Every victim matters — terror against civilians must not go unanswered

On this International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, we solemnly honor all those who have suffered from acts of terror around the world, and today, we shine a spotlight on Ukraine, where Russian terror has become a daily reality.

These are not mere tragedies of war, they are deliberate acts of the Kremlin against Ukrainian civilians, calculated to inflict maximum pain and fear. As the people of Ukraine strive for moments of unity and normalcy, Russia’s regime has responded with a surge in missile and drone attacks, shattering homes, hospitals, and schools. In recent weeks, entire neighborhoods have felt the devastating impact of aggression designed not just to seize territory, but to break civilian spirit and defy the principles of humanity and law.

Terror persists when it is met with indifference or half-measures. Sorrow alone cannot heal wounds nor protect the innocent. In marking this day, we call on the international community to move beyond words and take resolute, concrete actions to end the suffering of victims, both in Ukraine and everywhere terrorism strikes.

As Paul Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress, has emphasized: “Now is the time for steadfast action. We call on all allies to continue standing with Ukraine, reinforcing the support that will lead to a just and lasting peace for all of Europe.”

The Ukrainian World Congress calls on its global partners and all governments to take urgent, decisive action by:

• Comprehensive international support for victims: Governments and organizations must ensure urgent medical, psychological, and material aid reaches all affected, and that survivors’ rights are protected and upheld long after the headlines fade.
• Real accountability for perpetrators: Each renewed assault on Ukrainian civilians must bring meaningful, immediate consequences. The architects and enablers of terror, from battlefield commanders to those facilitating supply chains, must face justice and real economic or legal penalties.
• Sustained efforts to safeguard civilians: Ukraine and all threatened nations must have the means to protect their people from aerial terror, through robust air defense systems and unwavering international solidarity.

Resilience must be matched with resolve. Every act of terrorism is an attack on our shared values and on the dignity of all people. Today, what should have been a moment to celebrate hope, and recovery serves as a warning: as long as terror is tolerated anywhere, no one is safe.

We mourn for the victims, but we will not let grief become paralysis. Let this day remind us that remembering is not enough. We must respond; the world must act with compassion, with justice, and with unyielding action.  

Stand with the victims. Stand for their future. Make every act of terror a call for unity, resolve, and decisive change.