Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised his nation’s resilience and bravery on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, as European leaders gathered in Kyiv to show their support. Russia’s invasion, which President Vladimir Putin labeled a “special military operation,” ignited the largest conflict in Europe since World War II. Thousands of soldiers and Ukrainian civilians have lost their lives, entire cities have been destroyed, and millions have been displaced.
While the West has largely supported Ukraine, Zelensky’s position is now challenged by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House, which threatens to undermine vital military and financial backing at this pivotal moment in the conflict. Russian forces continue their advance in eastern Ukraine, and Moscow has grown emboldened by Trump’s outreach to the Kremlin and skepticism regarding long-term support for Kyiv.
On Monday, Zelensky marked “three years of resistance, three years of gratitude, and three years of absolute heroism” by Ukrainians, expressing his thanks to all those defending and supporting the country. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who arrived in Kyiv by train, emphasized that Ukraine is fighting “for survival,” with Europe’s future at stake.
The European Union imposed a new round of sanctions on Russia, targeting its “shadow fleet,” entities aiding unsafe oil tanker operations, drone technology suppliers, banks circumventing sanctions, and pro-Russian propaganda outlets, according to EU diplomat Kaja Kallas. In a subtle rebuke to Trump’s stance on sidelining Ukraine, EU Council President Antonio Costa declared: “In Ukraine, about Ukraine, with Ukraine.”
Leaders from Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Spain, and Sweden arrived in Kyiv, showing solidarity with Ukraine. Zelensky revealed that 13 leaders were in Kyiv, with 24 more joining a special online meeting, and expressed hope that it would mark a “turning point” in the war. He reiterated his call for security guarantees from Ukraine’s allies to prevent Russia from rearming during any ceasefire.
Zelensky also offered to resign if it would lead to NATO membership for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin reiterated its refusal to cede territories it has captured in eastern and southern Ukraine and rejected Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. Trump has urged both Russia and Ukraine to reach a swift end to the conflict, raising concerns in Kyiv and across Europe. Trump has resumed diplomacy with Moscow, speaking with Putin for 90 minutes and sending U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Saudi Arabia.
On the battlefield, Russian forces have made gains, but Ukraine claimed to have struck a Russian oil refinery southeast of Moscow in a recent drone attack deep behind enemy lines.
French President Emmanuel Macron, scheduled to meet with Trump in Washington later Monday, plans to assert that Europe cannot afford to be weak in the face of Putin’s aggression.
European leaders are grappling with the impact of Trump’s stance on Ukraine, which has questioned not only U.S. support for the war but also the long-standing transatlantic security ties between the U.S. and Europe.
Ukrainian soldiers in the east expressed concern over Trump’s push for a ceasefire, fearing the worst might be yet to come. “The bloodiest moments always come before a truce,” said Andrii, a 25-year-old soldier in eastern Ukraine. “We don’t count the days, weeks, or numbers in this war,” added Mykola, a 38-year-old commander in Donetsk. “I don’t want to give up Ukrainian lands … we’ve been fighting for so long. But everyone is tired of the war.”
AFP
