Russia Ukraine War: European leaders risk train ride to meet Zelensky

Ukraine has praised the bravery of three European leaders who travelled by rail from Poland to Kyiv in a show of support as the city was subjected to more Russian attacks.

On Tuesday evening, the prime ministers of Poland, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic met with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky as a curfew was imposed in Kyiv. Following that, the Czech president assured Ukrainians that they are “not alone.” The delegation is the first group of Western leaders to visit Ukraine since Russia invaded the country.

In a tweet, Petr Fiala said, “We admire your brave fight.” “We know you’re fighting for our lives as well. You are not alone; our countries are with you.” Mateusz Morawiecki of Poland has stated that if Ukraine is lost, Europe will never be the same. It would be a “defeated, humiliated, and pathetic version of its former self,” he wrote.

Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s prime minister, wrote on Twitter that “devastating” sanctions against Russia had been discussed, including “recognition of Russia as a terrorist sponsor.” During the talks, loud explosions could be heard across Kyiv from fighting on the capital’s western outskirts. The European Union stated that the politicians did not have any specific mandate, but that leaders in Brussels were aware of the trip because it was mentioned during an informal EU summit last week in Versailles, France.

Marcin Przydacz, Poland’s deputy foreign minister, admitted that the trip was risky, but that it was “worth taking for the sake of values.” He claimed that the Russians had been informed of the visit. The leaders chose to travel by train because flying by Polish military jet could have been seen as dangerously provocative by Russia. It was unclear when their train would arrive in Warsaw for the return journey.

Ukraine’s president has asked Nato to impose a no-fly zone over his country’s airspace on numerous occasions, but Nato has refused. Mr. Zelensky stated that Ukrainians now understand that they will not be able to join NATO. “We’d heard for years that the doors were open, but that we wouldn’t be able to enter. It’s a fact that must be acknowledged. I’m glad our people are starting to realise this and relying on themselves and our partners for assistance.” In recent weeks, all three leaders have been vocal supporters of Ukraine. Last week, Slovenia’s prime minister stated that the EU should send a strong message to Ukraine that it will be granted membership in the future.

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