Ukraine Hosts European Leaders as US Support Wavers Three Years Into War
As Ukraine enters its fourth year of full-scale war with Russia, it hosted a gathering of European and international leaders on Monday. However, uncertainty looms over whether its strongest ally, the United States, will continue to provide the same level of support.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, labeling him an unpopular “dictator” and suggesting that Ukraine should quickly negotiate peace or risk losing the war. In response, Zelensky argued that Trump was influenced by misinformation.
Beyond the public exchange, the U.S. made a significant diplomatic shift last week by engaging in direct talks with Russian representatives in Saudi Arabia—excluding both Kyiv and European nations from the discussions.
Washington has also clarified that it will not deploy troops to Ukraine, even as Kyiv seeks security guarantees. This places the onus on European nations, which may struggle to meet Ukraine’s defense needs without U.S. assistance.
Zelensky has urged European countries to strengthen their own military forces while simultaneously appealing to Washington for pragmatic support. Over the weekend, he engaged in multiple phone calls with European leaders, strategizing a way forward.
Zelensky Calls for ‘Lasting Peace’ Amid Growing Challenges
During the summit in Kyiv, marking three years since the Russian invasion, Zelensky remained defiant. “Despite Putin’s so-called ‘three-day’ military operation, Ukraine is still standing, fighting, and has more allies than ever,” he told visiting dignitaries.
Attendees included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and leaders from Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Norway, Spain, and Sweden. Other nations such as Albania, the UK, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Japan, Moldova, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, and Turkey participated via video call. However, there was no immediate sign of U.S. representation.
Zelensky called for a lasting resolution, stating, “This year should mark the beginning of real and enduring peace. But Putin will not grant us peace freely or in exchange for concessions. We must achieve it through strength, wisdom, and unity.”
Von der Leyen echoed his concerns, warning that despite diplomatic efforts, Russian President Vladimir Putin remains determined to force Ukraine into submission. “Putin is more committed than ever to winning this war. His objective remains Ukraine’s total surrender,” she stated. She also emphasized that the war in Ukraine is Europe’s most significant crisis, with far-reaching consequences for the continent’s future.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has positioned himself as a potential mediator, reaffirmed his commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence. He stressed that any negotiations should be conducted fairly, with representation from both sides.
Tributes, Air Raid Sirens, and the Cost of War
As the international delegation paid tribute to Ukrainian soldiers killed in the war, they stood in silence before a memorial in Kyiv’s central square. Later, as discussions continued, air raid sirens blared, though no missile attack followed.
Von der Leyen took to social media, writing, “In this battle for survival, it is not just Ukraine’s fate at stake—it is the destiny of Europe itself.”
The war, which began on February 24, 2022, has caused immense devastation. Thousands of Ukrainian civilians have lost their lives, and over six million have been displaced, now living as refugees abroad. Military casualties on both sides remain closely guarded secrets, but estimates suggest hundreds of thousands have been killed or wounded.
The conflict has left an indelible mark on Ukraine, where military funerals have become routine, and sleepless nights due to air raid sirens have become the norm.
Russia’s Response and Ongoing Negotiations
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, during a visit to Turkey, reiterated Moscow’s stance, stating, “We will only cease hostilities when negotiations yield a firm and sustainable outcome that aligns with Russia’s interests.”
The Kremlin accused European nations of prolonging the war. “Europe continues its downward spiral of sanctions and remains convinced that the war must persist,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in response to new sanctions imposed by the European Union.
In Moscow, public sentiment remained defiant. Pensioner Irina Svetlichnaya, 77, told AFP, “Europe and Ukraine need to be reminded that they are not the most important powers in the world.”
Ukraine and Russia Reach Agreement on Kursk Evacuations
In a surprising development, Russia announced an agreement with Ukraine and the Red Cross to evacuate civilians from the contested Kursk region, parts of which have been under Ukrainian control for months.
Russian rights commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova confirmed that some civilians had already crossed into Ukraine’s Sumy region and were awaiting evacuation through Belarus. The Red Cross stated it was assisting evacuees but did not confirm the details of the agreement.
Ukraine has accused Russia of detaining thousands of Ukrainian civilians in occupied areas, while it continues to provide safe passage to Russian civilians from contested regions.
Military Struggles and Waning U.S. Support
Ukraine’s military continues to face significant challenges, particularly as doubts grow over future U.S. assistance. The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia launched 185 drones overnight, though no significant damage was inflicted. In retaliation, Kyiv targeted Russia’s Ryazan oil refinery, part of an ongoing effort to weaken Moscow’s energy infrastructure.
With uncertainty over continued U.S. support, Ukrainian forces are confronting an enemy with superior numbers. European allies are expected to step in, but whether they can fully compensate for potential U.S. shortfalls remains unclear.
Dr. Evhen Kolosov, a senior medic for Ukraine’s Spartan Brigade in the east, described the toll the war has taken on soldiers. “They are still fighting, but those who have been here since the beginning are exhausted—more mentally than physically. Medics feel the same. It’s tough, but war is never easy,” he said.
Diplomatic Maneuvering and Economic Deals
Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin suggested that Zelensky must balance maintaining ties with Washington while strengthening relations with Europe and reaching out to influential global powers like China and India.
While Trump’s rhetoric has caused concern, Klimkin believes the situation with the U.S. has not yet reached crisis levels. “A political storm is temporary, but it’s crucial that Ukraine does not escalate tensions,” he said.
Talks between Ukraine and the U.S. over a minerals deal have reportedly reached their final stages. The agreement would grant American companies access to Ukraine’s valuable mineral resources. However, negotiations have been complicated, with reports suggesting U.S. officials have considered limiting Ukraine’s access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite system—a crucial tool for Kyiv’s military operations.
Zelensky has also faced pressure to hold wartime elections, a demand that aligns with Russia’s narrative questioning his legitimacy. While Ukraine has postponed elections due to martial law, Zelensky recently suggested he would be willing to step down if it meant securing peace, joking that he could trade his presidency for Ukraine’s NATO membership.
China’s Role in the Conflict
In a separate development, Chinese President Xi Jinping commended Russia’s “positive efforts” toward resolving the conflict during a phone call with Putin. Beijing has remained a close ally of Moscow, despite presenting itself as neutral.
China’s relationship with Russia has drawn criticism from NATO members, with some labeling Beijing an “enabler” of the war. However, Xi reaffirmed China’s strong ties with Russia, describing the two countries as “good neighbors and true friends” who support each other’s development.
The Kremlin stated that Putin briefed Xi on last week’s U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, the first direct engagement between the two nations since the war began. Beijing expressed support for these discussions and indicated its willingness to help facilitate peace efforts.
Conclusion
As Ukraine marks three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, the road ahead remains uncertain. While European leaders reaffirm their commitment to Kyiv, the absence of clear U.S. support raises concerns about Ukraine’s long-term strategy. With shifting alliances, diplomatic maneuvering, and ongoing military challenges, the future of the war remains unpredictable.
