EU Leaders Visit Ukrainian Capital on Fourth Anniversary of Full-Scale Russian Invasion

Exactly four years have passed since the day when the armed forces of the Russian Federation began a massive territorial invasion. In a gesture of international solidarity, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, arrived in the capital, accompanied by, among others, the President of the European Council, António Costa. The visit aimed to confirm European unity in the face of ongoing aggression, although the delegation's composition lacked the previously mentioned Kaja Kallas or Roberta Metsola. They were also accompanied by representatives from cabinets of Nordic and Baltic states. The leaders of the European community unequivocally stated that any potential ceasefire agreements can only be accepted under the strict conditions dictated by the Ukrainian government. Additionally, Kaja Kallas firmly articulated the hope that integration with Western structures is progressing, and in her opinion, this is the last anniversary celebrated under the reality of an open front. In political coordination, the British government imposed the latest package of economic sanctions directly targeting the hostile infrastructure of the regime. The origins of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict date back to 2014, when in response to democratic changes in the neighboring state, the Kremlin unlawfully annexed the Crimean Peninsula and fueled an armed rebellion in Ukraine's Donbas. Meanwhile, the offensive launched in February 2022 transformed into the largest conventional clash on the Old Continent since the fall of Hitler, devastating the global security system. 4 lata — time has passed since the moment of Russia's full-scale armed attack on Ukraine It was precisely the failure of the initial Russian calculations that Volodymyr Zelenskyy drew attention to. The President connected remotely with the European Parliament, condemning the dictatorial rule of the Russian dignitary and exposing the illusory nature of the scenario of capturing the capital in three days. „Putin è l'impersonificazione della guerra” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy Furthermore, a clear message was sent towards America from the speech at the defenders' monument. Zelenskyy encouraged Donald Trump to return to the policy of field visits to Ukraine, arguing that from across the ocean it is impossible to grasp the enormity of the material and social pain of the nation. The host of the commemorations stated with full conviction that Russia is intentionally conducting hybrid actions aimed at plunging the entire community into chaos. Course of Anniversary Diplomatic Activities: 24 lutego, 08:00 — European visits; 24 lutego, 09:00 — New restrictions; 24 lutego, 09:45 — Presidential addressOther European governments also expressed solidarity with the current commemorations. Contrary to reports of weakened cooperation in the trilateral format, diplomatic officials from Berlin, Paris, and Warsaw once again declared their will to strive for a just peace. Against the backdrop of the ceremonies, the Secretary General of the NATO pact, Mark Rutte, stated that allied states cannot cease sending critical military resources to the Ukrainian army. The operational situation of the army translates into macroeconomic tensions; although Emmanuel Macron emphasized in French media Moscow's deep failure in the market arena, Ukrainian companies – like the Metinvest conglomerate – persistently seek alternative paths for bond issuance, saving liquidity in the upcoming market season.