On Tuesday, February 24, the fourth anniversary of the beginning of full-scale Russian aggression, a prayer for Ukraine took place in Sofia of Kyiv. The prayer service was attended by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska, as well as leaders and high-ranking officials of Europe and the Baltic states who arrived in Kyiv today.
This was reported on the website of the Office of the President, informs the portal PromPolitInform.
“Representatives of churches and religious organizations prayed for the blessing and assistance to Ukrainian soldiers, decent peace, the release of prisoners, for everyone who was forced to leave their home, for all Ukrainians and Ukrainian women and for the unity and stability of the Ukrainian people,” the statement said.
Among the European leaders, the prayer service was attended, in particular, by Finnish President Alexander Stubb, President of the European Council Antonio Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. As well as senior officials from Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Croatia, Sweden and Lithuania.
After the prayer service, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, his wife and Sinozem delegations honored the fallen defenders and defenders during the Russian-Ukrainian war. On Independence Square, they installed lamps near the portraits of the dead military and honored their memory with a minute of silence.
In Kyiv, a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing began, in which the leaders of the coalition member states participate, it is broadcast by the YouTube channel of the President’s Office.
The meeting was opened by British Prime Minister Kier Starmer, who joined online.
“Of course, we must help Ukraine defend itself. The fact that negotiations are ongoing does not mean that we do not need to help Ukraine. We are well aware that Putin is trying to delay the negotiations, that only one person stands in the way of the progress of the negotiations and this person is Putin,” Starmer said.
In total, the meeting in different formats – personally and remotely – is attended by the leaders of 36 countries.
As reported, today, February 24, in Kyiv, on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, in addition to the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, a summit “Ukraine – the countries of Northern Europe and the Baltic States” will be held.
Photo – OP
