TODAY MARKS THE fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II which has cost tens of thousands of lives.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin condemned Russia’s “unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression” against Ukraine on today’s anniversary.

“It is a brutal conflict in which Russia has shown an absolute disregard for human life and international law,” he said in a statement.

He said he will attend a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing later today – a group of 34 countries who have pledged strengthened support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

He and other leaders will reaffirm their support for Ukraine and commitment to peace.

“As we mark this most awful of anniversaries, let us be clear – the war could end in the morning if Russia stopped attacking Ukraine,” he said.

“Until that day comes, we are proud to stand with Ukraine, politically, economically, militarily and diplomatically.

“I firmly hope that the current negotiations can result in peace for Ukraine – a peace that is durable, credible and consistent with international law.”

He said Russia has “tried and failed to break the spirit” of the Ukrainian people, adding that Putin underestimated the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people and the strength and unity of Europe.

“In Ireland we have welcomed 120,000 Ukrainians seeking sanctuary in Ireland since the war began – 84,000 of whom are currently in the country.  Irish people have opened their hearts, their homes and their communities to a people in need and the Ukrainians who have come here have made an immense contribution to the communities in which they live.  We will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

“Slava Ukraini!” he added.

Meanwhile, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen was in Kyiv to mark the occasion, posting a video saying she was visiting for the tenth time since the war began to reaffirm that Europe stood “unwaveringly with Ukraine, financially, militarily, and through this harsh winter”.

“And to send a clear message to the Ukrainian people and to the aggressor alike: we will not relent until peace is restored. Peace on Ukraine’s terms,” she said.

She is expected to take part in a “commemoration ceremony” and visit a Ukrainian energy facility damaged by Russian strikes before meeting President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Von der Leyen will also take part in a videoconference with Kyiv’s allies, including Britain, France and Germany.

European leaders including Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson have also arrived in Ukraine for the anniversary.

With additional reporting from AFP