On the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised his country’s resilience and heroism as European leaders arrived in Kyiv to show solidarity.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s so-called “special military operation” has resulted in Europe’s largest conflict since World War II, causing tens of thousands of military and civilian casualties, destroying cities in Ukraine’s south and east, and displacing millions.
Three years after Western nations united behind Ukraine and Zelensky, the return of Donald Trump to the White House has cast uncertainty over continued military and financial support. Russian forces continue to advance in the east, emboldened by Trump’s diplomatic engagement with Moscow and skepticism about long-term aid for Kyiv.
Zelensky marked the anniversary by emphasizing Ukraine’s unwavering resistance, thanking those who have defended and supported the nation.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, arriving in Kyiv by train, reaffirmed that Ukraine’s struggle was crucial to Europe’s future, declaring, “Ukraine is Europe.” Meanwhile, Brussels imposed new sanctions on Russia, targeting its “shadow fleet,” drone-related technology, and financial institutions aiding sanction evasion.
In a veiled criticism of Trump’s push to exclude Kyiv from discussions on ending the war, European Council President Antonio Costa stated, “In Ukraine, about Ukraine, with Ukraine.” Several world leaders, including those from Canada, the Nordic and Baltic nations, and Spain, traveled to Kyiv, while others joined a virtual meeting. Zelensky expressed hope that this gathering would mark a turning point, calling for security guarantees to prevent Russia from using a ceasefire to regroup and launch future attacks.
On Sunday, Zelensky even suggested he would step down if it secured Ukraine’s NATO membership. However, the Kremlin reaffirmed its refusal to relinquish occupied Ukrainian territories or accept Ukraine’s NATO accession.
Trump has pushed for a rapid resolution to the conflict, alarming Kyiv and European allies by resuming talks with Moscow. He recently held a 90-minute call with Putin and sent Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Saudi Arabia for discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Russian forces continued their advances, while Ukraine claimed a drone strike on a Russian oil refinery southeast of Moscow.
French President Emmanuel Macron, set to meet Trump in Washington, vowed to urge him not to show weakness toward Putin.
European leaders are grappling with Trump’s stance, which not only questions aid for Ukraine but also challenges longstanding transatlantic security ties.
On the front lines, Ukrainian soldiers voiced concerns over Trump’s push for a swift ceasefire, fearing intensified fighting before any truce.
A 25-year-old soldier named Andrii admitted feeling more anxious, while Mykola, a gun commander in Donetsk, stressed Ukraine’s determination to hold its ground despite the toll of the prolonged conflict. “We’ve been fighting for so long,” he said, “but everyone is tired of war.”
