The aim of the donors' conference was primarily to draw attention to the difficult humanitarian situation of the affected population in Ukraine and to express support for and solidarity with Ukraine. The conference was opened with introductory remarks by Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, European Council President Charles Michel, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In their speeches, the European leaders underlined their support for Ukraine and the importance of democracy and freedom. They also highlighted the huge humanitarian crisis and the number of refugees who have fled their homeland since the start of the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

"I would like to reiterate the importance and timing of the organisation of this conference. As we watch Russia's aggression against Ukraine, we are also witnessing the worst humanitarian crisis, but at the same time we are full of admiration for the Ukrainian people, who have demonstrated incredible courage, defending their homeland while also fighting for universal values: freedom and democracy," said Prime Minister Janša in his speech. "President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Shmyhal, the Government and the people of Ukraine, you are a great inspiration to us all," he added. "When the Polish and Czech Prime Ministers and I visited Kyiv in mid-March, we saw that Ukraine will never be defeated. The answer to the question of when the war in Ukraine will end lies more or less in your courage and our assistance. This is a winning combination," assessed the Prime Minister.

"I am proud that the European Union has shown a high degree of unity in its response to the Russian aggression, as well as effectiveness in providing assistance. We have stood up to the war, we will prevail and win," stressed Prime Minister Janša.

“We are looking forward to the day in the near future when we will welcome Ukraine as a full-fledged member of the EU,” the Slovenian Prime Minister said, thanking Poland and other countries neighbouring Ukraine for the hospitality they are showing to more than a million Ukrainian refugees. “More than 60.000 Ukrainian refugees transited through Slovenia and almost 6.000 Ukrainians found a shelter in Slovenia.  A few days ago, we welcomed 20 orphans who managed to flee the horrors of the war," the Prime Minister said.

“Our response matches our moral commitment. In addition to material and technical assistance and military donations, we have donated several million euros to various humanitarian organisations, and today we are increasing these donations by another million euros, mainly to UNICEF to help the Ukrainian people," the Prime Minister explained, adding that a special law on Ukraine was being prepared for submission to the parliamentary procedure, which would shorten procedures so that aid could reach Ukraine in time. “We remain in solidarity with Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine," concluded Prime Minister Janša.

At today's meeting, a number of leaders announced additional financial assistance to address urgent humanitarian needs, in line with humanitarian appeals and the humanitarian response plan. The Prime Ministers of Albania, Croatia, Finland, Georgia, Iceland, Slovakia and Romania, among others, addressed the participants, stressing the importance of the European perspective for Ukraine and that at this time solidarity is crucial for the Ukrainian people.

In their speeches, the Prime Ministers also emphasised the need to strengthen the resilience of the Ukrainian people and Ukraine's economic recovery after the war.

On the margins of the donors' conference for Ukraine, Prime Minister Janša met today in Warsaw with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. Their talks focused on further financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, and the importance of the energy independence of the EU.