President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine has upheld its independence since Russia launched its full-scale invasion and that the country will not betray the sacrifices of its people as it seeks peace.
In an address marking the fourth anniversary of the conflict, Zelenskiy said, "Putin has not achieved his goals. He has not broken the Ukrainian people. He has not won this war." He added, "We have preserved Ukraine, and we will do everything to achieve peace. And to ensure justice."
Later in the day, Kyiv is expected to receive senior visitors from European partners for commemorative events, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who will join ceremonies observing four years since Russia's February 24, 2022 invasion.
Zelenskiy outlined a clear message to Ukraine's negotiating team, urging them not to discard what has been endured. "Do not nullify all these years, do not devalue all the struggle, courage, dignity, everything that Ukraine has gone through. We cannot, we must not, give it away, forget it, betray it," he said. He also reiterated the nation's aim: "We want peace. Strong, dignified, lasting peace."
The diplomatic route toward an agreement appears to have stalled. Peace talks brokered by the United States have been held up by disagreements over territory. Moscow continues to press for Ukraine to cede the final 20% of the eastern Donetsk region, while Kyiv has firmly rejected any relinquishment of land for which thousands have died to defend.
The human cost of the war remains substantial. The address and accompanying reporting reiterate that hundreds of thousands of soldiers on both sides have died or been wounded in what is described as Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two. Russian forces are reported to have killed tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians and to have destroyed Ukrainian cities through years of missile and drone strikes.
As Kyiv prepares to welcome European partners for the anniversary ceremonies, the central messages from Zelenskiy were preservation of statehood, refusal to surrender territory, and commitment to seeking a just and lasting peace that recognizes the sacrifices made during the four years of war.
Context and next steps
Preparations in Kyiv for the day’s ceremonies reflect continued international engagement, while diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain constrained by the territorial demands on the table and Kyiv’s stated refusal to cede ground taken by force.