Kyiv
CNN —

President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed immense pride in the “unwavering bravery” demonstrated by the Ukrainian populace amid three years of relentless Russian aggression. This statement came as European leaders convened in Kyiv to commemorate the third anniversary of Moscow’s all-out warfare.

“Three years of resilience. Three years of appreciation. Three years of unparalleled valor from Ukrainians,” Zelensky wrote on X, conveying his “everlasting gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives for freedom.”

He also shared a poignant video featuring prominent European leaders lighting lanterns at a memorial in Kyiv, adorned with numerous flags from Ukraine and its allies.

As the European leaders demonstrated unity – announcing a fresh aid package for Ukraine while the UK introduced new sanctions against Moscow – they now grapple with the likelihood of having to stand against Russia unaided, following the significant setbacks into the transatlantic partnership caused by the Trump administration.

Last week, after Ukraine was left out of US-Russia discussions in Saudi Arabia, former President Donald Trump echoed Kremlin propaganda regarding the origins of the conflict in Ukraine and labeled Zelensky a dictator. European leaders convened in an emergency summit in Paris, as they faced an unprecedented challenge: strengthening the continent’s security with minimal US support.

Despite these international tensions, the spirit of defiance remains strong among Kyiv’s citizens. Reflecting on the war’s third anniversary, Taras Berezovets, an army major, shared with CNN that it would be more appropriate to ask Russian President Vladimir Putin about his emotions, considering he intended to seize Kyiv in just three days. “Instead, he’s now in the fourth year of this conflict, having captured only about 20% of Ukrainian land,” he noted.

Remembering life before February 24, 2022, 35-year-old Kateryna Andreeva, a bank employee, remarked that Ukraine has transformed into “a completely new country,” inhabited by “entirely different individuals.”

“We’ve experienced significant change and continue to do so daily in our actions, thoughts, and aspirations,” stated Andreeva, whose child is currently serving in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.

“We have grown stronger. We fight for our sovereignty, and we have become more self-sufficient than ever before,” she asserted.

Although some European leaders refrained from directly naming Trump, his influence cast a long shadow over the summit in Kyiv.

Recently, Trump remarked that Zelensky “should not have initiated” the conflict in Ukraine, echoing Russian propaganda that falsely assigns blame to Kyiv for the invasion.

Addressing a group of over a dozen leaders on Monday, Zelensky emphasized that Russia’s invasion was “completely unprovoked.”

“It’s crucial to acknowledge this truth and to be candid about it,” he asserted.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, remarked that Ukraine was invaded “for no reason apart from Putin’s imperial ambitions,” warning that the Russian leader’s ultimate aim is “the capitulation of Ukraine.”

While not directly referencing Trump, von der Leyen countered other incorrect assertions made by the former president regarding US support for Ukraine, claiming it was close to $350 billion. The accurate figure is closer to $119 billion, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.

Von der Leyen stated that the European Union and its member states have contributed €135 billion ($141 billion) in support to Ukraine since February 2022.

“This is more than any other entity has provided,” she emphasized, while announcing a new €3.5 billion ($3.7 billion) payment for Ukraine set to arrive by March 2.

Meanwhile, a potential agreement could soon allow the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as part of broader discussions aimed at resolving Russia’s invasion.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Olga Stefanishyna, revealed that teams from Kyiv and Washington are in the concluding phases of negotiations regarding a minerals deal.

A source familiar with the negotiations indicated to CNN that the US is “resisting the inclusion of security guarantees” in this agreement but stressed that Kyiv remains hopeful these topics could be addressed in a future meeting between Zelensky and Trump.

“Everything is ready on our end. We have finalized the draft and made every effort to establish reasonable conditions,” stated the source.

In Kyiv, some residents expressed disillusionment with the US as a reliable ally after recent discussions between Washington and Moscow that excluded Ukraine.

“We need assistance, but we look to our European partners. I’m no longer counting on America,” commented 45-year-old police officer Anna Anisimova to CNN.

Yuriy Bilopolsky, a 75-year-old pensioner, expressed that he feels Ukraine is being “abandoned.” He attempted to enlist in the military twice but was turned away.

“We had high hopes for America, but it seems they are giving up on us. Meanwhile, Europe was dormant after World War II and is only now starting to awaken,” Bilopolsky lamented.