European leaders convened in Kyiv on February 24, 2026, to commemorate the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, reaffirming commitments to military and financial aid as the conflict entered its fifth year.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hosted the delegations, which included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen—on her tenth visit to Ukraine since the war began—European Council President Antonio Costa, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Leaders from Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden also attended, totaling at least 11 foreign heads of government. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz joined remotely.

The group participated in a memorial ceremony at Independence Square, where they placed candles to honor fallen Ukrainian soldiers. Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska led a joint prayer service. Delegations toured a damaged energy facility hit by Russian strikes, highlighting Moscow's winter campaign against Ukraine's infrastructure.

High-level meetings included the Coalition of the Willing, involving 35 countries, and a Ukraine-Nordic-Baltic summit. These forums focused on bolstering air defenses, sanctions, and economic assistance. The European Union has provided €194.9 billion in total support since 2022, including €70 billion in military aid and a proposed €90 billion loan for 2026-2027, though Hungary vetoed new sanctions and the loan package.

Von der Leyen stated on social media, "In Kyiv for the tenth time since the start of the war. To reaffirm that Europe stands unwaveringly with Ukraine, financially, militarily, and through this harsh winter." Zelenskyy addressed the European Parliament, urging defense of European values and faster delivery of aid: "We cannot, we must not, give it away, forget it, betray it." He invited U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine to witness the conflict firsthand.

Starmer remarked, "We know that when it comes to talks, there's one person standing in the way of progress in those talks, and that is Putin." Merz emphasized, "This war will only end when Putin realizes that he cannot win. That is why we must increase pressure on Russia." Britain announced nearly 300 new sanctions targeting Russia's oil sector.

Russia's invasion, launched on February 24, 2022, aimed for a swift overthrow of Kyiv's government but stalled into a protracted war. Moscow has since made incremental gains while targeting energy grids, leaving millions without power. Peace efforts remain stalled over territorial demands, with Ukraine rejecting Russian claims on 20% of Donbas. Divisions among allies, including U.S. pressure for negotiations, complicate Kyiv's position.

The gatherings underscored Europe's resolve amid war fatigue, as Zelenskyy pressed for inclusion in future talks with Russia.