The presidents of the European Council, European Commission, and European Parliament issued a joint statement on Tuesday, February 24, 2026—the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine—reaffirming the European Union's unwavering commitment to Kyiv and underscoring that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity forms the bedrock of international peace and security.
In the strongly worded declaration, European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola emphasized that "no country can annex its neighbor and that borders cannot be changed by force." They explicitly warned that "the aggressor must not be rewarded," a clear reference to Russia's illegal annexation attempts in Crimea (2014) and the four partially occupied regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson (declared in 2022).
The leaders insisted that any comprehensive, just, and lasting peace must be grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law, with full respect for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. "In the current challenging international and geopolitical environment, we stress the importance of maintaining transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine," the statement read, highlighting the need to sustain unified support amid shifting global dynamics, including evolving US policy under the second Trump administration.
The EU trio pledged that the bloc would continue delivering multifaceted assistance to Ukraine and its people, encompassing political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support. They recalled that the European Union has stood firmly beside Ukraine since February 24, 2022, providing billions in aid packages, hosting millions of refugees, imposing unprecedented sanctions on Russia, and facilitating military deliveries through mechanisms such as the European Peace Facility.
The statement pointed to the toll of Russia's "war of attrition," asserting that "Putin's war of attrition is steadily wearing Russia down." EU leaders expressed determination to intensify pressure on Moscow through sustained sanctions, export controls, energy revenue restrictions, and diplomatic isolation to compel an end to aggression and meaningful negotiations. They reiterated that peace cannot come at the expense of Ukraine's sovereignty or through capitulation to force.
Reaffirming Ukraine's "European future," the presidents underlined the bloc's full backing for Kyiv's EU accession process, which gained candidate status in June 2022 and opened formal accession negotiations in June 2024. They also committed to supporting post-war reconstruction, noting ongoing work on recovery conferences, frozen Russian assets, and long-term financing frameworks to rebuild infrastructure devastated by the conflict.
The joint message arrives at a pivotal moment. Russia's invasion has caused tens of thousands of military and civilian deaths, displaced millions internally and as refugees, and triggered one of the largest humanitarian crises in Europe since World War II. Ukraine continues to defend its territory amid heavy fighting, particularly in the east, while facing persistent shortages in manpower, ammunition, and advanced air defense systems.
Western support, while substantial, has shown signs of fatigue and political divergence. The United States under President Trump has pushed for a rapid negotiated settlement, criticized prolonged involvement, and emphasized burden-sharing with Europe. Several EU member states have voiced concerns over fiscal strains from aid packages and energy costs, though the bloc has maintained broad consensus on sanctions and assistance.
The EU leaders' statement serves as both a signal of continued resolve and a response to any perception of weakening unity. By jointly issuing the declaration on the invasion's anniversary, Costa, von der Leyen, and Metsola aimed to project cohesion at the highest institutional level and reassure Kyiv that Europe remains steadfast.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly warned that concessions to Russia would only embolden further aggression, potentially threatening NATO members in Eastern Europe. In recent interviews, he described Putin's actions as having already initiated a broader global conflict unless decisively halted.
As the war enters its fifth year, the EU faces mounting pressure to balance sustained support with domestic priorities, energy security, and defense industrial ramp-up. The bloc has accelerated efforts to boost ammunition production, diversify energy supplies away from Russia, and strengthen its own defense capabilities through initiatives like the European Defence Industry Programme.
The anniversary statement reinforces that the European Union views the conflict not merely as a regional dispute but as a fundamental challenge to the post-1945 rules-based order. By pledging ongoing comprehensive backing and increased pressure on Moscow, EU leaders signaled that support for Ukraine's defense, reconstruction, and European integration remains a strategic priority, even as geopolitical complexities deepen.
