‘Peace on Ukraine’s terms’: top EU officials travel to Kyiv to mark four years of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen are in Kyiv today to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, and Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos have also travelled to Kyiv. 

“On 24 February 2022, Russia launched an unprovoked, unjustified, and illegal war against Ukraine, violating its sovereignty and international law. Since that day, the European Union has stood staunch and steadfast in solidarity with the Ukrainian people – with those who have lost loved ones, those who have been wounded, and all who continue to endure this unjust suffering. Four years later, we reaffirm that our support remains strong, united, and unwavering,” António Costa said before the visit.

“In Kyiv for the tenth time since the start of the war. To reaffirm that Europe stands unwaveringly with Ukraine, financially, militarily, and through this harsh winter. To underscore our enduring commitment to Ukraine’s just fight. And to send a clear message to the Ukrainian people and to the aggressor alike: we will not relent until peace is restored. Peace on Ukraine’s terms,” Ursula von der Leyen posted on X from Kyiv this morning.

During the visit, Costa and von der Leyen will participate in the official memorial ceremony, commemorating the four years of war. They will also visit an energy infrastructure site damaged by Russian missile strikes. In addition, top EU officials will hold a trilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The leaders will also attend a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. 

On the eve of her visit, von der Leyen also wrote on X that European institutions had been decorated with the colours of Ukraine – yellow and blue: “Two colours, carrying the spirit of courage. Two colours, burning with resistance.”

Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, Europe has provided €194.9 billion of support to Ukraine, including €70 billion for the military. In addition, the €90 billion loan proposed by the Commission, and based on the agreement reached by the European Council, will secure continuous financial support to Ukraine for 2026 and 2027. Further, Ukraine’s defence is a pillar of the Commission’s flagship €150 billion defence instrument – Security Action for Europe (SAFE). Most of the 19 Member States that have joined this initiative have included joint projects with Ukraine in their defence plans.

Ukraine has received from the EU almost €3 billion for energy security purposes. Ahead of this winter, the Commission mobilised more than €900 million for emergency gas purchases in Ukraine, and the electricity export capacity from the EU to Ukraine is currently at maximum level. The EU has also offered over 157,000 tonnes of aid so far, including 1,000 generators in the past month.

Find out more

European Commission press release

European Council press release 

EU’s support to Ukraine