As Ukraine commemorated the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed his stance that a special tribunal must be established to hold those responsible for the war accountable, even as peace talks advance. Speaking in Kyiv alongside world leaders, Zelenskyy emphasized, “We will never forget and we cannot forget. These people will answer.” He stressed that the tribunal would remain a priority even when diplomacy enters the picture.
Zelenskyy voiced hope that the war could end within the year, amid growing concerns in Europe over recent remarks from U.S. officials, including President Trump’s comment blaming Ukraine for the conflict and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s skepticism about Ukraine’s NATO ambitions. These developments have fueled fears that Ukraine might be pressured into a peace deal compromising its security.
In response to this, European leaders, including European Council President Antonio Costa, underscored that only Ukraine has the authority to dictate the terms of its peace negotiations. Costa emphasized that the EU stands with Ukraine’s right to self-determination in peace talks.
Zelenskyy also reiterated that Ukraine’s most significant security guarantee lies in EU and NATO membership, which he argued would deter future Russian aggression. European leaders, including Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda, expressed support for Ukraine’s EU ambitions, with a realistic timeline set for membership by January 2030.
As EU leaders meet to strategize the bloc’s role in securing peace and security for Ukraine, President Macron of France is also set to meet with President Trump to discuss the next steps in ensuring a unified approach. European officials, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb, have emphasized the urgency of a coordinated European strategy to avoid being sidelined in the peace process.
