What happened
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On 9 May, Lviv welcomed delegations from 35 countries, representatives of the Council of Europe and the EU’s chief diplomat Kaja Kallas.
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Ministers will attend two high-level events:
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An informal meeting of EU foreign ministers (“Gymnich” format).
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A session of the Core Group on establishing a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
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The visit began with a wreath-laying ceremony at Lychakiv Cemetery, honouring soldiers who fell defending Ukraine.
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Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga joined EU officials in commemorations.
Why this matters
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Diplomatic solidarity: The turnout underlines Europe’s united front on continued military, financial and legal support for Kyiv.
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Tribunal momentum: Moving talks on a dedicated tribunal from expert level to ministerial level signals faster progress toward prosecuting Russia’s leadership for aggression.
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Europe Day symbolism: Holding the meetings on 9 May—now celebrated in Ukraine as Europe Day—highlights the country’s strategic shift away from Soviet commemoration narratives and toward EU integration.
Key quotes
“Today we celebrate Europe Day together with Ukraine and its people… we stand shoulder to shoulder for lasting peace,” — Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs.
Background on Europe Day in Ukraine
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Europe Day has been an official EU holiday since 1985, marking the Schuman Declaration.
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Ukraine introduced the celebration in 2003, originally on the third Saturday of May.
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In May 2023, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi moved the date to 9 May, underscoring Ukraine’s European trajectory and distancing the country from Soviet-era WW2 traditions.
What’s next
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Ministers are expected to issue a joint statement reaffirming commitments to Ukrainian sovereignty, the tribunal initiative and a structured path for long-term security guarantees.
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Follow-up working groups will refine the tribunal’s legal framework and coordinate further EU defence aid packages.
