**EU Leaders to Visit Kyiv on War Anniversary**
European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Kyiv, Ukraine on February 24. This is the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale war in the country.
The visit aims to show support for the Ukrainian people and their democratically elected president, Volodymyr Zelensky. Mr. Costa made this clear on social media platform X.
**US Concerns Spark EU Support**
Recent comments by US President Donald Trump have raised concerns about Washington’s commitment to Ukraine. Mr. Trump called President Zelensky a “dictator without elections,” which is not true.
This has sparked discussions in European capitals about how to increase support for Kyiv if the US withdraws its aid. Ukrainian military intelligence head, Kyrylo Budanov, said: “How long it will be, how effective it will be, is another question. But I think it will happen.”
**Russia’s War Efforts**
Russian forces have taken control of about 1,268 square kilometers of Ukraine’s territory. However, Ukrainian soldiers are in control of around 500 square kilometers.
Meanwhile, Russian aerial strikes targeted an energy facility in Odesa Oblast overnight. This has left 49,000 consumers without power as repairs continue.
**US and EU Leaders to Meet**
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit Washington next week to meet with US President Donald Trump. This comes after Mr. Trump said he might resurrect a deal that would benefit Russia.
Sanctions against Russia remain a key tool of international pressure, according to Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister, Olha Stefanishyna.
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