European leaders gathered in Kyiv on Monday to commemorate the third anniversary of Russia's unprovoked war against Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the conflict's unjust origins, labeling it "absolutely unprovoked" and stressing the importance of maintaining unity between the United States and Europe. As global support remains crucial, the war-torn nation looks to its allies for continued assistance.
The international community's financial support has been significant, with the Kiel Institute for the World Economy reporting that the United States has provided approximately $119 billion to aid Ukraine's efforts. Additionally, the European Union and its member states have contributed €135 billion ($141 billion) since February 2022. Despite this backing, European leaders held an emergency meeting in Paris to discuss enhancing Europe's security in the absence of U.S. involvement.
President Zelensky expressed hope that the U.S. would continue its support for Ukraine while acknowledging the necessity of European unity. Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, underscored the ongoing threat by stating that Russia's leader still aims for Ukraine's capitulation, driven by "no reason except Putin’s imperial obsession."
On the diplomatic front, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna revealed that teams from Kyiv and Washington are in the final stages of negotiating a minerals agreement. However, a Ukrainian source familiar with the talks noted that the U.S. is "very much resisting the inclusion of security guarantees" in the agreement. The same source confirmed progress by stating, "Everything is ready from our side," and "We have finalized the draft. We have done as much as we can to make the conditions reasonable."
In contrast, former U.S. President Donald Trump recently criticized Zelensky, reiterating Russia's false claims that Kyiv initiated the conflict. Trump also called for measures to "ensure the American people recoup the Tens of Billions of Dollars and Military Equipment sent to Ukraine, while also helping Ukraine’s economy grow as this Brutal and Savage War comes to an end."
Despite external pressures, Ukrainians remain defiant in their resistance against Russian aggression. Taras Berezovets, a major in Ukraine’s army, highlighted this resilience by mocking President Putin's initial plans to occupy Kyiv within three days, noting that Russia is now in its fourth year of war. On Kyiv's streets, citizens like Anna Anisimova express reliance on European support, stating, "We need help, but of course from our European partners. I’m not counting on America."
Zelensky shared a poignant video depicting top European leaders placing lanterns at a Kyiv memorial adorned with flags of Ukraine and its allies. This symbolic act underscores international solidarity as Ukraine continues its fight for sovereignty.
In diplomatic circles, tensions arose when the U.S. abstained from voting on its resolution at the United Nations General Assembly after amendments were introduced to strengthen language against Russia and uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Furthermore, talks between the U.S. and Russia in Saudi Arabia excluded Ukraine, causing concern among Ukrainians about losing faith in American alliance.
Ordinary Ukrainians like Yuriy Bilopolsky voiced disillusionment with American support, stating, "We were hoping for America, but now they are just giving us up and that’s it." He added that Europe is only now awakening from its post-World War II slumber.
