Coalition for Victory?

Europe's Wartime Leaders

Kaja Kallas, Roberta Metsola, Mette Frederiksen and Ursula von der Leyen by Dato Parulava/POLITICI & Getty Images

From the day Moscow launched its full-scale invasion, I’ve been impressed by how many Europeans leading the charge for Ukraine have been women.

In her statement that day, February 24, 2022, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe would “hold President Putin accountable” for targeting Ukraine, the stability of Europe and international peace and security.

She advised Putin not to “underestimate the resolve and strength of our democracies,” adding that: “History has proven that societies and alliances built on trust and freedom are resilient and successful. And that is exactly what the autocrats fear. The European Union stands with Ukraine and its people. We will continue to support them. Ukraine will prevail.”

Von der Leyen went far beyond what US President Joe Biden pledged that day —simply to “respond in a united and decisive way.”