KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — On Monday, leaders from across Europe and Canada gathered in Ukraine’s capital to commemorate three years since Russia’s invasion. This visit highlighted their support for Ukraine during this difficult time. Notable attendees included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. They were welcomed at the train station by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andrii Yermak.
In a message on X, von der Leyen emphasized the importance of Ukraine to Europe’s future. She stated, “In this fight for survival, it is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake. It’s Europe’s destiny.”
The group also included European Council President Antonio Costa and prime ministers from Northern European countries and Spain. They planned to hold discussions with President Zelenskyy about Ukraine’s ongoing needs amid changing U.S. policies under Donald Trump.
Recognizing the shifting international landscape, Costa announced an emergency summit of EU leaders set for March 6, with Ukraine as a priority topic. He described the current moment as crucial for Ukraine and European security.
As the anniversary of the invasion approached, Zelenskyy faced a complicated situation, especially with Trump’s recent changes to the U.S. stance on the war. Many in Ukraine and Europe are concerned that Trump’s approach may be too lenient towards Russia. Recently, Russia’s foreign ministry confirmed plans for a direct meeting between Trump and Putin, which has heightened worries about a potential shift in American policy.
Amid these developments, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov announced ongoing discussions between Russia and the U.S. He indicated that multiple channels of communication were active.
European leaders are anxious that a U.S.-led peace effort might neglect Ukraine’s interests. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, stressed that any peace negotiations must include both Ukraine and Europe. She argued that Ukraine’s voice is essential in shaping any settlement.
Kallas is set to travel to Washington for discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where she will advocate for Ukraine’s interests. She pointedly remarked that the current messages from the U.S. seem to align with Russian narratives.
In response to Trump’s controversial claims about Ukrainian elections, Kallas defended Zelenskyy, noting that presidential elections cannot occur under martial law, a situation Ukraine is currently facing. She assured that elections would take place once martial law is lifted.
Additionally, following a victory in Germany’s elections, conservative leader Friedrich Merz reinforced the need to empower Ukraine. He stated that any peace deal needs to involve the nation under attack.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier echoed this sentiment, vowing continued support for Ukraine, insisting that peace and freedom in Europe rely on robust backing for the country.
On the sanctions front, the U.K. announced plans for new measures against Russia, aiming to cripple its military capabilities. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted that these actions target resources fueling the conflict in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron were headed to Washington to encourage Trump not to backtrack on support for Ukraine as peace talks evolve.
In the military arena, Ukrainian forces reported intercepting 113 drones launched by Russia in a single night. The overnight assault caused damage in several regions, including Dnipropetrovsk and Kyiv. This attack marked one of the largest drone offensives since the war began.
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