On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, visited the capital. Her visit underscored the unwavering support for Ukraine from the European Union in financial and military spheres, as well as during this challenging winter period.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Visit of European Leaders to Kyiv
In addition to Ursula von der Leyen, other high-ranking officials also arrived in Kyiv: President of the European Council António Costa, President of Finland Alexander Stubb, the heads of government of Croatia, Latvia, Estonia, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Minister of Defense of Lithuania, representatives of international organizations, and delegations from various countries. According to the President’s Office, Volodymyr Zelensky, along with foreign guests, will participate in a prayer for Ukraine and a commemoration of fallen soldiers. The guests will also visit an energy infrastructure facility that was destroyed as a result of Russian shelling. A meeting of the Coalition of Willing and a summit titled “Ukraine – Countries of Northern Europe and the Baltic” is planned to take place in Kyiv.
“In Kyiv for the tenth time since the start of the war. To reaffirm that Europe is an unwavering supporter of Ukraine — financially, militarily, and throughout this harsh winter. To emphasize our steadfast commitment to Ukraine’s just struggle. And to send a clear signal to both the Ukrainian people and the aggressor: we will not yield until peace is restored. Peace on Ukraine’s terms,” wrote the head of the European Commission.
Negotiations to End the War and Europe’s Position
The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, recently emphasized that concessions for a peaceful resolution of the conflict should be demanded from Russia, not Ukraine. He highlighted that steps from the Russian Federation are needed to stop the war and prevent its escalation. Borrell also expressed doubts about the optimism of the chief U.S. negotiator, Steve Vitkoff, regarding a possible breakthrough in negotiations, pointing to the Russian side’s unwillingness to make political decisions.
In January and February, several rounds of trilateral meetings took place between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia regarding the cessation of the war. Although specific results have not yet been reported, during the negotiations on February 5, an agreement was reached on the exchange of prisoners of war — the first in the last five months.
Special envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, Stephen Vitkoff, stated in an interview with Fox News that he expects “good news” in the coming weeks. He also does not rule out the possibility of a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.