Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed his country’s resilience and heroism on Monday as Ukraine marked three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion. European leaders arrived in Kyiv to demonstrate solidarity, underscoring the continued geopolitical stakes of the conflict.
The war, triggered by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s so-called “special military operation,” has led to the largest conflict in Europe since World War II, causing the deaths of tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians while displacing millions. Cities in Ukraine’s east and south have been devastated, yet Ukraine continues to resist.
Despite initial Western unity behind Kyiv, concerns have emerged as Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House threatens to shift U.S. support, putting military and financial aid in question at a critical moment. Russian forces continue to advance in eastern Ukraine, emboldened by Trump’s diplomatic overtures to Moscow and skepticism about long-term support for Kyiv.
Europe’s Commitment and New Sanctions
During her visit to Kyiv, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed that Ukraine is fighting for its survival and 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 wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The European Union marked the anniversary by imposing new sanctions on Russia, targeting its shadow fleet, financial networks, drone components, and state-controlled propaganda outlets, according to EU diplomat Kaja Kallas.
Meanwhile, EU Council President Antonio Costa rejected any peace deal excluding Ukraine, in a clear rebuke to Trump’s efforts to bypass Kyiv in diplomatic talks.
The leaders of Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Spain, and Sweden arrived in Kyiv, while 13 leaders attended in person and another 24 joined virtually for a special meeting.
Zelensky Pushes for Security Guarantees Amid Ceasefire Concerns
Zelensky has called for strong security guarantees from allies to prevent Russia from using a ceasefire to rearm and launch future offensives. On Sunday, he offered to resign if it meant securing Ukraine’s NATO membership—a move Moscow firmly opposes.
As Russian troops continue their offensive, Ukraine launched a drone strike on a Russian oil refinery southeast of Moscow, extending its long-range attacks beyond the battlefield.
Trump’s Influence and European Worries
Trump’s renewed diplomacy with Russia has raised alarms in Kyiv and across Europe. He recently held a 90-minute call with Putin and sent Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Saudi Arabia for talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Ahead of his meeting with Trump in Washington, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for a firm stance against Putin.
“You cannot be weak in the face of President Putin,” Macron warned.
Trump’s push for a quick ceasefire has unsettled Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines. Andrii, a 25-year-old soldier, expressed concern, saying:
“The bloodiest moments always come before a truce.”
Similarly, Mykola, a gun commander in Donetsk, voiced his determination:
“I don’t want to give up Ukrainian lands … we’ve been fighting for so long. But everyone is tired of the war.”
As the war enters its fourth year, Ukraine remains at a pivotal crossroads, facing ongoing Russian advances, shifting global alliances, and uncertain Western support.
AFP
