Brussels Playbook Podcast:

Who showed up — and who didn't — for Kyiv's big day
February 25, 2026 | Host: Ian Wishart with Zoya Sheftalovich reporting from Kyiv

Episode Overview

This episode of the Brussels Playbook Podcast focuses on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine—a day marked in Kyiv by powerful symbolism, visiting European leaders, and the conspicuous absence of key Western allies. Reporting from Kyiv, Zoya Sheftalovich joins Ian Wishart to analyze what the day’s events reveal about the state of European solidarity, Ukraine’s hopes (and anxieties), and EU diplomatic maneuvering, particularly around continued financial support.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Anniversary Atmosphere in Kyiv

• The day is described as somber, reflecting both the tragedy of the ongoing war and remarkable Ukrainian resilience.
  • “The resilience of the Ukrainian people remains undimmed.” – Zoya Sheftalovich (00:50)
• A multisided European showing with the EU’s Ursula von der Leyen, Portugal’s Antonio Costa, and other Central/Eastern European leaders present.
• Notable absence of prominent allies: No senior delegations from the US, UK, France, or Germany, affecting the mood among both Ukrainian and EU participants.

2. The Emotional Weight and Ukrainian Determination

• Despite winter hardship and relentless attacks on energy infrastructure, Ukrainians’ determination is undiminished.
  • “People have been freezing cold in their own houses. They still don’t have electricity in so many places…But still, no one is ready to give up.” – Zoya (02:47–03:52)
• Locations: Events began at Maidan Square, symbol of Ukraine's pro-European aspirations, before moving to the Intercontinental Hotel, a diplomatic “safe space.” (04:03)

3. The EU’s Stance and the “Hungarian Problem”

• Press conferences emphasized unity and determination not to let Viktor Orbán (Hungary) block the €90 billion loan to Ukraine or the latest EU sanctions on Russia.
  • “First of all, we need to implement what we agreed…the 90 billion euros loan to Ukraine. Nobody can disrespect the decision from the European Council.” – Antonio Costa (05:53)
• A shift in tone: Less patience for Hungary’s continued obstruction, with increasing EU readiness to bypass or confront veto tactics.
  • “I really detected a change in tone…it was quite the firmest I’ve heard people talk.” – Zoya (04:55)

4. Is There a Plan?

• Confident signals from EU sources and both Costa and von der Leyen that the loan will come through, one way or another.
  • “There was such a confidence that the solution to this impasse lies in the EU treaties and that there is something that the EU can pull out of its hat.” – Zoya (06:40)
• Message to Ukraine: Relief aid is already en route, and the larger loan will not be permanently blocked.

5. Ukrainian Public Sentiment and the Missing Americans

• Ukrainian officials and regular citizens express gratitude for European solidarity, but clear concern about the marked absence (and uncertain stance) of the US under the Trump administration.
  • “There is also this bemusement about the American position…there is definitely more optimism about the European path and really a sense of betrayal about what has happened with the United States…” – Zoya (08:30)
• Historically, the US was seen as a beacon of hope—a perception now badly shaken.
  • “I remember looking to the US as an example, as a shining beacon…Now I don’t understand what has happened.” – Zoya recounting a Ukrainian’s words (09:06)

6. Contrasts and Nostalgia in Kyiv

• Zoya reflects on her childhood memories of Kyiv and the way the city embodies both its Soviet past and wartime present—modernization juxtaposed with rubble and loss.
  • “Maidan Square looks so different…the country has modernized, but…you can drive past and see a car that has been obliterated in a strike.” – Zoya (10:09–11:02)

7. EU Membership: Ukraine’s Hopes and Time Pressure

• Zelensky and Ukrainian officials are pushing for a concrete 2027 accession date in any peace settlement.
• There’s a sense of urgency: upcoming elections in Hungary and France could close a brief window for meaningful progress.
  • “The Ukrainians really feel like this is their last chance…if they miss it, they’re concerned…they then will not be able to progress their bid until many years down the track.” – Zoya (11:12)
• EU officials are unlikely to commit to full membership on that timeline but may find ways to codify progress or offer symbolic assurances.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Ukrainian Determination:
  “Still, no one is ready to give up. Everyone is persevering, and if anything, it’s making them more determined.”
  – Zoya Sheftalovich (03:52)

• On EU Unity Against Hungary:
  “Nobody can disrespect the decision from the European Council. We talked, we negotiated, we agreed, and then we need to deliver on this.”
  – Antonio Costa (05:53)

• On American Absence:
  “There is definitely more optimism about the European path and really a sense of betrayal about what has happened with the United States under the Trump administration.”
  – Zoya Sheftalovich (08:30)

• On the Change in Western Leadership:
  “I remember looking to the US as…a shining beacon of hope…Now I don’t understand what has happened.”
  – Ukrainian source, as recounted by Zoya (09:06)

• Nostalgic Reflection:
  “Everywhere, I just saw these buildings and I kept on photographing them because I just got these massive pangs of nostalgia…”
  – Zoya Sheftalovich (10:09)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Anniversary Commemoration and Leadership Presence: 02:16 – 03:57
• Events in Kyiv, Symbolism of Locations: 04:03 – 04:35
• EU’s Approach to Hungary and Loan Funding: 04:35 – 06:40
• Plan to Overcome the Impasse: 06:40 – 07:42
• Relief Package & Ukrainian Perspective: 07:48 – 08:15
• Ukrainian Public Sentiment on US/EU: 08:30 – 09:06
• Zoya’s Personal Reflections on Kyiv: 10:02 – 11:05
• Urgency for EU Accession Progress: 11:12 – 12:20

Episode Tone & Style

The conversation is both candid and deeply informed, marked by empathy for Ukraine and a pragmatic reading of Brussels’ inside baseball. Zoya offers emotional, first-hand impressions, while Ian steers the discussion with sharp political context. The overall tone is clear, conversational, and reporting-driven.

Summary prepared for readers seeking a vivid, concise, and thorough account of the episode’s essential content and atmosphere.