On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized in an interview with AFP that Ukraine is not losing the war and that the outcome of the conflict remains open. He reported the recapture of 300 sq km of territory in the south of the country, while criticizing pressure from the US and Russia to withdraw from Donbas. Meanwhile, Hungary has blocked a 90 billion euro EU loan for Kyiv.

Ukraine is not losing the war

President Zelenskyy rejected claims of defeat, reporting the liberation of 300 sq km in the south of the country in recent days.

Pressure to leave Donbas

According to Kyiv, the US and Russia are demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas as a condition for ending the conflict.

Hungarian financial veto

Budapest has blocked an EU loan of 90 billion euros, demanding the resumption of oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline.

Anniversary support summit

On the 4th anniversary of the invasion, a video conference of leaders from 35 countries and a visit by the head of the EC to Kyiv are planned.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a series of addresses ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, outlined the current military and diplomatic situation of the country. The Ukrainian leader categorically stated that Kyiv is not losing the war, pointing to successes of the ongoing counteroffensive in the south, where 300 square kilometers of territory were liberated in recent days. Zelenskyy stressed that while victory comes at a gigantic cost, Ukraine is ready for compromises with the US, but will never yield to Russian ultimatums regarding sovereignty. The issue of Donbas has become the main point of contention in back-channel negotiations. The President revealed that Moscow categorically demands the abandonment of this region, while Washington suggests considering territorial concessions in exchange for a swift end to the fighting, although the White House officially denies exerting direct pressure on Kyiv. For Kyiv, ceding the eastern territories is unacceptable for political and symbolic reasons. Zelenskyy also suggested that in the event of a possible ceasefire, foreign troops should be stationed directly on the front line as a security guarantee. Since 2014, following the annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of conflict in Donbas, Russia has systematically sought to permanently destabilize Ukraine and limit its sovereignty in favor of the Kremlin's sphere of influence. Ukraine's situation is complicated by the stance of Hungary, which has blocked the payment of a loan worth 90 billion euros. Budapest makes unblocking the funds conditional on Kyiv resuming oil transportation via the Druzhba pipeline. At the same time, European states (France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom) issued a joint statement demanding robust security guarantees for Ukraine in any future peace agreement. The upcoming anniversary commemorations are set to be marked by a visit from Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa to Kyiv and a video conference of the "coalition of volunteers" chaired by Emmanuel Macron. „Jeśli chcecie, aby wojna skończyła się jutro, wyjdźcie z Donbasu – to nam mówią Amerykanie i Rosjanie.” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Perspektywy mediów: Emphasizing the necessity of support for Ukraine by a European coalition, highlighting territorial successes and the fight for democratic values. Drawing attention to the negotiation deadlock, the rising financial costs for EU states, and the brutal pressure from major powers for territorial concessions.

Mentioned People

  • Wołodymyr Zełenski — President of Ukraine, who gave a pivotal interview to AFP ahead of the 4th anniversary of the invasion.
  • Emmanuel Macron — President of France, co-organizer of the support conference for Ukraine.
  • Ursula von der Leyen — President of the European Commission planning a trip to Kyiv.