Volodymyr Zelensky marked the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine on Monday by praising the “absolute heroism” of the Ukrainian people. The Ukrainian president thanked “everyone who defends and supports Ukraine” as European leaders gathered in Kyiv in a show of support.
He said in a statement: “Three years of resistance. Three years of gratitude. Three years of absolute heroism of Ukrainians. I am proud of Ukraine! I thank everyone who defends and supports it. Everyone who works for Ukraine. "And may the memory of all those who gave their lives for our state and people be eternal.”.
Thousands of Ukrainian citizens have died and more than six million live as refugees abroad since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion by land, sea and air, starting the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War Two. Military losses have been catastrophic, with western officials estimating that hundreds of thousands have been killed or wounded on each side.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen were among the world leaders who arrived in Kyiv on Monday morning in a show of support for Ukraine. They were met off the train by Ukraine's foreign minister and Mr Zelensky's chief of staff.
"We are in Kyiv today, because Ukraine is Europe. In this fight for survival, it is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake. It's Europe's destiny," Ms von der Leyen wrote on X. US President Donald Trump sparked global alarm last week after baselessly accusing Mr Zelensky of being a “dictator”, amid signs of a growing rift between Europe and Washington.
US officials have already held talks with Moscow over a possible deal to end the conflict, without Kyiv or Europe’s cooperation. Washington has made clear it will send no troops as a security guarantee coveted by Kyiv if a peace deal emerges, placing the burden squarely on European powers that are likely to struggle without US backing.
