European Leaders Unite in Kyiv to Support Ukraine on Invasion Anniversary
On Monday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez arrived in Kyiv to take part in an International Summit aimed at supporting Ukraine, marking three years since the onset of Russian aggression. Through a message on his X account, Sánchez reaffirmed Spain's commitment to the Ukrainian people amidst ongoing conflict. He is joined in the Ukrainian capital by prominent European leaders, including President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
Von der Leyen, who also reached Kyiv early Monday, shared her sentiments on social media, stating, "On the third anniversary of the brutal Russian invasion, Europe is in Kyiv. This fight is for survival, and not only is the fate of Ukraine at stake; the fate of Europe is also at stake."
Sánchez, Costa, and von der Leyen were welcomed by key Ukrainian officials, including Andriy Yermak, Chief of the Presidential Office, and Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga, as they gathered to discuss strategies for enhancing support for Ukraine during this critical juncture.
The simultaneous presence of Costa and von der Leyen in Ukraine coincides with a recent development in the international discourse surrounding the conflict; just six days ago, discussions took place in Saudi Arabia between the United States and Russia regarding the conflict, notably excluding both Kyiv and the European Union from negotiations. In a bid to ensure EU involvement in potential peace dialogues, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keri Starmer are set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington this week. Macron is expected to urge Trump to put pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept a genuine peace agreement with Ukraine, as opposed to merely settling for a ceasefire, reminiscent of the frequently violated Minsk agreements.
Meanwhile, the situation in Europe continues to grow increasingly urgent, as EU foreign ministers convening in Brussels are anticipated to officially endorse their sixteenth package of sanctions against Russia. Additionally, they will review proposals by Kaja Kallas, the head of European diplomacy, to establish a new fund dedicated to supplying Ukraine with essential military resources, including artillery ammunition and air defenses, while also aiming to replenish Ukrainian brigades.
The ongoing struggles faced by the Ukrainian people have had a profound impact on Ukrainians residing in Spain. Many have shared their sentiments with El HuffPost, expressing feelings of distress and psychological anguish as the war evolves and as international political dynamics shift—particularly due to Trump's diplomatic maneuvers. Despite these challenges, they declare their unwavering resolve to resist and support their homeland.
As the three-year mark of the invasion approaches, the commitment of European leaders, alongside the voices of the Ukrainian diaspora, underscores the necessity of steadfast support for Ukraine in its fight against aggression. The unity displayed at the Kyiv summit signals a collective determination to counter the threats facing not only Ukraine but the broader principles of democracy and security in Europe.
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