1,000 days of Ukraine’s resilience 
On Nov. 19, Ukraine marks 1,000 days since the start of the war. At the time, it was announced by the Kremlin as an allegedly preventive and unavoidable measure to protect Russia’s security interests.
It rang true with nobody in my opinion. Russia’s actions have inflicted vast human cost and devastation with no justification under international law.
Back in February 2022, nobody believed that the Ukrainian statehood would survive. But the courage of our people and international solidarity with our country proved this entirely wrong.
Ukraine mobilized internally and, with unprecedented bravery, inspired the world to stand by the principles of the UN charter regarding territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Now, 1,000 days later, Ukraine remains steadfast on three principal platforms — we maintain military posture and capabilities in defense of our people and land from occupiers; multilateral diplomacy is relentlessly advanced and based on a principle of “peace through strength;” incredible efforts are constantly implemented to keep our economy running, ensuring basic social standards for every citizen and at the same time honoring our foreign trade.
This strategic concept allowed us to transform Ukraine’s defense forces into a high-tech and combat-worthy national power to stand against a formidable nuclear Russia. Ukraine’s diplomacy earned global recognition through President Zelensky’s Peace Formula, which is aligned with international law and is a foundation for the resolution of multiple crises globally.
We never compromised our status as a food security guarantor, even during the war, harvesting and delivering Ukraine’s grain to the destinations most in need, including the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.
What has Russia achieved so far?
Hundreds of thousands of Russian troops are being killed and wounded in Ukraine. Russian armament and weapons systems have no decisive effect against Ukrainian defenders and against civilian populations and assets.
Russian politics generated sanctions and the Kremlin’s broad isolation, leading to nowhere but a gradual decline of the domestic economy and loss of credibility as a foreign trade partner.
The Russian leadership has had warrants issued against it by the International Criminal Court for crimes committed in Ukraine, and this would be the case for everyone who came with arms to our land. War crimes have no statute of limitations.
The 1,000 days of Ukraine’s resilience is also a good time to pay tribute to our international friends and partners. Their commitment has been incredible.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always maintained its political position in accordance with international law, at the same time providing generous humanitarian assistance to Ukrainian civilians affected by the ramifications of the war.
Of particular note, the Kingdom played a key role in advancing security consultations within the scope of President Zelensky’s Peace Formula and displayed its readiness to fulfill the mediation function, being especially dedicated to humanitarian issues.
We do believe in the power of Saudi diplomacy and cohesion of all Gulf Cooperation Council member states to re-establish a just and lasting peace, thus turning global security challenges into global economic opportunities for nations to flourish.
Our commitment to working alongside each other is unwavering.
— Anatolii Petrenko is Ukraine’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia. X: @AmbUkraineKSA
