A dozen European and Canadian leaders gathered in Kyiv on Monday to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, signaling continued international support despite growing concerns about U.S. policy changes under President Trump.
The delegation, which included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, was welcomed by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and presidential chief of staff Andrii Yermak at the Kyiv train station.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), von der Leyen underscored the significance of the visit, writing:
“Europe is in Kyiv because Ukraine is in Europe. In this fight for survival, it is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake. It’s Europe’s destiny.”
Other prominent attendees included European Council President Antonio Costa and the prime ministers of Spain and Northern European countries, who joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for discussions on military aid and diplomatic strategies.
In response to Trump’s shifting stance, Costa announced plans for an emergency EU summit on March 6 in Brussels, where Ukraine’s future will dominate the agenda.
“We are living a defining moment for Ukraine and European security,” Costa declared on social media, highlighting the urgency of the situation as European leaders attempt to counterbalance Trump’s approach.
Since assuming office, President Trump has promised to end the war quickly, raising concerns across Europe and Ukraine that his diplomatic efforts might favor Russia.
On Saturday, Russia’s foreign ministry confirmed that preparations for a face-to-face meeting between Trump and President Vladimir Putin are underway. U.S. officials also revealed that Washington had agreed to reestablish diplomatic ties and restart economic cooperation with Moscow.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that bilateral talks between Russia and the U.S. would continue next week, with “a lot of contact” already ongoing between the two powers.
In a swift response to concerns over Trump’s potential soft stance, the United Kingdom pledged new sanctions against Russia—described as the most extensive package since the war began.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized that these measures aim to weaken Russia’s military capabilities and cut off revenue streams that fund the war effort.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are both set to visit Washington this week in an attempt to persuade Trump to maintain strong support for Ukraine and resist concessions to Russia.
As diplomatic tensions rose, Russia escalated its aerial assaults on Ukrainian cities, launching a record 267 drones over the weekend. According to Ukraine’s air force, 138 drones were shot down across 13 regions, with 119 others lost in flight.
The Dnipropetrovsk, Odessa, Kyiv, and Khmelnytskyi regions faced significant damage, although specific details remain undisclosed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the assault as “the largest attack since Iranian drones began hitting Ukrainian cities and villages.”
The third anniversary of Russia’s invasion comes at a pivotal moment for Ukraine’s survival and sovereignty. With Trump’s new approach raising fears of a compromised peace deal, European leaders are moving swiftly to shore up support and assert their influence in the face of Russia’s aggression.
As diplomatic talks continue and military attacks escalate, Ukraine’s future remains uncertain, with the world watching closely how the U.S., Europe, and Russia navigate the next chapter of this ongoing conflict.
