Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has commended his nation’s resilience and bravery, as a host of European leaders gathered in Kyiv to reaffirm their support on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to launch what he termed a “special military operation” in 2022 sparked Europe’s largest conflict since World War II.
The war has claimed tens of thousands of lives, both military and civilian, devastated entire cities, and displaced millions.
Now, as Ukraine continues to resist Russian advances, a new challenge emerges. The return of Donald Trump to the White House has cast uncertainty over the international coalition backing Kyiv, with critical military and financial aid hanging in the balance.
Moscow, emboldened by Trump’s diplomatic outreach and skepticism toward sustained Western support, is making gains in eastern Ukraine.
Zelensky, reflecting on the nation’s endurance, declared, “Three years of resistance. Three years of gratitude. Three years of absolute heroism of Ukrainians. I thank everyone who defends and supports it.”
European Leaders in Kyiv, EU Strengthens Sanctions
In a show of solidarity, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv by train, emphasizing that Ukraine’s struggle is integral to Europe’s future.
“We are in Kyiv today, because Ukraine is Europe. In this fight for survival, it is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake. It’s Europe’s destiny,” she stated on social media.
Marking the occasion, the European Union imposed fresh sanctions on Russia, targeting sectors such as oil transportation, banking, and drone technology.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas explained that the latest measures focus on “the Russian shadow fleet but those who support the operation of unsafe oil tankers, videogame controllers used to pilot drones, banks used to circumvent our sanctions, and propaganda outlets used to spout lies.”
EU Council President, Antonio Costa, in an apparent response to Trump’s push for peace talks without Kyiv’s involvement, underscored the necessity of Ukraine’s presence at the negotiation table: “In Ukraine, about Ukraine, with Ukraine.”
The gathering in Kyiv included leaders from Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Spain, and Sweden, with an additional 24 leaders participating virtually.
A ‘Turning Point’ in the War
Zelensky described the high-level meeting as a potential “turning point” in Ukraine’s battle for survival. He has urged Western allies to provide security guarantees to prevent Russia from using any potential ceasefire to regroup and attack in the future.
On Sunday, he made a dramatic offer—stating he would step down if it ensured Ukraine’s membership in NATO.
Meanwhile, Moscow remains firm in its stance. The Kremlin reiterated that it will not relinquish captured Ukrainian territories and refuses to accept Kyiv’s bid for NATO membership.
Trump’s Push for a Ceasefire Raises Concerns
Trump has intensified efforts to broker a swift end to the conflict, sparking unease in Kyiv and across Europe. His recent 90-minute phone conversation with Putin and his decision to send Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Saudi Arabia for talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov have fueled speculation about Washington’s shifting stance.
As fighting continues, Ukraine launched another drone strike on Monday, targeting a Russian oil refinery southeast of Moscow—part of its ongoing strategy to strike deep into Russian-held territory.
Ukrainian Soldiers Fear Implications of a Ceasefire
French President, Emmanuel Macron, set to meet Trump in Washington, vowed to take a firm stance. “You cannot be weak in the face of President Putin,” he said ahead of his trip.
The uncertainty surrounding future U.S. support has left Ukrainian troops anxious.
“It scares me more. Because the bloodiest moments always come before a truce,” said Andrii, a 25-year-old soldier fighting in the east.
Mykola, a 38-year-old gun commander in Donetsk, shared his apprehension: “I don’t want to give up Ukrainian lands … we’ve been fighting for so long.” However, he acknowledged the toll of the prolonged war, adding, “But everyone is tired of the war.”
