On the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, world leaders reaffirmed unwavering support for Kyiv, although the unity of the West is strained by the US elections. The G7 countries declared support for Donald Trump's peace initiative, marking a significant shift in diplomatic dynamics. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin renewed nuclear threats, and the European Union grapples with Hungary's internal blockades concerning new sanctions and financial aid.
G7 Backs Trump's Plan
Leaders of the world's wealthiest nations expressed preliminary approval for the peace initiative of the former US president, seeking common ground for compromise.
Putin's Nuclear Threats
The Russian dictator warned of nuclear retaliation in case of escalation of military actions supported by the West on the invasion anniversary.
UN Resolution Without the USA
The General Assembly called for peace in Ukraine, but the lack of a US vote signals a shift in Washington's foreign policy.
Commemorations of the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion are taking place in an atmosphere of uncertainty regarding the future shape of military support for Kyiv. The G7 issued a joint statement declaring its readiness to support the peace initiative championed by Donald Trump. This signals the allies' adaptation to a potential change of administration in Washington. Simultaneously, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, although the document was passed without the official backing of the United States, highlighting the growing distance between America and its traditional partners on the strategy to end the conflict. The contemporary security architecture is based on the principle of the inviolability of borders established after 1945. Russia's aggression against Ukraine is the first armed conflict of such scale in Europe since the Balkan wars and the largest land operation on the continent since the end of World War II.Within the European Union, frustration is growing over Budapest's stance. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán consistently blocks further packages of sanctions and financial aid. However, Brussels is considering activating mechanisms to bypass the Hungarian veto, particularly in the context of loans based on frozen Russian assets. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin in his anniversary speech warned of the consequences of attacks on Russia using "nuclear elements," which was interpreted as an attempt to deter the West from supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons. Despite these threats, European countries are pledging further medical and energy aid to prepare Ukraine for another winter under bombardment. „We will pay the Ukraine loan one way or another.” — Ursula von der Leyen The situation on the front remains difficult, and experts point out that Ukraine has become a kind of "testing ground" for global arms manufacturers. Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented a new operational plan to "force Russia to peace," consisting of three key military and political objectives. At the same time, economic data indicates the effectiveness of some sanctions; Russia's revenues from oil and gas exports showed a significant downward trend in the last quarter, which in the long term may limit the Kremlin's ability to finance its war machine.
Mentioned People
- Wołodymyr Zełenski — President of Ukraine, presented a new peace plan and showed his bunker on the 4th anniversary of the invasion.
- Władimir Putin — President of Russia, delivered a speech with nuclear threats.
- Donald Trump — Former US president, author of a new peace initiative for Ukraine.