Today marks the fourth anniversary of the Russian-Ukrainian war, which began on the 24th of February 2022. On X, Zelensky has hailed the war as a testament to Ukrainian resilience.
“Looking back at the beginning of the invasion and reflecting on today, we have every right to say: we have defended our independence, we have not lost our statehood; Putin has not achieved his goals. He has not broken Ukrainians; he has not won this war. We have preserved Ukraine, and we will do everything to secure peace and justice. Glory to Ukraine!” said Zelensky.
The European Union has remained firm in its solidarity with Kyiv. President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen, in an address in Kyiv, has announced a €90 billion loan titled the Steel Porcupine Loan. The loan has been contentious in the European Union, as Hungary opposed the loan last week.
According to Hungary Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, has stated that he will not sign off on the loan until Ukraine returns to ‘normality’.
“I am not in a position to support any decision whatsoever favourable to Ukraine until they return to normality,” said Orbán
Hungary and Slovakia have blamed Ukraine for the disruption of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline. Ukraine has maintained that the disruption is a result of a Russian attack on the pipeline.
However, von der Leyen has maintained that the EU has the means of granting the loan to Ukraine.
“Let me be crystal clear – and the President of the Council also said it –, the loan was agreed by 27 Heads of State and Government at the European Council. They have given their word. It cannot be broken. We will deliver on the loan one way or the other. Let me be very clear, we have different options, and we will use them,” said the President of the EU Commission.
Photo: @vonderleyen
