EU leaders gather in Kyiv on fourth anniversary of Russian invasion of Ukraine

(Patria) - Senior EU officials joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv today to mark four years since the Russian invasion, thereby confirming European support for the war-torn country.

However, internal divisions within the bloc regarding sanctions and financial aid could undermine the demonstration of unity.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and Zelensky laid candles at a monument on Independence Square for those who died fighting Russia and held a minute of silence for the victims of the war.



Earlier, Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska welcomed foreign officials at Saint Sophia Cathedral, where representatives of various religious denominations prayed for Ukraine's victory and a "just peace".

Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Zelensky said that around 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in four years, although observers estimate the number of dead to be much higher.

The United Nations claims that more than 15,000 civilians have been killed and another 41,000 injured in Europe's largest war since World War II.

Estimates based on Russian public data suggest that approximately 220,000 Russian soldiers have been killed, although Western and Ukrainian officials claim this number is significantly higher.

"Europe stands firmly with Ukraine - financially, militarily, and through this harsh winter," Von der Leyen posted on platform X upon arriving in Kyiv.

Costa praised the courage and determination of the Ukrainian people and said that Ukraine has made impressive progress towards European Union membership despite the war.

Von der Leyen and Costa traveled to Kyiv by train, joined by several leaders from member states, including Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, and the leaders of Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.



Zelensky said in a video message that Russian President Vladimir Putin has failed to achieve his goals.

- Looking back at the beginning of the invasion and thinking about today, we have every right to say: we have defended our independence, we have not lost our statehood. Putin has not achieved his goals - Zelensky said.

The anniversary of the war was overshadowed by the move by Hungary and Slovakia to block the European Union's 20th package of sanctions against Russia, as well as a €90 billion financial aid package for Ukraine.

The package, which includes €60 billion for the Ukrainian army, was expected to receive formal approval after EU leaders supported it in December.

However, Hungary, with the support of Slovakia, vetoed the measures, citing the interruption of Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline via Ukraine.

Budapest accuses Kyiv of blocking the pipeline for political reasons, while Ukrainian officials claim that disruptions since the end of January were caused by Russian bombing.

Zelensky called on the EU to approve the loan package, describing it as "a real financial guarantee of our security and our resilience".

Costa sharply criticized Hungary's stance, saying it is completely unacceptable for a member state to ignore agreements reached by EU leaders.

EU officials are expected to announce an emergency package of €100 million for Ukrainian energy infrastructure instead, which does not require Hungary's support.

Across Europe, heads of state and government and ministers marked the anniversary of the Russian invasion with promises of continued support.

The foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Poland released a joint video message praising Ukraine's indomitable spirit and promising to stand by the country for as long as necessary.



French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer organized a virtual meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing, a group of more than 30 countries supporting Ukraine.

In Germany, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul attended a prayer for peace at the French Cathedral in Berlin, while a solidarity rally was held at the Brandenburg Gate.

Similar events were held in other German cities.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin admitted that Russia has not yet achieved its war goals.

- The goals have not yet been fully achieved, so the special military operation continues - Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the state news agency TASS, using the official Russian term for the war.

Peskov added that Russia remains open to a diplomatic solution but insisted that its conditions are well known, accusing the West of wanting to destroy Russia as the conflict enters its fifth year.