Kyiv is preparing to mark a somber milestone – the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine – with a visit from European Council President António Costa. The visit, scheduled for February 24, 2026, underscores the European Union’s continued solidarity with Ukraine as the conflict enters its fifth year. Costa will be joined by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in demonstrating support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The planned visit comes amid ongoing discussions regarding international aid and sanctions against Russia. The EU is currently working to finalize a 20th package of sanctions against Moscow, but faces resistance from Hungary, which is seeking exemptions related to oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline. This situation highlights the challenges in maintaining a united front against Russian aggression, even as the anniversary of the invasion approaches. The EU’s commitment to Ukraine’s future, including its potential membership, remains a central focus of diplomatic efforts.
Costa announced his trip on X (formerly Twitter) following a meeting of world leaders with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, organized by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during the Munich Security Conference. The meeting focused on assessing the situation in Ukraine and the latest developments in peace negotiations.
Important meeting organised by @bundeskanzler to take stock of the situation in Ukraine and the latest developments in the peace negotiations. We welcome all efforts to reach a sustainable peace. The recent agreement to exchange prisoners is a welcome step forward. The EU’s… https://t.co/HVsRMgpuj3
— António Costa (@eucopresident) February 13, 2026
“Important meeting organised by Chancellor Merz, to take stock of the situation in Ukraine and the latest developments in the peace negotiations. We welcome all efforts to reach a sustainable peace. The recent agreement to exchange prisoners is a welcome step forward,” Costa stated in his post. He emphasized the EU’s dedication to empowering Ukraine on its path toward peace and reiterated the EU’s commitment to providing comprehensive support – political, military, and financial – as well as backing Ukraine’s bid for EU accession.
EU Support and Membership Talks
The European Union is eager to begin Ukraine’s EU membership talks “as soon as possible,” according to President Costa, though a specific timeline has not been set. The Guardian reported that the US has proposed a timeline of Kyiv’s EU accession by January 2027, a date considered ambitious by many experts. Von der Leyen has also stated that the EU’s goal is to ensure Ukraine can conduct peace negotiations on its own terms, from a position of strength, and with a secure future within the EU.
Hungary’s Opposition to New Sanctions
As the fourth anniversary of the invasion nears, the EU is facing internal disagreements over further sanctions against Russia. POLITICO reports that Hungary is threatening to block the 20th package of sanctions unless exemptions are made for Russian oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia, despite reports that the Druzhba pipeline supplying those countries was damaged by a Russian strike in January. Hungary is also reportedly considering blocking a €90 billion loan agreement crucial for Ukraine’s survival. This stance has drawn criticism from other EU member states, including Germany and Lithuania, who argue that Hungary’s actions undermine European security interests.
Looking Ahead
Costa’s visit to Kyiv, alongside President von der Leyen, is a powerful symbol of European solidarity with Ukraine. The trip will take place on Maidan Square, a location of significant historical importance in Ukraine’s struggle for independence. Whereas the immediate future remains uncertain, the EU’s continued support – both politically and economically – will be critical as Ukraine navigates the ongoing conflict and works towards a lasting peace. The resolution of the current impasse over sanctions, and the progress of Ukraine’s EU accession process, will be key developments to watch in the coming weeks.
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