European Leaders in Kyiv Mark Third Anniversary of Ukraine War; US Officials Abstain

President Volodymyr Zelensky marked the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Monday, hosting European leaders in Kyiv.

The gathering included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and leaders from Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Spain, and Sweden.

Leaders from Britain, Germany, Japan, Poland, Turkey, and others joined via video. However, no senior U.S. representative attended.

Von der Leyen stated that Ukraine could join the European Union before 2030 if it maintains its pace of reforms.

Tensions rise over US-Ukraine relations.

Trump has drawn criticism for his approach to Ukraine since returning to office. Last week, he called Zelenskiy a “dictator,” further straining relations.

His administration has also indicated that the US is no longer primarily focused on Europe’s security, leaving European allies concerned about their defense commitments.

3rd anniversary of #Russia‘s brutal full-scale war—three years of attempts to destroy #Ukraine and our nation.

Proud to stand with my people, who have shown extraordinary resilience, courage, and faith. Despite daily terror, our spirit remains stronger than ever.

Ukraine has… pic.twitter.com/5V9k2gmwRv

— Olga Stefanishyna (@StefanishynaO) February 24, 2025

During a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump said Zelenskiy might visit Washington soon to finalize a minerals agreement between the two countries. He described the deal as “very close” and suggested that the war in Ukraine could end within weeks, though he did not elaborate.

The minerals agreement, a crucial part of Kyiv’s strategy to maintain U.S. support, has faced significant hurdles. Ukraine seeks stronger security commitments, while Washington has resisted including such guarantees in the deal.

Dispute over mineral wealth deal

Zelenskiy previously refused to sign an early draft of the deal after the U.S. requested access to $500 billion of Ukraine’s natural resources. He argued that Ukraine had not received comparable aid levels and insisted on security provisions that Washington was unwilling to include.

A Ukrainian government official, speaking to Reuters, said Kyiv had sent final revisions to the US and was waiting for a response. “We see the issue of guarantees for the talks between presidents,” the source said.

“We hope both US and UA leaders might sign and endorse it in Washington the soonest to showcase our commitment for decades to come,” Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna wrote on X.

European leaders rally behind Ukraine

At the summit in Kyiv, Zelenskiy called for greater international support and unity against Russia. He warned that President Vladimir Putin would not offer peace voluntarily.

“This year should be the year of the beginning of a real, lasting peace. (Russian President Vladimir) Putin will not gift us this peace, nor will he give it to us in exchange for anything. We have to win peace with strength, wisdom and unity – with our cooperation,” Zelenskiy said.

European leaders reinforced their commitment to Ukraine, urging increased military aid and defense spending. The conflict, now in its third year, remains Europe’s largest war since World War II. Zelensky hails Ukraine’s ‘absolute heroism’ on the war’s third anniversary, vowing strength and perseverance against Russian invasion.