European Commission and European Council leaders arrive in Ukraine on third anniversary of Russia's full-scale war
Photo: Antonio Costa / X
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa arrived in Kyiv on Monday, February 24.
Costa and von der Leyen announced this on the social network X.
In Ukraine, about Ukraine, with Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/jszwFdyz05
— António Costa (@eucopresident) February 24, 2025
He also posted a photo from the Kyiv railway station with Ursula von der Leyen.
On the 3rd anniversary of Russia's brutal invasion, Europe is in Kyiv.
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. pic.twitter.com/s0IaC5WYh6
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 24, 2025
As can be seen from the photo and video, the guests from Ukraine were greeted by:
- Head of the Presidential Office Andrii Yermak,
- Head of the Foreign Ministry Andrii Sybiha.
On the morning of February 24, Kyiv welcomed several high-profile dignitaries, including:
- Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs,
- Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda,
- Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michał,
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez,
- and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The day before, the Ukrainian flag was broadcast on the European Commission building. Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that these are "the colors of resistance against imperialism."
"Our brave neighbors, partners, and future members of the EU," the head of the European Commission said about Ukraine.
The blue and yellow of Ukraine.
The colours of resistance against imperialism.
On the eve of this grim anniversary, they adorn our building as a symbol of our unflinching support for the Ukrainian people.
Our brave neighbours, partners, and future EU members. pic.twitter.com/U7iElCwao1
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 23, 2025
For reference:
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that leaders of 13 countries would arrive in Kyiv on February 24. A summit is scheduled for that day in the capital, and it will discuss Ukraine's strategy and formats for security guarantees.
According to Zelensky, 24 more leaders will join the event online.
"We will have 13 leaders present offline, and 24 leaders will also be online. There will be the leadership of the European Union here, in Kyiv, there will be the leadership of the European Parliament, many delegations… Our platform "Ukraine – Nordic-Baltic," the leaders of Northern Europe will be here," Zelensky said.
He also announced that on the occasion of the third anniversary of the start of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, a visit to Ukraine by the College of European Commissioners will take place this week.
