MOSCOW

A number of leaders from the Baltic States, Europe, and Canada arrived in Kyiv on Monday to demonstrate support for Ukraine on the third anniversary of the war with Russia, according to Ukrainian local media.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was accompanied by other European officials who traveled to Kyiv by train, Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform reported.

The delegation was welcomed at the station by Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, and Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.

“We are in Kyiv today, because Ukraine is Europe,” von der Leyen said on X.

“In this fight for survival, it is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake. It’s Europe’s destiny,” she added. 

European Council President Antonio Costa echoed this sentiment, saying on X: "In Ukraine, about Ukraine, with Ukraine." 

As of Monday morning, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal have already arrived in the Ukrainian capital.

“Last three years, Ukraine has shown the world the true meaning of resilience. It’s only up to Ukraine to decide the terms for peace,” Michal said on X.

“We believe in Ukraine's victory, but it requires action. We must speed up our support now,” he added.

Nauseda also announced his visit to Kyiv, saying: “Exactly three years have passed since the start of Russia’s brutal full-scale military invasion. Ukraine and its people have endured countless hardships but remain proud and unbreakable.”

“I am glad and proud that Lithuania has supported Ukraine in every possible way throughout these years. We will continue to do so,” he noted.

Rinkevics also shared a post on X about his visit, noting: “Three years ago as Foreign Minister of Latvia I was in Kyiv when Russia began its full scale unprovoked attack against Ukraine.”

“I am back as President of Latvia to express support and admiration to the brave Ukrainian people. We’ll discuss current issues and way forward,” he said.

Sanchez also announced his arrival in Kyiv on X, reiterating that Spain stands with Ukraine. 

Meanwhile, as part of the EU’s continued backing for Ukraine, foreign ministers approved a 16th package of sanctions against Russia, despite opposition from Hungary’s top diplomat Peter Szijjarto, who suggested that Budapest might block any deal.

The latest sanctions are set to include a ban on primary aluminum imports, restrictions on the sale of gaming consoles, and a listing of 73 shadow fleet vessels tied to Russia.

Alongside the sanctions, von der Leyen confirmed that Ukraine would receive a new €3.5 billion (approximately $3.68 billion) payment from the EU in March to bolster its efforts against Russia.

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also wrote on X: "I am proud to be here in Kyiv on the third anniversary of Putin’s invasion. I urge people to keep cool and look at the facts of the continuing US support for Ukraine, under Donald Trump, and I remain convinced that Ukraine will have a great future as a free sovereign and independent nation." 

A total of 37 heads of state are participating in the meeting, with 13 attending in person and 24 joining virtually. The discussions will center on Ukraine's strategy and various security guarantee formats.