EU’s Kallas Signals Potential Turning Point in Ukraine Diplomacy as Support Pledges Mount
Brussels – European Union Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Chief Josep borrell indicated that diplomatic efforts toward a resolution of the conflict in Ukraine might potentially be entering a “pivotal” phase, while simultaneously acknowledging Ukraine’s current isolation on the battlefield.Borrell stated, “[the] Ukrainians are there alone. If they would be together with the Europeans, they would definitely be much stronger. But I trust that Ukrainians stand up for themselves.” The remarks came during a meeting of EU defense ministers focused on bolstering support for Ukraine and enhancing European defense capabilities.
The discussion underscores a critical juncture in the nearly two-year-old war, as Ukraine continues to seek sustained military and financial assistance from its allies. The EU is simultaneously working to strengthen its own defense posture amid ongoing concerns about Russian aggression.Fifteen EU member states have already incorporated aid to Ukraine into their national spending plans under a newly proposed €150 billion ($174 billion) defense fund, dubbed SAFE, exceeding initial expectations.
EU defense ministers convened with Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and NATO Deputy Secretary General radmila Shekerinska to address Kyiv’s most urgent defense needs. The meeting followed a deadline for the 19 EU countries initially interested in SAFE funding to submit detailed spending proposals, all of which were received, according to EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius.
The EU is also pursuing initiatives to increase its overall defense readiness, including flagship rearmament projects focused on border protection, drone defense, air defense, and space capabilities. Negotiations to include Britain and Canada in the SAFE fund have stalled, reportedly due to disagreements over financial contributions from London.
