The “Coalition of the Will” reunites on the 4th anniversary of the war. Several European leaders traveled to Kyiv

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, and prime ministers of several European states are present in Kyiv today to show their solidarity with Ukraine, according to the Kyiv Post and The Guardian. They will take part today, from 1:00 p.m., in a meeting of the “Coalition for Will. President Nicușor Dan will also participate in it, via video conference, according to the Presidential Administration.

The meeting comes as it marks four years since Russia started the war. Despite messages of solidarity from European leaders, the EU failed to agree on a new package of sanctions aimed at putting more pressure on Russia after Viktor Orbán, Hungary's prime minister, used his veto over a separate dispute over oil transit through Ukraine.

“Europe stands by Ukraine”

The first to arrive in Kiev on Tuesday was Ursula von der Leyen. She traveled by train and was met by Foreign Minister Andri Sibiha. According to a post made on X, this is the tenth time he has gone to Kiev in the four years of the war.

“To reaffirm that Europe stands with Ukraine, financially, militarily, and in this difficult winter. To underline our enduring commitment to Ukraine's just struggle,” she wrote. “And to send a clear message to both the Ukrainian people and the aggressor: We will not give up until peace is restored.”

In Kyiv for the tenth time since the start of the war.

To reaffirm that Europe stands unwaveringly with Ukraine, financially, militarily, and through this harsh winter.

To underscore our enduring commitment to Ukraine's just fight.

And to send a clear message to the Ukrainian… pic.twitter.com/iULkEQji16

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 24, 2026

Von der Leyen's message, which calls for “peace on Ukraine's terms,” ​​also signals a tougher stance from Kiev's European allies on peace talks, as US-backed security guarantees remain elusive and Moscow continues to recast its war aims as peace terms as Washington and Moscow pressure Kiev to make concessions, the Kyiv Post points out.

Which European leaders have gone to Kyiv before?

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte went to Kiev and will hold press statements alongside Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Also, the Prime Ministers of Denmark, Sweden and Norway traveled together overnight by train.

European Council President António Costa posted pictures from the trip on social media, as did Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal and Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa.

Four years of an unjust war of aggression.⁰
Four years of unshakable Ukrainian courage.⁰
Four years of unwavering European support.

One shared resolve: to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

That's why we are here in Kyiv today. pic.twitter.com/KJJ7levHnp

— António Costa (@eucopresident) February 24, 2026

Poland's Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, is also present, as is former French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal.

Also on Tuesday, Zelenski will address the European Parliament. He will speak at a session, expected to be attended by all members of the European Parliament, called to mark four years since the launch of the Russian invasion.