Today, Kyiv hosted a significant international summit as leaders from Europe, Canada, and beyond convened to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The gathering, known as the Support Ukraine Summit, underscored a collective resolve to bolster Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and resilience amid ongoing conflict. With the war showing no signs of abating and Russia intensifying its military efforts, the summit served as both a symbolic gesture of solidarity and a platform for tangible commitments.
A Day of Remembrance and Resolve
The summit commenced with a solemn tribute to Ukraine’s fallen soldiers, reflecting the heavy toll of the conflict that began on February 24, 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressing the assembled leaders, emphasized the stakes: “Today you see our capital city, our people. We started this day paying tribute to our soldiers who gave their lives for our country.” The event, held against the backdrop of Kyiv’s enduring defiance, highlighted Ukraine’s determination to persist despite mounting challenges.
Among the attendees were prominent figures such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Leaders from Baltic and Nordic nations also joined in person, while others, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, participated virtually. Notably absent were high-level U.S. representatives, a point that underscored growing uncertainty over America’s future role under the incoming Trump administration.
Commitments Amid Uncertainty
The summit was not merely ceremonial; it produced concrete pledges aimed at sustaining Ukraine’s war effort. Ursula von der Leyen announced a new €3.5 billion payment from the European Union, set to arrive in March 2025, to bolster Ukraine’s budgetary stability. She also outlined an ambitious energy security package, including plans to integrate Ukraine’s electricity market with the EU by the end of 2026 and to leverage Ukraine’s vast gas storage capacity—80% of which lies near EU borders—for mutual benefit. “A just and lasting peace only comes through strength,” von der Leyen stated, emphasizing the dual focus on military and economic support.
Spain’s Pedro Sánchez pledged additional military aid, framing it as critical to “the freedom, security, and future of all Europeans.” Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, via Keir Starmer’s video address, committed over $5 billion in military aid for 2025, alongside new sanctions targeting Russia. “Russia does not hold all the cards in this war,” Starmer asserted, pointing to Moscow’s significant losses as evidence of Ukraine’s impact.
European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas revealed plans for a forthcoming military aid package, potentially valued between $6 billion and $20 billion, to be finalized at an emergency EU leaders’ summit the following week. This package aims to supply Ukraine with artillery, air defenses, drones, and other critical equipment, reflecting Europe’s bid to fill gaps left by wavering U.S. support.
Context of a Shifting War
The summit unfolded as Ukraine faces a precarious moment. Russia’s military has made incremental gains along the 740-mile front, capitalizing on Ukraine’s manpower shortages and supply constraints. In recent months, Moscow has intensified attacks, including executions of captured Ukrainian soldiers—a trend noted by the United Nations, which recorded 79 such incidents since August 2024. Ukraine, meanwhile, struggles with troop recruitment, high casualty rates, and a lack of demobilization prospects, issues that have fueled record desertion levels in 2024.
The absence of U.S. officials at the summit highlighted a broader shift. With President Donald Trump’s administration set to take office, initial talks with Russia have raised concerns about a potential deal that could sideline Kyiv. Trump’s recent criticism of Zelenskyy and demands for access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for aid have further clouded Washington’s commitment, prompting Europe to step up its efforts.
A Global Stakes Perspective
Leaders at the summit framed Ukraine’s fight as a test of international order. Von der Leyen warned that “autocrats around the world are watching” to see if aggression goes unpunished, a sentiment echoed by Sánchez, who tied Ukraine’s fate to Europe’s security. The gathering also spotlighted Ukraine’s potential beyond the battlefield—its innovative defense industry and thriving tech sector were cited as assets that could strengthen Europe if fully integrated.
As the summit concluded, the message was clear: while Ukraine’s allies remain united in principle, the path to a “just and lasting peace” hinges on their ability to translate solidarity into sustained action. With Russia showing no interest in negotiations absent a decisive shift, and Ukraine racing against time to shore up its defenses, the commitments made in Kyiv on February 24, 2025, may prove a pivotal chapter in this protracted war.
Pic Credit AP / PTI.