Western Leaders Visit Kyiv, Pledge Military Aid Amid War’s 3rd Anniversary/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, over a dozen Western leaders gathered in Kyiv on Monday to pledge further military support. Amid battlefield challenges and shifting U.S. policy under President Donald Trump, European leaders emphasized Ukraine’s role in any peace talks. Meanwhile, Russia launched its largest drone attack of the war, escalating tensions further.
Ukraine War Anniversary: Quick Looks
- Western solidarity: Leaders from Europe and Canada visit Kyiv, promise continued military aid
- U.S. policy shift: Trump pushes for peace deal, raises concerns over Ukraine’s NATO hopes
- EU sanctions: New measures target Russia’s oil fleet and entities involved in the war effort
- Drone barrage: Russia launches record 267-drone strike on Ukraine
- European alarm: Leaders fear being sidelined in U.S.-Russia peace negotiations
- Putin-Trump talks: Preparations underway for direct dialogue between Moscow and Washington
- Military aid boost: Spain pledges €1 billion in military equipment to Ukraine
Western Leaders Visit Kyiv, Pledge Military Aid Amid War’s 3rd Anniversary
Deep Look
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — As Ukraine’s war with Russia enters its fourth year, more than a dozen Western leaders gathered in Kyiv on Monday to reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine’s defense. Their visit comes amid growing uncertainty over the U.S. stance under President Donald Trump, who has signaled a push for a peace deal with Russia, raising concerns in Europe about potential compromises that could sideline Ukrainian interests.
Western Leaders Show Support in Kyiv
Leaders from across Europe and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau traveled to Kyiv via train to mark the third anniversary of the conflict. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the global stakes:
“Autocrats around the world are watching carefully. If aggression goes unpunished here, it could embolden others,” she said, warning of broader implications for global security.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer added that Ukrainians’ voices must “be at the heart of any peace process.” Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron is set to join Starmer in Washington later this week to discuss the conflict.
U.S. Policy Sparks Alarm in Europe
Since returning to office, Trump has cooled relations with Kyiv and renewed dialogue with Moscow. His administration has expressed doubts about Ukraine’s NATO membership prospects and suggested that regaining Russian-occupied territories—currently about 20% of Ukraine—may not be realistic.
Trump’s rhetoric has further strained transatlantic relations. He recently called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a dictator and criticized Kyiv’s handling of the war, remarks that many European officials have condemned.
“The U.S. can’t dictate peace terms without Europe and Ukraine at the table,” warned EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, speaking from Brussels.
New EU Sanctions Target Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’
Responding to Russia’s continued aggression, the EU unveiled fresh sanctions on Monday targeting vessels used to circumvent oil export restrictions.
- 74 ships added to the EU’s shadow fleet list
- 83 Russian officials and entities face asset freezes and travel bans
The measures aim to curb Russia’s war financing, especially through illicit oil and grain shipments from occupied Ukrainian regions.
Record Drone Attack Escalates Tensions
Hours before the commemorations in Kyiv, Russia launched its largest single drone strike of the war, deploying 267 drones across Ukrainian cities.
- Strikes targeted power infrastructure and residential areas
- Civilian casualties remain under assessment
- Ukrainian air defenses intercepted the majority but damage was significant
“This shows that Putin isn’t seeking peace—he’s escalating,” Zelenskyy told visiting leaders.
Russia-U.S. Diplomacy Resumes
While European leaders pledged support for Ukraine, Trump and Putin are preparing for direct talks, their first since Trump’s return to the White House.
- Diplomatic ties reinstated: Moscow and Washington agree to resume economic cooperation
- UN response: Secretary-General António Guterres called the anniversary a “grim milestone,” citing 12,600 civilian deaths since the invasion began
Trump’s warming ties with Moscow have deepened European unease. “Peace without Ukraine’s involvement is unacceptable,” Kallas emphasized ahead of her Washington visit.
Military Aid Increases Despite Uncertainty
Despite concerns about U.S. support, European nations are stepping up:
- Spain pledges €1 billion ($1.04 billion) in military assistance
- Germany and Poland reaffirm commitments to air defense systems
- Canada provides drone detection equipment and humanitarian aid
European Council President Antonio Costa announced an emergency EU summit for March 6 to coordinate further actions, warning that “European security is at a crossroads.”
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