On February 24, hundreds of Ukrainians and their supporters gathered on Albertinaplein in Brussels to mark the third anniversary of Russia's invasion, calling for urgent European solidarity. This poignant gathering served as both remembrance and rejuvenation of calls for support against continued aggression.
Speakers at the event reiterated the necessity for European nations to maintain their support for Ukraine. "The European countries must continue to support Ukraine; protecting Ukraine is protecting Europe," stated one speaker, echoing the sentiments of many present. Another attendee urged, "Europe must be brave and stand with Ukraine until the end." These voices were united by the shared goal of emphasizing the importance of bolstering Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty.
Among the impassioned addresses delivered, one speaker noted, "Make no mistake, Russia is weak. It has lost numerous soldiers, its economy is collapsing, and only with so-called victory can Putin save face." This statement reflected the common perception among attendees about the precarious state of Russia's position. The past three years have not overwhelmed Ukraine's spirit or resolve, as emphasized by multiple speakers who echoed the strong determination of their nation to repel the aggressor.
Warnings of false peace agreements were prevalent at the event. "Nobody should think today’s end to violence would mean the end of Russian aggression," warned another speaker. The attendees highlighted their desire for legitimate peace—their call emphasized, "We want peace, but it must be just peace, not peace on Putin's or Trump's terms. There can only be peace when every occupier of Ukrainian territory is expelled." These sentiments resonate with both the past fragility of agreements and the persistent threat posed by Russia.
Emphasizing urgency, one attendee asserted, "Europe must wake up and realize it is strong enough to defend itself and protect Ukraine." The numerous calls stressed the pivotal actions needed; attendees rallied for immediate steps rather than undefined promises, with one individual stating, "The time for endless meetings is over; we’ve heard enough promises unfulfilled. It is high time for a no-fly zone over Ukraine, and all frozen Russian assets must be released to support Ukraine against Russian aggression." The presence at the gathering underscored the need for concrete measures from European leaders.
Shifting focus, amid the public display of solidarity, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted his commitment to securing his nation's future. "If it’s about peace for Ukraine, I am ready to leave my post immediately. I can exchange it for NATO membership if those conditions exist," he proclaimed. This expression of willingness highlights the seriousness of Ukraine's aspirations for greater security and alliances.
Zelensky has emphasized the necessity of U.S. involvement moving forward, remarking, "Security guarantees from Trump are key," underscoring the integral role the U.S. plays even amid the complexity of international negotiations about peace and support.
Responses from U.S. officials echoed the importance of economic future guarantees tied to potential agreements with Ukraine. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated, "What it does entail is an implicit guarantee from the United States to heavily invest in the economic future. I call it an economic security guarantee." This displays the nuanced approach needed to support not only military strength but also Ukraine's broader recovery and future growth.
With the gathering on the anniversary of the invasion, the stakes are high; the voices of Ukrainians from Brussels resonate through Europe. Their calls for action reflect not only immediate needs but also the lasting consequences of current decisions. The demand for solidarity is unmistakable. The world watches as discussions mount and the urgency for tangible support becomes undeniably clear.