Skopje, 24 February 2023 (MIA) - A year from the Russian military aggression in Ukraine, the bloody conflict that has brought humanitarian, economic, energy and security crises, conference "Ukraine - Year of Heroism" took place in Skopje on Friday.

Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj said 24 February 2022 showed that the European continent can be strong, stable and resilient only through unity.

"The Russian attack on Ukraine is an attack on the European values, and that is why it was easy for us to choose a side and be the first to align 100 percent with the EU's foreign policy. We are proud that North Macedonia has reaffirmed it stands side by side with its Euro-Atlantic partners as NATO member and a country negotiating with the EU," said Deputy PM Marichikj.

According to him, the region and Europe are facing a big test, "a test that we should pass, thus ensuring the stability and security of the European continent."

President Stevo Pendarovski said no aggression can be justified.

"There should be no hesitation by the democratic part of the world that all crimes should be investigated in detail, while culprits should face justice," said President Pendarovski.

He added that legitimizing aggression as means to an end is not only unlawful but also immoral in a world where human life is a fundamental value.

Speaker Talat Xhaferi said he was the first president of a parliament from the region to visit Kiev, to personally and institutionally voice support for the people and state of Ukraine.

"We are witnessing the awakening of ancient, dormant or maybe seemingly appeased aspirations. We are aware that greed to take what is not yours is heated in subtle ways. After so much suffering, lost lives and generations, it seems that mankind can't learn the lesson and be satisfied with what it has, to preserve it for future generations," said Xhaferi.

He added that the path to peace is at the table, talking on an equal basis.

"The sooner, the better. A peace treaty is not achieved if you see the other side through the sights of the weapon. Wounds are deeper as days go by, the fire is burning stronger and the anger is intensifying. Enough! No time should be waisted! It is now clear more than ever that EU enlargement with the countries of the Western Balkans is of enormous significance for the security, stability and democratic consolidation of the European continent. Let's not allow everything to turn into ashes, we have invested and sacrificed too much - we, our ancestors, their ancestors," noted Xhaferi.

Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska said today is an observance of 365 days of resistance, obstinacy, courage and perseverance in defending one's own territory.

"As a NATO member, North Macedonia has demonstrated it is firmly committed to supporting and aiding Ukraine," added Petrovska.

Returning from Ukraine only yesterday, she said feelings of horror, anger and sorrow accompanied her.

"Shattered homes, kindergartens, playgrounds. I saw the photos of the crimes perpetrated in Bucha, the killings and torture of innocent, unarmed civilians. Despite these horrendous images, I came back with the conviction that Ukraine will prevail," said Petrovska.

The event, organized by NGO Civil - Center for Freedom and the Embassy of Ukraine in North Macedonia, also included a screening of a short film, a photo exhibit and promotion of a book on Ukraine's heroic struggle.