European Union foreign ministers gathered in Kyiv for a surprise summit with Ukrainian officials. This unprecedented meeting on October 2 marked the EU’s first-ever diplomatic gathering outside its borders and in a country facing war.
The primary goal of this unexpected visit was to reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the Western bloc to Ukraine, which has been locked in a 19-month-long struggle against Russia, while addressing concerns about potential reductions in support for additional military aid to Kyiv.
EU’s show of strength in Kyiv
The surprise summit in Kyiv not only showcased the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine but also served as a powerful demonstration of unity in the face of ongoing conflict and geopolitical challenges in the region.
Nearly all of the EU’s top diplomats, representing 23 of the 27 member states, assembled in Ukraine’s war-torn capital for the symbolic gathering. Poland, Hungary, Latvia, and Sweden, the remaining four countries, were also represented.
The EU’s chief diplomat, Josep Borrell Fontelles, emphasized the meeting’s significance, stating that the meeting signifies EU’s “clear commitment” to Ukraine in its 19-month-long war and its continuous support in all dimensions.
The summit was the first time EU foreign ministers have met outside the bloc and in a war zone. “It is the first time ever that the Council met outside the European Union. And, unfortunately, it was also the first time that the Foreign Ministers of the European Union met in a country at war” Borrell said.
EU dismisses concerns about fading supporting for Ukraine
The EU’s foreign policy chief used this occasion to address concerns about potential political divisions within the bloc regarding long-term support for Ukraine’s struggle against Russia. “The EU remains united in its support to Ukraine … I don’t see any member state folding on their engagement,” Borrell told a news conference in Kyiv.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba welcomed the EU’s demonstration of support. He dispelled concerns about diminishing backing from both the U.S. and Europe, emphasizing that Ukraine’s cause extends beyond its borders “We don’t feel that the U.S. support has been shattered … because the United States understands that what is at stake in Ukraine is much bigger than just Ukraine,” told reporters as he greeted the EU foreign ministers in Kyiv.
Kuleba expressed hope for Ukraine’’s rapid progress toward EU membership, saying, “We are hoping to move forward on membership with maximum speed.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the EU foreign ministers for unity and continuous support for Ukraine over the last months.
EU’s generous support
In a move that underscored the EU’s commitment to Ukraine, the bloc recently announced a new €50 billion multi-year support package, extending through 2027. This comprehensive package is aimed at providing crucial financial support to Ukraine during its ongoing war and subsequent recovery. However, it requires the unanimous backing of the bloc’s 27 countries.
Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, shared her vision of Ukraine’s future within the EU. She stated, “Ukraine’s future lies in the European Union, our community of freedom, and it will soon stretch from Lisbon to Luhansk.” Baerbock highlighted the significance of every step Ukraine takes toward liberating its territory and rescuing its people, bringing it closer to the EU. “It [Ukraine] also broadens its path to the EU with every village, every metre that it liberates, and every metre where it rescues its people, it is also paving its way to the European Union,” she added.
U.S. support for Ukraine
Recent developments, such as a pro-Russian candidate winning an election in Slovakia and the omission of Ukraine war aid from a U.S. congressional spending bill, have raised concerns. However, Ukrainian officials remain optimistic, saying that they are engaged in discussions with both Republicans and Democrats regarding future aid.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has been a key ally, providing over $75 billion in humanitarian, financial, and military assistance.
