On the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, EU institutions illuminated their buildings in the colors of Ukraine's flag—while the European Commission raised Ukraine's flag outside its Brussels headquarters.
"Tonight, we adorn our European institutions with the colours of Ukraine. Two colours, carrying the spirit of courage. Two colours, burning with resistance," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X. "Four years into Russia's full-scale war, these colours are shining brighter than ever. Slava Ukraini."
The EU Council building was also lit in blue and yellow, with its press service stating that "the EU will continue to stand with Ukraine and support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace." The Commission described Ukraine's flag as "Europe's symbol of resilience and hope."
Von der Leyen followed the gesture by arriving in Kyiv the next morning—her tenth visit since the start of the full-scale war—alongside European Council President António Costa and leaders of nine countries.
Zelenskyy thanks Europe on fourth anniversary, urges EU accession date
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the European Parliament via video link during a special plenary session marking the fourth anniversary. He thanked Europeans for their "constant attention, constant support, and firm position" over four years of war—drawing a standing ovation from MEPs.
But he also pressed for a concrete next step: a clear date for EU membership. Without one, Putin will "find a way to block Ukraine for decades by dividing Europe," Zelenskyy warned. He called for a full economic break from Moscow: "There must be no place in the free world for Russian oil, for Russian tankers, Russian banks."
Trending Now
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola set the tone before Zelenskyy's address: "On 24 February 2022, Russia thought they could take Ukraine in days. Ukrainians proved them wrong."
MEPs approved a resolution supporting Ukraine, though Hungary's veto of a €90 bn loan and the 20th sanctions package remains unresolved.
