Ukraine to Host Key Meeting With EU Leaders Amid Rising Tensions
Ukraine is set to host a significant meeting on February 24, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. This gathering comes just days after the U.S. president controversially blamed Ukraine for initiating the war, despite Moscow launching its offensive in February 2022.
The meeting coincides with the EU’s College of Commissioners visiting Kyiv to discuss European security. This move follows top European officials being notably excluded from talks between Trump and Russian representatives in Saudi Arabia on February 18.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed at a press conference that several EU leaders and heads of state will be in Kyiv for the occasion. He is actively working to consolidate support from allies after Trump labeled him incompetent and a dictator without elections who misled the U.S. into providing tens of billions in military aid.
Trump’s remarks have sparked strong reactions across Europe. European leaders have pushed back against his claims, while Ukrainian officials, politicians, and soldiers have rallied to defend their president.
Due to security concerns, officials involved in planning the event have not disclosed the names of leaders attending. When asked for confirmation, governments from Croatia, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Poland, Estonia, Sweden, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Germany did not provide comments. The Czech Republic, however, confirmed it would not send a leader.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Washington next week, according to U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. Former French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, however, has announced through his spokesperson that he will be in Kyiv for the week.
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