Zelensky Marks Three Years of War, Calls for Security Guarantees Amid Western Uncertainty

On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the resilience of his nation, calling it “three years of resistance, three years of gratitude, three years of absolute heroism of Ukrainians.” As Kyiv marked the somber milestone, European leaders gathered in the capital in a show of solidarity, while geopolitical tensions surrounding the war’s future continued to mount.

The war, triggered by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s so-called “special military operation,” has been the largest European conflict since World War II. The battlefield toll has been immense, with tens of thousands of soldiers on both sides killed, Ukrainian cities reduced to rubble, and millions displaced from their homes. While Ukraine has received extensive Western military and financial support, the political landscape is shifting, particularly with Donald Trump’s return to the White House, casting uncertainty over future aid and the broader coalition backing Kyiv.

As Russian forces continue their advances in Ukraine’s eastern regions, the Kremlin has been emboldened by Trump's diplomatic outreach. Moscow has capitalized on growing skepticism in Washington about prolonged support for Kyiv. Trump’s recent 90-minute phone call with Putin and the dispatch of Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Saudi Arabia for discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov have triggered alarm among European allies.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, arriving in Kyiv by train, underscored the broader stakes of the war, declaring, “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.” The EU responded with a fresh round of sanctions targeting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” which facilitates oil trade, as well as financial institutions and individuals supporting Moscow’s war effort.

European Council President Antonio Costa indirectly rebuked Trump’s apparent moves to sideline Ukraine from potential ceasefire discussions, stating: “In Ukraine, about Ukraine, with Ukraine.” Leaders from Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Spain, and Sweden arrived in Kyiv, reinforcing their commitment to Ukraine’s cause.

Zelensky has been vocal about the need for concrete security guarantees to prevent Russia from using any ceasefire to regroup and strike again in the future. His warning comes as the Ukrainian military faces immense pressure on the frontlines. Over the past months, Moscow has intensified its offensives, and on the eve of the anniversary, the Kremlin reiterated its refusal to relinquish occupied Ukrainian territories or accept Kyiv’s NATO membership.

In an extraordinary move, Zelensky even suggested he would step down if it meant securing Ukraine’s NATO accession. Despite the dire situation, Ukraine continues its countermeasures, launching drone strikes deep into Russian territory, including a recent attack on an oil refinery southeast of Moscow.

French President Emmanuel Macron, set to meet with Trump in Washington, vowed to press the U.S. president on the importance of standing firm against Putin, warning, “You cannot be weak in the face of President Putin.” Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over Washington’s stance, with Trump questioning not only support for Ukraine but also the broader transatlantic security framework that has underpinned NATO for decades.

On the frontlines, Ukrainian soldiers expressed apprehension over Trump’s push for a swift ceasefire, fearing it could force Kyiv into a disadvantageous settlement. “It scares me more. The bloodiest moments always come before a truce,” said Andrii, a 25-year-old soldier in eastern Ukraine. Mykola, a 38-year-old artillery commander in Donetsk, echoed the sentiment: “I don’t want to give up Ukrainian lands … we’ve been fighting for so long. But everyone is tired of the war.”

As Ukraine commemorates three years of resilience and sacrifice, the uncertainty surrounding its future remains more pressing than ever. While Zelensky has vowed to continue the fight, the shifting geopolitical currents could redefine the war’s trajectory in the months ahead.