At a historic summit in Kyiv, EU and Canadian leaders reiterated their unshakeable commitment to Ukraine on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were hosted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with him expressing appreciation for the “heroism” of Ukrainians during the past three years.
Zelenskyy spoke of the resilience of his nation, stating, “Three years of resistance. Three years of gratitude. Three years of absolute heroism of Ukrainians,” thanking everyone who is fighting to defend Ukraine.
The United States was conspicuously absent from the negotiations, raising concerns regarding Washington’s backing of Kyiv during President Donald Trump’s tenure. Trump’s recent efforts to pressure Ukraine into a peace agreement with Russia, along with his move to negotiate with Russian leaders in the absence of Ukrainian or European representation, have sparked concerns regarding future assistance.
Matters were further exacerbated after Trump and Zelenskyy exchanged insults, with the US president accusing Ukraine of instigating the war and questioning Zelenskyy’s legitimacy. From Kyiv, Al Jazeera’s Imran Khan noted that Ukrainian officials are requesting that security assurances be part of any peace agreement with Russia. “Ukraine doesn’t just want a peace treaty; it wants to ensure this never happens again,” he reported.
Following uncertain US backing, the 27 EU leaders are to gather on March 6 to discuss defense policy towards Ukraine. During her visit to Kyiv, von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Ukraine, stating, “Putin is pulling with all his might to achieve the victory. His goal is still Ukraine’s capitulation, and we know what can come next.”
The EU also provided the green light to a 16th set of sanctions against Russia, prohibiting the importation of primary aluminum and preventing third-country carriers from domestic flights in Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made a statement after that Russia did not see space for fresh diplomatic talks with Europe, unlike with talks with the United States.
In another move, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed a resolution tabled by Ukraine demanding the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces and reasserting Ukraine’s sovereignty. The resolution was passed overwhelmingly despite being opposed by a US motion that aimed to demand an end to the war without condemning Moscow for it. The US motion was also passed but only after the inclusion of amendments that included such demands for condemnation, leading the US to abstain.
Trump’s planned peace plan, meant to position him as a global dealmaker, is strongly opposed by Russia and Ukraine. Russia has criticized the US approach, stating that an immediate solution without a permanent settlement will lead to future war and further worsen Russian-US relations.
Nonetheless, there are indications of tensions easing between Ukraine and the US, with Kyiv reporting that a contentious plan for $500 billion in Ukrainian rare earth mineral profits has been pulled. Zelenskyy also signalled his peace intentions, announcing he would quit if it could bring about Ukraine’s membership into NATO. “If you want me to get out of this chair for the sake of NATO membership, I am ready,” he said.
