Deputy Chief of Mission Michael L. Dickerson’s remarks at the Ukraine Solidarity Rally in Bucharest, Romania. August 24, 2024

Ambassador Prokopchuk,Ministers,Members of Parliament,My fellow diplomatic corps representatives,Ukrainian citizens in Romania,Ladies and gentlemen,   Thank you all for being here today to show your support for Ukraine: our neighbor, our partner, and our friend, who continues to face a brutal and unprovoked war of aggression from Putin’s Russia.   He didn’t think NATO would come together in such unity and that NATO allies would meet their fair share of the security burden. We doubled the number of NATO members spending at least 2 percent of GDP on defense – from 9 in 2021 to 23 Allies today. And NATO has added two incredibly capable Allies in Finland and Sweden. NATO is stronger than ever!   U.S. support for Ukraine is also stronger than ever.   As President Biden has made clear, the United States and the international coalition we have assembled will continue to stand with Ukraine.   Just this past week Assistant Secretary Jim O’Brien was in Kyiv for meetings. He met with Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and Foreign Minister Kuleba to discuss efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s integrated air defense, Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine’s civilian energy Infrastructure, and energy security before the winter. Assistant Secretary O’Brien underscored support for Ukraine’s commitment to reforms as it pursues its goal of greater Euro-Atlantic integration and emphasized the United States’ continuing support as Ukraine defends its sovereign territory against Russia’s ongoing brutal aggression.   The U.S. government has committed more than $90 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s invasion in February 2022. These funds have not only contributed to Ukraine’s military assistance, but also towards humanitarian, economic, and development assistance.   The United States recently announced its 10th military assistance package since April, including urgently needed weapons and equipment such as air defense interceptors and anti-tank weapons to support Ukraine’s military forces as they defend Ukrainian civilians and cities against Russia’s ongoing attacks.   I want to thank Ukraine for its courage and determination during this difficult time. The Ukrainian people have shown remarkable strength and resilience in the face of brutal Russian aggression.   My friends, we are here today to show our solidarity with Ukraine because we believe in its right to exist as a free and independent nation. We believe in Ukraine’s right to choose its own destiny without foreign interference or coercion. This is the Kremlin’s war of aggression against Ukraine, pure and simple. Always has been since the beginning.   But make no mistake about it: Russia can end this war of choice at any time by withdrawing from Ukraine.   We are here today to say to Ukraine: You are not alone. We all stand by your side. We will support you. We will help you. We are with you.   The spirit of Ukrainians cannot be destroyed. It has endured. It is unbreakable. And it is why Ukraine will succeed. Slava Ukraini!   Thank you!   (By U.S. Mission Romania)