Leaders from the European Union and Canada have gathered in Ukraine to show solidarity as Kyiv marks the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the courage of his country as he welcomed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, along with other high-ranking officials. However, there was no representative from the United States present, raising concerns about Washington’s support.
“Three years of resilience. Three years of appreciation. Three years of incredible bravery from Ukrainians,” said Zelenskyy. “I thank everyone who defends and supports us.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s backing for Ukraine.
“In this battle for survival, it’s not just Ukraine’s future that’s at stake. It’s Europe’s destiny,” she wrote on social media.
As the US military support for Ukraine comes into question, the leaders of the 27-member bloc will convene on March 6 for a special summit to make decisions on Ukraine and European defense.
On Monday, EU foreign ministers reportedly approved a 16th round of sanctions against Russia. However, Hungary, led by Viktor Orban, who has maintained close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stated that they will not support further sanctions.
Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto also declared that Hungary will not endorse an increase in EU military assistance.
The newfound confidence in Budapest is a result of US President Donald Trump’s efforts to pressure Ukraine into agreeing to a peace deal with Russia.
US officials met with their Russian counterparts last week, while Trump and Zelenskyy engaged in a public dispute, with the US leader accusing Kyiv of initiating the war and questioning the Ukrainian president’s legitimacy.
Another confrontation is expected at the United Nations headquarters in New York as Washington and Kyiv present conflicting resolutions to the General Assembly.
Ukraine’s resolution, supported by European allies, calls for the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces while emphasizing Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. The US resolution aims to bring a swift end to the conflict without explicitly mentioning Moscow’s aggression.
However, Trump’s peace plan, seemingly designed to showcase his role as a global negotiator, is facing opposition from both sides.
Russia stated on Monday that the swift resolution to the conflict proposed by the UK is “unacceptable.”
A ceasefire without a long-term solution “will only lead to a prompt resumption of hostilities and a worsening of the conflict with more severe consequences, including for Russian-US relations,” said Moscow’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov.
Amidst this, Ukraine indicated that tensions with the US may be easing. The contentious proposal to provide Washington with $500 billion in profits from Ukrainian rare minerals has been withdrawn, and talks for a different agreement are progressing.
Zelenskyy expressed his willingness to step down as president if it meant achieving peace.
“If stepping down from this position will bring peace, I am prepared to do so, and I am also willing to exchange it for NATO membership for Ukraine,” he stated.
