President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed on Tuesday that Ukraine would not betray the sacrifices of its people by making peace with Russia. His declaration came as divisions among key allies overshadowed commemorations of the war's start.
European nations had aimed to agree on new sanctions against Russia and a significant loan for Ukraine. However, Hungary, maintaining close ties with Moscow, has continued to veto both measures. Budapest and neighboring Slovakia have accused Kyiv of obstructing Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline, an issue Ukraine attributes to damage from a recent Russian strike.
Zelenskyy was scheduled to host dignitaries from Western Europe in Kyiv for anniversary ceremonies. Unlike previous years, however, no major Western leaders were expected.
"Putin has not achieved his goals. He has not broken the Ukrainian people. He has not won this war," Zelenskyy stated in a morning address. He extended an invitation to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to visit Ukraine to witness the reality of the ongoing struggle.
Europe's bloodiest conflict since World War II has resulted in hundreds of thousands of soldiers being killed or wounded. Russian forces have also claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians and devastated cities through sustained missile and drone attacks.
Peace talks, brokered by the U.S., appear stalled over territorial disputes. Moscow insists Ukraine cede territory in the eastern Donetsk region, while Kyiv adamantly refuses to relinquish land defended by significant Ukrainian losses.
"We want peace; strong, dignified, lasting peace," Zelenskyy declared, emphasizing that negotiators should not devalue Ukraine's struggle, courage, and dignity.
French President Emmanuel Macron commented on X that Russia had paid a heavy price for minimal territorial gains. Polish President Karol Nawrocki also posted on X, highlighting Russia's aggression as a serious threat to European security and expressing respect for those defending freedom.