Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine will not compromise the sacrifices made during four years of war in order to achieve peace with Russia. This statement came amid internal divisions among key allies during commemorations of the conflict’s beginning.
Efforts by European nations to reach a consensus on imposing new sanctions on Russia and providing a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine were hindered by Hungary’s veto, due to its close ties with Moscow. Hungary and Slovakia have accused Kyiv of intentionally obstructing Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, which Ukraine is currently working to repair after a recent Russian attack.
During ceremonies commemorating the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, President Zelensky hosted dignitaries from Western Europe, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Notably, major Western leaders were not expected to attend the event this year.
In a morning address, Zelensky declared that Putin had not achieved his objectives, emphasizing that the Ukrainian people remain unbroken and unconquered. He extended an invitation to US President Donald Trump to visit Kyiv, stating that firsthand experience of the nation’s struggles is essential to truly grasp the reality of the war.
The Kremlin stated that Russia has not yet accomplished all its goals in Ukraine and will persist in its military operations until they are fully achieved. Nato’s chief, Mark Rutte, underscored the necessity for Ukraine’s Western allies to increase their support in terms of military assistance, financial aid, and humanitarian relief to bolster Kyiv’s position against Russia.
The conflict in Ukraine has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties among soldiers on both sides, marking Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two. Russian forces have also been responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians and the destruction of Ukrainian cities through prolonged missile and drone attacks.
