by Mick the Ram

The 24th February marks the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and in a show of support leaders from Europe and Canada assembled in the country’s capital Kyiv to reassert their backing for the Ukrainians.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen led tributes to the the lives lost and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke via a video link to praise Volodymyr Zelensky for his leadership throughout the conflict and stated that contrary to the belief in some quarter, the Russians are “NOT holding all the cards”.

Ms von der Leyen had earlier put her name to a joint statement from not only her commission, but also the President of the European Parliament and the President of the European Council in which they believe justice will eventually prevail.

The renewed commitment to continued support will be a welcome boost to Mr Zelensky who last week was called a “dictator” and blamed for “starting the war” in an astonishing attack by Donald Trump whose first month back into presidency had seemingly been littered with reinvention of facts and manipulation of truths.

Three years… and counting

After weeks of building huge numbers of troops on the border with Ukraine, Vladimir Putin – despite continuously denying he had any intention of invading – allowed his forces to illegally roll into Russia’s neighbouring nation and so began a full-scale invasion.

That was exactly three years ago and since then thousands of Ukrainian citizens have died and more than six million live as refugees abroad in the bloodiest conflict in Europe since the end of World War Two.

European statement

In the combined statement issued ahead of a meeting in Kyiv by the presidents of Europe’s parliament, council and commission, there was praise for the Ukrainian people’s bravery in defending their country and the fundamental principles of international law.

They said that Russia bears full responsibility for the war and the atrocities committed against the Ukrainian people and added that they continue to demand accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed.

Continued support

They went on to promise that the European Union will continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support, including for the country’s post-war reconstruction.

They assured the Ukrainians that sanctions imposed already will be increased to put further pressure on Russia and in so doing, limit its ability to wage war.

Additionally, they said they had taken unprecedented steps at EU level to increase the production of the European defence industry and were intent on increase capacity.

They welcomed recent steps toward the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and closed their remarks by saying they stood firmly with Ukraine in the belief that peace, security and justice will prevail.

Trump’s change of direction

In the past week Ukrainian and European officials have clearly been rattled by Mr Trump’s outburst and shocking insults aimed at Mr Zelensky, in which he unbelievably blamed Ukraine for starting the war and labelled the country’s president a “dictator”.

In so doing he also appeared to swap sides, much to the delight of Mr Putin who was welcomed back by the US after three-years of diplomatic isolation.

Mr Trump’s administration have indicated that any hopes that Ukraine may have towards them joining NATO are unlikely to be realized and in addition they also suggested that in all probability, it will never get back the land that Russia’s army has occupied, which currently represents around twenty percent of the country.

It is a remarkable about-turn from the US bearing in mind it was less than three months ago that the then President Joe Biden gave the all-clear for Ukraine to use their long-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia territory.

President’s defiant message

Putting on a brave face, Mr Zelensky chose to use the third anniversary as a moment to praise the “absolute heroism” of the Ukrainian people, who he saluted for their resistance, adding his pride for the country.

“I thank everyone who defends and supports it. Everyone who works for Ukraine, and may the memory of all those who gave their lives for our state and people be eternal.”