A rally in support of Ukraine was held in Ljubljana on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion as Slovenia's most senior politicians reiterated the country's continued commitment to Ukraine and again condemned Russian aggression.

The rally, organised by the Ukrainian community in Slovenia and the Ukrainian embassy in Ljubljana, heard the speakers thank Slovenia for its help and ask for further military support and additional sanctions against Russia.

Several hundred people gathered in front of the Modern Gallery, walked past the Russian embassy before proceeding to Congress Square where they were addressed by officials and Ukrainian refugees.

"We will never surrender. This is the only message we must give to Putin," Vojko Volk, a state secretary at the prime minister's office, said, pledging for Slovenia to continue to stand with Ukraine.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Slovenia Andriy Taran expressed confidence in Ukraine's victory but called on all international partners not to stop supporting his country.

"This large-scale war has been going on for two years. The world is now watching in horror as the Russian regime destroys Ukrainian cities, kills Ukrainian civilians, destroys Ukrainian culture and commits genocide against the Ukrainian people. Every day Ukraine is losing the lives of its sons and daughters who are fighting for the future of their country and their children," he said.

President Nataša Pirc Musar, Prime Minister Robert Golob and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon all issued special messages to mark the occasion, condemning Russia's blatant disregard for international law.

Golob stressed that Slovenia, together with its allies, is unequivocally committed to peace and a peaceful solution to the conflict. "We are united in the efforts to defend freedom and achieve just and lasting peace in Ukraine," he added.

Referring to the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Golob said that if his "death is a message about what the world's prospects for peace may be, then it is a horrifying message."

Taking part in a dedicated UN Security Council session on the eve of the anniversary, Fajon demanded for Russia's forces to withdraw from Ukraine, labelling its arguments in trying to justify the attack on Ukraine as "fairy tales".

She promised for Slovenia to continue to warn about this aggression and demand that it be stopped, and will make the effort to seek "full accountability for a long list of atrocities and other international crimes."

She expressed Slovenia's gratitude to the Ukrainian people for their courage and resolute defence of their homeland, adding that Slovenia shares their vision of a just, lasting and sustainable peace.

Similar messages were sent out at an event for the diplomatic corps on the eve of the anniversary with President Nataša Pirc Musar underscoring that the international community must not accept a war outcome in which Ukraine would not have an equal say.

"Slovenia is committed to ensuring that all those responsible for crimes committed on the territory of Ukraine are held accountable," she said, pledging for Slovenia to also help Ukraine deal with the consequences of the war once it is over.

"We will continue to help Ukraine as long as it is necessary. We will provide shelter for Ukrainian refugees and assistance in humanitarian demining, psychosocial and medical rehabilitation. We will support Ukraine on its path to the EU and in rebuilding the country," Fajon told the event in a video address.