Commemorating the third anniversary of Russia’s repeated invasion of the country, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the resistance and heroism of Ukrainians.
Zelenskyy talked about “three years of resistance. Three years of gratitude, three years of Ukrainian absolute heroism.” He thanked everyone who defended and supported Ukraine’s fight against the aggressor.
The Ukrainian president said that on Monday, the 24th of February, leaders of 13 European countries and Canada will arrive in Kyiv. Another 24 will be joining them for a meeting remotely.
He said he hopes this meeting will be come the “turning point”, and invited Kyiv’s supporters to provide security guarantees
to prevent Russia from using any ceasefire to rearm and prepare for a new attack.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday when arriving in Kyiv by train that “we are in Kyiv today because Ukraine is Europe. Not only the fate of Ukraine is at stake in this fight for survival. It is the fate of Europe”.
European Council President Antonio Costa, blatantly accusing US President Donald Trump of not inviting Kyiv to negotiate an end to the war, wrote on “X” (formerly Twitter): “In Ukraine, about Ukraine, with Ukraine”.
In recent weeks, US President Donald Trump’s statements have caused alarm in Europe, questioning Zelenskyy’s legitimacy as president of Ukraine, as well as blaming Ukraine for causing the war. Trump has also starting holding negotiations with Russia without the involvement of Ukraine or Europe.
On Sunday, the 23rd of February, Zelenskyy said he is prepared to resign if this ensures Ukraine’s accession to NATO.
Moscow, on the other hand, insists that it will not accept Ukraine’s membership in NATO, nor will it abandon the occupied territories in the east and south of Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron have a meeting scheduled in the White House on Monday. Macron says he plans to advise his American colleagues “to not look weak in front of Putin”.