Kyiv, Ukraine – President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomed the prime ministers of Italy, Canada, and Belgium to Kyiv in a display of solidarity after recent setbacks on the battlefield. The meeting took place on the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Zelenskiy emphasizing that Vladimir Putin “must lose absolutely everything.”
During the visit, Zelenskiy met with Giorgia Meloni, Justin Trudeau, Alexander De Croo, and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. The leaders visited Hostomel airport near Kyiv, a location previously seized by Russian paratroopers but now reclaimed by Ukrainian troops, preventing the capture of the capital.
Speaking at the airport, Zelenskiy reflected on the transformation from encountering enemy troops to meeting allies and partners. He reaffirmed the nation’s determination to continue fighting for Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.
Following the airport visit, Zelenskiy engaged in a video call with President Joe Biden, underscoring the importance of international support amid recent battlefield losses, including the city of Avdiivka in the east. The situation is compounded by the blocking of a US military aid package by House Republicans, leaving Ukraine in need of essential military supplies.
Other notable visitors to Kyiv included UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and a delegation of British MPs. Johnson expressed confidence in the US government eventually approving the aid package for Ukraine, stressing the importance of preventing Putin’s victory in the conflict.
Despite the diplomatic efforts in Kyiv, the war persists outside the city, with ongoing Russian drone attacks causing casualties in Odesa and Dnipro. Ukraine’s national security adviser highlighted the downing of a Russian military spy plane by Ukrainian forces, emphasizing the need for advanced weaponry to effectively combat Russian aggression.
In conclusion, the meetings in Kyiv serve as a symbol of solidarity among Western leaders in support of Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty. The conflict continues to evolve, highlighting the urgency for international assistance and cooperation to ensure Ukraine’s security and territorial integrity.