European leaders arrive in Kyiv as Ukraine marks 2 years since Russia’s full-scale invasion

On February 24th, 2014, Russian troops annexed Crimea from Ukraine, and on April 6th, 2014, pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine declared independence from the Ukrainian government. This led to a conflict that has continued to this day, with ongoing fighting between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine.

The conflict has had a significant impact on the region, with thousands of people killed and millions displaced. It has also had wider implications for Europe and the international community, as it has led to increased tension between Russia and the West and raised concerns about nuclear proliferation.

In response to the conflict, the European Union (EU) and the United States have imposed economic sanctions on Russia and provided military aid to Ukraine. The EU has also increased its engagement with Ukraine through the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, which aims to strengthen ties between the two sides.

On Saturday, leaders from the EU, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel, arrived in Kyiv to mark the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. They met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other government officials to express their support for Ukraine and its people.

Zelensky has been in office since May 2019 and has made efforts to improve relations with the West and resolve the conflict with Russia. However, progress has been slow, and tensions remain high. The conflict continues to be a major source of instability in Europe and the wider region.