Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has celebrated his nation’s “resistance” and “heroism” on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, coinciding with the arrival of EU leaders in Kyiv to express solidarity.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s choice to initiate what he termed a “special military operation” ignited the most significant conflict in Europe since World War II.
Countless soldiers from both sides, along with Ukrainian civilians, have lost their lives, cities in the southern and eastern regions have been devastated, and millions have been compelled to abandon their homes.
However, three years after the West unified in support of Ukraine and Mr. Zelensky, Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House poses a challenge to this alliance and raises doubts about essential military and financial assistance at a crucial moment in the conflict.
Mr. Zelensky praised “three years of resistance. Three years of gratitude. Three years of absolute heroism of Ukrainians”.
“I am grateful to everyone who defends and supports it,” he further stated.
Read more: The third year of the Ukraine war in facts and figures
Arriving in Kyiv via train, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remarked that Ukraine was battling “for survival” and emphasized that Europe’s “destiny” was at risk in Ukraine.
“We are in Kyiv today, because Ukraine is Europe. In this fight for survival, it is not only the fate of Ukraine that is at stake. It’s Europe’s destiny,” she commented in a post on X.
In an apparent critique of Donald Trump’s attempts to exclude Ukraine from discussions aimed at resolving the conflict, EU Council President Antonio Costa stated: “In Ukraine, about Ukraine, with Ukraine.”
Firefighters tackle a fire at a building following bombings in the eastern Ukraine town of Chuguiv on 24 February 2022, marking the day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Zelensky described the Kyiv gathering as a ‘turning point’
Mr. Zelensky indicated that 13 leaders would be present in Kyiv, with an additional 24 participating in a special virtual meeting.
The Ukrainian president expressed hope that this would serve as a “turning point”.
He is advocating for security guarantees from Ukraine’s allies to ensure that Russia cannot use any ceasefire as an opportunity to regroup and launch future attacks.
Recently, he even suggested he would resign if it would lead to Ukraine receiving NATO membership.
On the eve of the anniversary, the Kremlin reiterated its stance that it would not surrender the territories it has seized in Ukraine’s eastern and southern regions.
On the 3rd anniversary of Russia’s brutal invasion, Europe stands united in Kyiv.
We are in Kyiv today because Ukraine is integral to Europe.
In this battle for survival, the stakes extend far beyond just Ukraine.
It’s a matter of Europe’s future. pic.twitter.com/s0IaC5WYh6
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 24, 2025
Russia has also stated it would oppose any Ukrainian entry into NATO.
Donald Trump is advocating for a quick resolution to the war for both Ukraine and Russia.
His renewed diplomacy with Russia has raised concerns in Ukraine and throughout Europe, as he engaged in a 90-minute phone call with Vladimir Putin and sent Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Saudi Arabia to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
EU imposes new sanctions on Russia
Meanwhile, the EU has enacted a fresh set of sanctions targeting Russia’s military efforts.
This marks the 16th round of sanctions imposed by the 27-nation bloc since Moscow initiated its full-scale assault on Ukraine on 24 February 2022.
“This new round of sanctions specifically targets Russia’s shadow fleet, as well as entities supporting unsafe oil tankers, video game controllers used to pilot drones, banks circumventing our sanctions, and propaganda outlets spreading falsehoods,” stated EU’s chief diplomat Kaja Kallas.
The new measures impose restrictions on Russian aluminium imports and blacklist 74 vessels from the so-called “shadow fleet” exploited by Russia to evade oil export limitations.
“There is no ambiguity about who the aggressor is, who must be held accountable for this war,” Ms. Kallas asserted.
“As negotiations advance to conclude Russia’s aggression, we need to position Ukraine as strongly as possible. Sanctions provide essential leverage.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among the leaders who arrived in Kyiv today.
Macron scheduled to meet Trump in Washington
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit Washington later to discuss matters with Mr. Trump.
He conveyed intentions to inform the Republican: “You cannot show weakness in the face of President Putin.”
Europe finds itself scrambling to respond, as Mr. Trump and his administration question not only support for Ukraine but also long-established transatlantic security cooperation with vital European allies.
Ukrainian soldiers stationed in the east expressed apprehension regarding Donald Trump’s call for a swift ceasefire.
“It frightens me more. Because the bloodiest moments often occur just before a truce,” remarked Andrii, a 25-year-old soldier in Ukraine’s military in the east.
“In this war, you cease to count days, weeks, numbers, or dates,” said Mykola, a 38-year-old gun commander stationed in the eastern Donetsk province.
“I don’t want to lose Ukrainian territory … we have fought for so long,” he told AFP prior to the anniversary.
“Yet, everyone is weary of the war.”
