Costa and von der Leyen to attend ceremony in Kyiv to mark 4th anniversary of Russia's war against Ukraine
European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will attend an official memorial ceremony marking four years of the war Russia launched against Ukraine.
The European Council press service released a corresponding announcement on Monday.
“On 24 February 2026, the President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Kyiv, Ukraine, alongside the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. During the visit, they will participate in the official memorial ceremony, commemorating the four years of war. They will also visit an energy infrastructure site damaged by Russian missile strikes,” the press release reads.
In addition, Presidents Costa and von der Leyen will hold a trilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The leaders will also attend a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “As Russia’s aggression enters its fifth year, the meeting will reaffirm the commitment of the 35 participating countries to support Ukraine in achieving a lasting and robust peace, ensuring the security of both Ukraine and Europe,” the message reads.
Prior to the visit Costa said: “On 24 February 2022, Russia launched an unprovoked, unjustified, and illegal war against Ukraine, violating its sovereignty and international law. Since that day, the European Union has stood staunch and steadfast in solidarity with the Ukrainian people — with those who have lost loved ones, those who have been wounded, and all who continue to endure this unjust suffering. Four years later, we reaffirm that our support remains strong, united, and unwavering.”
The European Council recalled that this will be President Costa’s fourth visit to Ukraine, since the beginning of his mandate as President of the European Council on 1 December 2024.
Since the start of Russia's war of aggression, they have provided €193.3 billion in support for Ukraine and its people. The assistance includes: EUR103.3 billion in financial, economic and humanitarian support, EUR 69.3 billion in military support, EUR 17 billion in support for refugees within the EU, EUR 3.7 billion in proceeds from immobilised Russian assets.
