by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief reporting from Budapest, Hungary
BRUSSELS/KYIV/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday that Russia had not “broken Ukrainians” nor triumphed in the war despite a mounting death toll, as his country marked the fourth anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion.
He made the remarks during a ceremony attended by European lawmakers, where he was visibly emotional and at times struggled to conclude his speech.
“Thank you for all these years. Thank you so much,” Zelenskyy told applauding legislators, adding: “Slava Ukraini!” — or “Long live Ukraine!”
The president received a standing ovation as Ukraine entered its fifth year of war following Russia’s February 24, 2022 invasion.
Speaking via video link from Kyiv, Zelenskyy thanked the European Parliament in Brussels for its continued support and insisted that Moscow has failed to achieve its strategic objectives.
WAR TOLL APPROACHES TWO MILLION CASUALTIES
Yet the armed conflict — Europe’s largest since World War Two — has taken a staggering toll on both sides.
The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates that the number of soldiers killed, wounded, or missing could approach two million by spring.
Despite the heavy casualties, analysts say Russia has gained less than one percent of additional Ukrainian territory over the past year.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine has defended its independence and preserved its statehood, declaring that Russian President Vladimir Putin has failed to break Ukrainians and has not won the war.
However, he acknowledged major challenges ahead, particularly regarding financial and political support from allies.
UKRAINE SEEKS EU MEMBERSHIP GUARANTEE
“Right now there is an important decision on the table — 90 billion euros in support for Ukraine over two years. This is a real financial guarantee of our security and our resilience, and it must be implemented,” Zelenskyy stressed.
“And I thank everyone who is working to make it happen. It is important for us to receive a clear date for joining the European Union,” he added.
Still, diplomacy remains complicated.
European Union unity has shown strains, with Hungary vetoing financial assistance amid a dispute with Kyiv over disrupted Russian oil deliveries.
Hungary and Slovakia have also voiced opposition to fast-tracking Ukraine’s EU membership, underscoring divisions within the 27-member bloc.
U.S. PEACE TALKS FACE DEADLOCK
Separately, U.S.-brokered peace talks have yet to produce a breakthrough.
Negotiations remain deadlocked over the Russian-occupied Donbas region and the security guarantees Kyiv says it needs to deter any future invasion.
At a makeshift memorial in central Kyiv, where thousands of small flags honor fallen soldiers, Zelenskyy urged U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine.
“Only then can one truly understand what this war is really about,” he said.
GLOBAL LEADERS REAFFIRM SUPPORT FOR KYIV
European leaders echoed those sentiments, reaffirming their support for Kyiv.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the war as “a nightmare not only for Ukrainians, but for us all.” French President Emmanuel Macron called the invasion a “triple failure” for Russia — militarily, economically, and strategically.
The remarks came as missile and drone strikes continue to devastate Ukrainian cities, while reconstruction costs are now estimated at nearly $600 billion over the next decade.
As the conflict enters its fifth year, Ukraine remains defiant — but peace remains elusive.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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