As Ukraine marked the third anniversary of the Russian invasion, European leaders reaffirmed their support for Kyiv but voiced concerns about the ongoing conflict, particularly with the potential influence of President Donald Trump’s administration in peace negotiations.
Friedrich Merz, the newly elected leader of Germany’s conservative party, has consistently supported Ukraine.
Merz stated on social media that Ukraine must be empowered to achieve a strong negotiating position for a fair peace, emphasizing the need for the attacked country to participate in peace talks.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and some European leaders have objected to Ukraine’s exclusion from recent discussions in Saudi Arabia between U.S. and Russian diplomats aimed at resolving the war.
On Monday, a group of leaders from Europe and Canada visited Kyiv to commemorate the three-year mark of the Russian invasion that began on February 24, 2022.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were among those scheduled to attend anniversary events and discuss further support for Ukraine with Zelenskyy.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier emphasized the necessity of resolute support for Ukraine to ensure peace and freedom in Europe.
In a video message, Steinmeier affirmed Germany’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid, refugee protection, and military support, pledging continued assistance as long as the “illegal war” persists. He also reportedly planned to participate in a video summit hosted by Zelenskyy with leaders of supporting nations.
The anniversary occurs amidst increasing public friction between Trump and Zelenskyy.
Trump expressed his affection for Ukraine but criticized Zelenskyy’s performance.
Trump also labeled Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections” after Zelenskyy accused Trump of operating within a Russian-influenced “disinformation space.” Vice President JD Vance cautioned against publicly criticizing Trump, advising that such an approach is “an atrocious way to deal with this administration.”
John Bolton, Trump’s former national security advisor, described Trump’s comments as “shameful” and condemned the president for implying Ukrainian culpability in the war. Zelenskyy mentioned speaking with Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Sunday.
Last week, Trump spoke with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy. His envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Wednesday.
The European Union’s top diplomat insisted that the U.S. cannot finalize a peace agreement with Putin without the involvement of Ukraine and Europe.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also pointed to what she sees as pro-Russian viewpoints gaining traction within the Trump administration.
Kallas told reporters in Brussels that while discussions with Putin are permissible, any agreement concerning Europe or Ukraine must involve those parties as well.
Kallas is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Tuesday, noting that the “Russian narrative is there very strongly represented” in the U.S.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof stated that the recent “turbulent weeks” surrounding efforts to end the war have made European nations “face to face with history.”
He expressed hope that the start of the fourth year of the war would also mark the beginning of its end.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb stressed the need for Europe to firmly establish non-negotiable points in any discussions with Russia.
He declared that EU and NATO membership decisions are solely within the purview of the European Union and the alliance itself, respectively, and not subject to Russian influence.
Stubb predicted a future of “a European Ukraine” and eventual Ukrainian membership in NATO, emphasizing the importance of a unified European Union and a strong transatlantic alliance in paving the way for Ukrainian victory.
Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, suggested that Russia was “provoked” before the invasion of Ukraine due to increased discussions of
Czech President Petr Pavel stated remotely that Russia’s ultimate goal has always been “to wipe Ukraine as we know it off the map.”
Pavel commended the “unbreakable” resilience of the Ukrainian people, emphasizing that they deserve not only admiration but also “our full respect.” He added that while everyone desires peace in Ukraine, it should not come “at any cost.”
Dmitry Peskov, stated that Russia sees no possibility of resuming “dialogue with Europe” after the European Union imposed its 16th round of sanctions against Russia on the third anniversary of the invasion.
The new measures target Russia’s “shadow fleet” of ships used to circumvent restrictions on transporting oil and gas or carrying stolen Ukrainian grain, with 74 vessels added to the EU’s list.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the new sanctions also target “those who support the operation of unsafe oil tankers, videogame controllers used to pilot drones, banks used to circumvent our sanctions, and propaganda outlets used to spout lies.” Asset freezes and travel bans were imposed on 83 officials and entities, bringing the total to over 2,300 since the invasion began, including Putin.
Peskov interpreted the new sanctions as evidence that European nations believe the war should continue.
He contrasted this with ongoing efforts with the Americans to resolve “the conflict around Ukraine.”
Peskov welcomed “attempts by Washington to really understand what was the root cause of this conflict,” referring to Russia’s changing relationship with the U.S.
The U.N. General Assembly is expected to vote on resolutions: one is Ukraine’s European-backed proposal demanding an immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from the country, and another one is a U.S. call for a swift end to the war that does not mention Moscow’s aggression, the Associated Press reported.