Turning Point: Zelensky Offers to Resign for Nato Membership
KYIV: Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky hailed his country’s "resistance" and "heroism" today on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion as EU leaders arrived in Kyiv in a show of solidarity.
Zelensky hailed "three years of resistance. Three years of gratitude. Three years of absolute heroism of Ukrainians", adding: "I thank everyone who defends and supports it."
A Call for Security Guarantees
He said 13 leaders would be in Kyiv today with another 24 joining a special meeting online. The Ukrainian leader said he hoped it would be a "turning point." He is calling for security guarantees from Kyiv’s backers to ensure Russia does not use any ceasefire to rearm and attack again at a later date.
A Conflict of Epic Proportions
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to launch what he called a "special military operation" set off the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II. Tens of thousands of soldiers – from both sides – and Ukrainian civilians have been killed, cities across the country’s south and east have been flattened and millions forced to flee their homes.
A Shift in Global Politics
Three years after the west rallied behind Ukraine and Zelensky, Trump’s return to the White House has threatened to upend that coalition of support and has brought vital military and financial aid into question at a critical juncture in the war. Russian troops are still advancing across the east and Moscow has been emboldened by Trump’s diplomatic outreach and his scepticism over long-term support for Kyiv.
Zelensky’s Offer to Resign
Zelensky offered yesterday to resign if it meant Ukraine could be given Nato membership.
EU Leaders Arrive in Kyiv
Arriving in Kyiv by train, EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said Ukraine was fighting "for survival" and that Europe’s "destiny" was at stake in Ukraine. "We are in Kyiv today, because Ukraine is Europe. In this fight for survival, it is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake. It’s Europe’s destiny," she said in a post on X.
A Rebuff to Trump’s Diplomacy
In an apparent rebuke of Trump’s moves to sideline Kyiv from talks on how to end the war, EU Council president Antonio Costa said: "In Ukraine, about Ukraine, with Ukraine."
Russia’s Position
The Kremlin on the eve of the anniversary repeated Russia’s position that it would not give up territory it has captured in Ukraine’s east and south. Moscow has also said it would not accept Ukrainian admission to Nato.
A Challenging Road Ahead
Trump is pushing both Ukraine and Russia for a swift end to the war. Triggering alarm in Kyiv and across Europe, he has restarted diplomacy with Moscow, calling Putin for a 90-minute phone conversation and despatching secretary of state Marco Rubio to Saudi Arabia for a meeting with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov. French President Emmanuel Macron was due in Washington later today for a meeting with Trump. He said he plans to tell the Republican: "You cannot be weak in the face of President Putin."
Conclusion
The conflict in Ukraine has been a defining moment in modern European history, with far-reaching consequences for global politics and security. As the war rages on, the international community must remain steadfast in its support for Ukraine and its people, and work towards a peaceful resolution to this devastating conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current situation in Ukraine?
The conflict in Ukraine is ongoing, with Russian forces still advancing in the east and south. - What is the stance of the EU on Ukraine?
The EU has reiterated its support for Ukraine, with EU leaders arriving in Kyiv to show solidarity. - What is the position of Russia on the conflict?
Russia has stated that it will not give up territory it has captured in Ukraine’s east and south, and will not accept Ukrainian admission to Nato. - What is the role of the US in the conflict?
The US has been a key player in the conflict, with Trump’s return to the White House threatening to upend the coalition of support for Ukraine.