Bucha endured 33 days of Russian occupation. Terror, torture, 33 days of total evil. More than 600 Ukrainian men and women were killed. Very often, the images from Bucha are compared to the horrific scenes of World War II. But there is a major difference – and today it does not reflect well on current world leaders. Because Nazism was punished for its crimes, not granted partial sanctions relief. No crisis or destabilization in the world can justify this.
We must not forget or dismiss everything Ukraine has endured during this time. The catastrophe of every city and village into which Russia has brought its war and death. Bucha, Irpin, Borodyanka. Mariupol, Yahidne, Avdiivka. Olenivka, Vuhledar, Chasiv Yar – and many others. From the first Bucha Summit until today, this list has only grown.
This means one thing: we need far more determination, far more pressure on Putin and Russia, and far more real actions and steps that bring the victory of peace and justice closer.
I said this while addressing the participants of the 2026 Bucha Summit.