EU leaders in Kyiv, Moscow rejects Trump’s push for swift ceasefire, competing UN votes scheduled.
Leaders from the European Union and Canada have gathered in Ukraine in a present of unity as Kyiv marks the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday hailed the “heroism” of his nation as he welcomed European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau amongst different senior officers. Nonetheless, there was no consultant from the US, amid rising uncertainty over Washington’s help.
“Three years of resistance. Three years of gratitude. Three years of absolute heroism of Ukrainians,” mentioned Zelenskyy. “I thank everybody who defends and helps it.”
European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s help for Ukraine.
“On this battle for survival, it’s not solely the future of Ukraine that’s at stake. It’s Europe’s future,” she wrote in a social media put up.
On the third anniversary of Russia’s brutal invasion, Europe is in Kyiv.We’re in Kyiv in the present day, as a result of Ukraine is Europe.On this battle for survival, it’s not solely the future of Ukraine that’s at stake.It’s Europe’s future.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu) 2025-02-24T05:18:04.584Z
Amid the threatened vacuum in US navy help, the 27-member bloc’s leaders are scheduled to satisfy on March 6 for a particular summit “to take choices” on Ukraine and European defence.
On Monday, a gathering of EU international ministers reportedly authorized a sixteenth bundle of sanctions in opposition to Russia.
Nonetheless, Hungary, whose chief Viktor Orban has remained near Russian President Vladimir Putin and has persistently difficult EU efforts to help Ukraine, mentioned it won’t again additional sanctions.
Overseas Minister Peter Szijjarto additionally mentioned his nation won’t conform to a lift in EU navy support.
Competing resolutions
The brand new confidence in Budapest is the results of US President Donald Trump’s push to pressure Ukraine to conform to a peace cope with Russia.
US officers met their Russian counterparts final week, whereas Trump and Zelenskyy have launched into a bitter spat by way of the media, with the US chief accusing Kyiv of beginning the struggle and questioning the Ukrainian president’s legitimacy.
One other showdown is anticipated on the United Nations headquarters in New York on Monday, as Washington and Kyiv desk competing resolutions earlier than the Basic Meeting.
Ukraine’s decision, backed by European allies, calls for a direct withdrawal of Russian forces whereas emphasising Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. The US proposal goals for a swift finish to the struggle with out explicitly mentioning Moscow’s aggression.
‘Unacceptable’
Nonetheless, Trump’s peace plan, which seems designed for instance his self-appointed position as a worldwide dealmaker, faces resistance on each side.
Russia mentioned on Monday that the fast finish to the struggle the UK is making an attempt to forge is “unacceptable”.
A ceasefire with out a long-term settlement “is the trail to a swift resumption of preventing and a resumption of the battle with much more critical penalties, together with penalties for Russian-US relations,” Moscow’s Deputy Overseas Minister Sergey Ryabkov mentioned, in line with the state-run RIA Novosti information company.
In the meantime, Ukraine signalled on Sunday that the break with the US is likely to be easing.
Kyiv mentioned a contentious proposal that may hand Washington $500bn value of income from Ukrainian uncommon minerals has now been taken off the desk, and that talks on a special deal are progressing.
Zelenskyy informed a discussion board in Kyiv that he would resign his put up if that meant peace was achieved.
“Should you want me to go away this chair, I’m prepared to do this, and I can also alternate it for NATO membership for Ukraine,” he mentioned.
