Third Anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine War

Russia-Ukraine War began on 24 February 2022 and has now completed its third year as of 24 February 2025. Over the course of three years, war has continued with military and political developments affecting millions of people.

Background

The war initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin on 24 February 2022 with the declaration of a “special military operation” has produced wide-ranging military political and economic consequences within three years. More than 20 percent of Ukrainian territory has come under Russian control. According to United Nations (UN) data over 12450 civilians have been killed more than 28380 civilians have been injured 10.6 million people have been displaced within country and 6.9 million Ukrainians have become refugees. Various ceasefire initiatives have been attempted between the parties but no large-scale diplomatic solution has been achieved during the war.

As the war enters its fourth year in 2025 attention is drawn to the declining support from USA to Ukraine the efforts by Europe to develop a more independent security policy and Russia’s continued advances on the ground like.

Diplomatic Summit Held in Ukraine

On 24 February 2025 an international summit of world leaders was held in Kyiv the capital of Ukraine. Attendees included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Council of Europe President Antonio Costa and Canada leaders from Denmark Iceland Latvia Lithuania Finland Norway Spain and Sweden. Germany the United Kingdom Croatia Japan Moldova Netherlands Poland Switzerland and Turkey leaders participated virtually.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on allies at the opening of the summit titled “Support Ukraine” in Kyiv saying “This year must be the year of the beginning of a reliable peace.” Zelenskiy emphasized the need for Ukraine to common movement with its allies and stressed that Europe’s security is directly tied to Ukraine’s fate.

During Peak a moment of silence was observed at the commemoration site in central Kyiv for Ukrainian soldiers and civilians killed in the war with leaders gathering before a memorial formed by flags. Air raid sirens sounded during the summit but no attack occurred.

Commemoration Ceremonies and Support Events

Commemoration ceremonies and support events were held in Ukraine and various countries on the third anniversary of the war. In Lviv Ukraine a ceremony was held at Lychakiv Cemetery for Ukrainian soldiers killed in the war. Attendees observed a moment of silence for Ukrainian soldiers and participants of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) who died over the past three years.

A ceremony was held under the Romanivsky Bridge for civilians who lost their lives crossing the Irpin River. Ankara hosted a commemorative program organized by the Ukrainian Embassy to mark the third anniversary of the war. Diplomatic and military representatives from many European countries participated. Victims of the war were also remembered at an event held at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London.

Ukrainian flags were hung on the European Commission building in Brussels. In Venice Italy a demonstration of support for Kyiv was held as part of the Venice Carnival with Ukrainian flags displayed on gondolas and bridges. A rally in support of Ukraine was held in Tokyo the capital of Japan with demonstrators gathering with flags and banners. A demonstration in support of Ukraine was also held in Berlin where the Brandenburg Gate was illuminated in the colors of the Ukrainian flag and thousands gathered to honor those killed in the war.

In Kosice Slovakia a march and commemoration ceremony were held at Communist Saviors Square to honor those who died in Ukraine. In Krakow Poland a march was organized at the Main Square a UNESCO World World Heritage site place to mark the third anniversary of the war. A rally in support of Ukraine was held in the capital of Bulgaria Sofia where demonstrators gathered in front of the Presidency and highlighted Bulgaria’s support for Ukraine.

In Paris on Monday 24 February evening Eiffel Tower was illuminated in blue and yellow colors to show support for the Ukrainian people.

A commemorative program was also held in Stockholm the capital of Sweden for those killed in the Russia-Ukraine war. Thousands of people including politicians attended the demonstration at Segel Torg Square. Demonstrators sang the Ukrainian national anthem and unfurled the Ukrainian flag.

Magdalena Andersson President of the Swedish Social Democratic Party in her speech at the event stated that Sweden would continue supporting Ukraine saying “Russia must withdraw from the occupied territories. Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security. Our support for Ukraine will continue.”

European Union’s Economic and Military Support to Ukraine

The European Union (EU) announced an increase in its economic and military support to Ukraine on the third anniversary of the war. Ursula von der Leyen announced in March that a new financial aid package of 3.5 billion euros would be provided to Ukraine. The EU stated that this funding is an advance under a broader financing package totaling 50 billion euros in grants and credit to be delivered to Ukraine by 2027.

Von der Leyen also stated that Europe will increase arms production and accelerate the delivery of ammunition to Ukraine. Integration of Ukraine’s and Moldova’s electricity grids into the EU network and increased utilization of European gas storage facilities by Ukraine are also planned.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on X platform stated “In this struggle for survival not only Ukraine’s fate is at risk but also Europe’s.”

New Sanctions Against Russia

On the third anniversary of the war the EU announced new sanctions against Russia. Sanctions have been imposed on Russia’s energy transportation trade finance and banking sectors and a ban has been applied to Russia’s shadow fleet and 74 Russian oil tankers.

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Europe is acting on the assumption that the war must continue and therefore diplomatic dialogue with Europe is not possible.

Current Status of the War

As the Russia-Ukraine War enters its fourth year changes are occurring in frontline combat diplomatic negotiations and the policies of international actors. Russia controls large parts of the Donetsk Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions while Ukraine continues to fight to reclaim territory lost since the beginning of the war.

Throughout 2024 the Russian army captured 4600 square kilometers of territory and an additional 600 square kilometers during the first two months of 2025.

Significant changes have occurred in Washington’s policy toward Ukraine since the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump on 20 January 2025. The Trump administration has initiated direct negotiations with Russia to end the war but has not included Ukraine or European countries in this process.

U.S. Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth declared that Ukraine’s NATO membership is not feasible a stance that has sparked major debates in Europe. Uncertainty has emerged regarding U.S. military and economic aid to Ukraine while Ukraine has proposed offering the United States a agreement containing 50 billion dollars’ worth of rare soil elements. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that this proposal was rejected because it did not include security guarantees.

The United Nations (UN) announced on 24 February 2025 that 12.7 million people require urgent humanitarian assistance and launched a funding appeal of 2.6 billion dollars for 2025.

The third anniversary of the war was marked against the backdrop of international diplomatic initiatives and military developments. New negotiations for ending the war have been discussed but no definitive outcome has been reached.