On the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, key EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, visited Kyiv to demonstrate solidarity with the Ukrainian government. This visit comes at a critical moment as the EU grapples with internal divisions, particularly highlighted by Hungary and Slovakia's opposition to new sanctions against Russia, which complicates the EU's unified stance in response to the ongoing conflict.

The backdrop of the visit was underscored by public statements from various political figures, including those emphasizing the interconnected fate of Ukraine and EU member states, as articulated by German politician Friedrich Merz who stated that Ukraine's destiny is intrinsically linked to that of Europe. The visit also coincided with the resumption of Russian oil deliveries to Slovakia, illustrating the complexities and challenges the EU faces in maintaining a strong economic and political front against Russia’s aggression.

As the situation evolves, the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine seems unwavering, yet the internal disagreements over sanctions reflect a larger struggle within the EU regarding how to effectively respond to geopolitical challenges. The visit not only brings attention to the urgent need for a cohesive approach to sanctions and military support but also underlines the importance of solidarity as the war enters its fifth year. The actions taken by EU leaders during this visit may set the tone for future EU policy and engagement in the region.