EU leaders in Kyiv, sanctions against Russia, and the US urging not to back Ukraine's resolutions on the war: key highlights from February 24.

On the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, leaders from the EU arrived in Kyiv. The European Union and other nations have implemented new sanctions against Russia. During the UN General Assembly, the United States urged Ukraine to withdraw its draft resolution condemning Russian aggression. Here’s a summary of the key events from February 24th.

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On the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, EU leaders arrived in Kyiv

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa arrived in Kyiv on the third anniversary of the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. Following them, leaders from several European countries and Canada also arrived. President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned that leaders from 13 countries would come to Kyiv, with another 24 joining online.

Sanctions against Russia

The Council of the European Union adopted the 16th package of sanctions against Russia. Restrictions were also imposed on Moscow in New Zealand and Australia. Additionally, the United Kingdom introduced its largest package of sanctions against Russia since February 24, 2022.

The EU will provide Ukraine with 3.5 billion euros

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union would provide Ukraine with a new tranche of 3.5 billion euros in March. According to her, thanks to the European mechanism and a G7 loan, the budget deficit in Ukraine has been covered for the entirety of 2025.

The UN General Assembly supported two resolutions on the war in Ukraine

The UN General Assembly supported the Ukrainian resolution regarding the Russo-Ukrainian war on the occasion of the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion. The United States, Russia, and 16 other countries voted against it. The UN also endorsed the resolution proposed by the United States.

During the meeting, the United States called on Ukraine to withdraw its resolution condemning Russian aggression and to support its own resolution.

Trump announced a meeting with Zelensky and emphasized his support

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that his administration is helping Ukraine "like no one has helped before." Trump suggested that the war in Ukraine could supposedly end in a few weeks.

He also mentioned that he would meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to sign an agreement on rare earth minerals this week or next.

The Rada did not support the resolution on elections after the war

Members of Parliament failed to approve the resolution supporting democracy in Ukraine, which stated that President Volodymyr Zelensky's powers should continue until the end of martial law. The resolution received votes from 218 deputies, whereas at least 226 votes were needed for approval.

The CDU/CSU bloc won the elections in Germany

Germany has counted the results of the early elections to the Bundestag across all 299 constituencies. The Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) emerged victorious.

Other important news:

Zelensky provided Trump with a list of ceasefire agreements that Russia violated: We must achieve peace through strength.
FT reported how Zelensky "shouted in a hoarse voice" at the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.
Duda: Poland has canceled the EU-Ukraine and EU-U.S. summits.
In the recording of Zelensky's press conference, there are no words "Trump is not forever." There were gaps in other moments as well.
Galushchenko: Over three years, Russia has carried out more than 30 massive attacks on energy.