Four western leaders have arrived in Kyiv to show solidarity with Ukraine as it marks the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, Canada’s Justin Trudeau, Belgium’s Alexander De Croo and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen arrived in the country on Saturday, Februay 24, 2024, on an overnight train from neighbouring Poland.
Trudeau said that Ukrainians were fighting for “our collective future.”
“They are fighting to remind the world that democracy is both important enough to die for and strong enough to win,” he said in a statement before arriving in Kyiv.
“As the war continues, that is what is at stake. And that is why Canada has stood with Ukraine since day one,” he said.
On her part, Ursula von der Leyen vowed to continue assistance to Ukraine.
“In Kyiv to mark the anniversary of the 2nd year of Russia’s war on Ukraine. And to celebrate the extraordinary resistance of the Ukrainian people,” von der Leyen posted on X.
“More than ever, we stand firmly by Ukraine. Financially, economically, militarily, morally. Until the country is finally free,” she added.
Other European leaders expressed their solidarity with Ukraine to mark the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed that Russia is not only attacking Ukraine, but it is also destroying peace in Europe.
As such, Ukraine would be supported in its self-defence “for as long as necessary.”
“And we, Germany and Europe, are doing more – and must do even more – so that we can defend ourselves effectively,” he said.
Scholz disclosed that Germany will continue to invest in its army and ammunition production going forward.
“Deterrence, defense readiness — I know these are unusual words coming from a German chancellor. Words that we in Germany have not used for so long that they have almost been forgotten.
“But these words stand for a very important task: together with our allies, we must be so strong that nobody dares to attack us.”
Olaf Scholz
Also, French President, Emmanuel Macron warned Russian President Vladimir Putin not to count on “any fatigue from Europeans.”
“Battered and bruised, but still standing. Ukraine is fighting for itself, for its ideals, for our Europe. Our commitment at its side will not waver,” Macron said on social media.
Moreover, NATO Chief, Jens Stoltenberg urged Ukraine and its allies to keep up their courage.
“The situation on the battlefield remains extremely serious. President Putin’s aim to dominate Ukraine has not changed, and there are no indications that he is preparing for peace,” Stoltenberg said.
“But we must not lose heart. Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable skill and fierce determination again and again,” he added.
Kyiv’s fortunes have suffered in recent weeks amid shortages of military supplies, with Russia this month capturing the eastern town of Avdiivka in its biggest victory on the battlefield in months.
730 Days Closer To Victory
In an address, President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy lauded the presence of western leaders in Kyiv as “symbolic,” adding that “it eloquently describes the path we have traveled over these two years and the difference between February 24th then and now.”
“We have become 730 days closer to victory. Some are waiting for a prophet to tell them when it will come, but millions of Ukrainians simply remember the words of Kobzar: keep fighting – you are sure to win! And they have been following this for 730 days of dedication and courage.
“They are forged in the east, south, and north, in all directions where our soldiers fight. 730 days of resilience and endurance. They stand as pillars in all civilian cities and villages.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
He stated that every Ukrainian has someone to mourn.
“And together, we bow our heads. 730 days of pain. But at the same time, 730 days of hope,” he averred.
“We all have different stories of the beginning of the war, but there must be one final of this war; Victory,” he said.
Additionally, Zelenskyy noted that any normal person wants the war to end but “none of us will allow our Ukraine to end.”
“That’s why when it comes to ending the war, we always add – on our terms. That’s why next to the word ‘peace,’ the word ‘just’ always sounds. That’s why in future history, next to the word Ukraine, the word ‘independent’ will always stand. We fight for this. And we will prevail. On the best day of our lives.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
He expressed gratitude to all the soldiers, the people and “to everyone in the world who stands by us and with truth.”
READ ALSO: Biden Announces New Sanctions Against Russia
