European Leaders Join Zelenskyy in Kyiv for Solemn War Anniversary Prayer

Prayer for Ukraine Held at Kyiv's Saint Sophia Cathedral

According to Главком: On February 24, 2026, a solemn prayer service for Ukraine was held at the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska were joined by a significant delegation of European leaders. This event marked the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022. The gathering underscores Europe's continued political and moral support for Ukraine as the conflict persists.

Purpose of the Service and Attendees

The service aimed to seek protection for Ukrainian soldiers, the release of prisoners of war, and support for those displaced by the conflict. Olena Zelenska emphasized the importance of the unified prayer, stating:

'A united prayer for Ukraine resonated within the walls of Saint Sophia Cathedral today. For blessing and aid to Ukrainian warriors, for the liberation of captives, for each and every person forced to leave their home, for all Ukrainian people, and for unity and a dignified peace for the Ukrainian nation.' - Olena Zelenska

The European leaders who traveled to Kyiv for the occasion included:

• European Council President António Costa
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
• Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković
• Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa
• Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal
• Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir
• Lithuanian Minister of Defence Raimundas Karoblis
• Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen
• Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
• Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre
• Finnish President Alexander Stubb

Also in attendance were Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and Speaker of the Polish Sejm Włodzimierz Czarzasty.

Following the prayer service, the European leaders were scheduled to participate in a 'coalition of the willing' meeting at the 'Ukraine – Northern Europe and Baltic States' summit. In his address, Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the significance of the date, noting: 'Today, February 24, 2026, marks exactly four years since Russian dictator Vladimir Putin vowed to take Kyiv in three days.' The event served as both a spiritual and powerful political gesture of solidarity with Ukraine's sovereignty and its ongoing struggle for independence.