukrainian Ambassador Markian Chuchuk said: “Two weeks ago, on February 12th, 2024, the foreign ministers of France, Germany and Poland convened in the special format of the ‘Weimar Triangle’. Alongside significant decisions and statements, they expressed their intention to convene an enlarged ‘Weimar + Ukraine’ meeting of foreign ministers soon. Today’s Ukrainian event, hosted by the Polish embassy with the support of the German and French embassies, aligns with this intention.”

He said they had gathered here on a sombre occasion, marking two years since Russia launched its “unprovoked and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine”.

These have been two years of unimaginable suffering, shattered lives and a nation united in its strong resolve to defend its sovereignty and freedom,” he added.

The event included an exhibition ‘Generation of War’, showcasing pictures drawn by children from across Ukraine.

The guests also viewed the documentary ‘Culture versus War’, dedicated to the real-life story of Akhtem Seitablaev. Seitablaev is a famous director and producer of Crimean Tatar origin who voluntarily joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces in February 2022.

Polish envoy Maciej Pisarski said: “We are well aware that other conflicts have captured the attention of the public opinion and world’s media today. Magnitude of human suffering, including death of innocent children, in the Middle East has been heartbreaking.”

Mr Pisarski said there was a pressing necessity to address a tragic humanitarian situation in Gaza.

“Escalation and spilling over of the conflict in the region must be prevented and a renewed, credible political process aimed at the implementation of the two-state solution must be put in motion,” he said, adding that however, no cause or grievance can justify kidnappings of the civilians, terror and violence.

But we must not forget about Ukraine as well. The war there has been dragging on for far too long, longer than many expected, he said.

“This embassy has been trying to assist our Ukrainian friends in communicating the truthful meaning and understanding of their fight against the Russian aggression. We have collaborated with other like-minded partners. I am grateful to H.E. Markiian Chuchuk and his wonderful team for letting us be partners in putting this meeting together,” Mr Pisarski said.

The countries that form the Weimar Triangle - France, Germany and Poland - came together in 1991 to overcome divisions of the Cold War era and support Poland’s integration with the European and Euro-Atlantic institutions.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2024