EU Foreign Policy Chief Reassures Ukraine of Unwavering Support Amid Uncertainty
Visiting Kyiv Amid Uncertainty
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell visited Kyiv today, seeking to reassure Ukraine of Europe’s unwavering support days after Donald Trump’s election win cast uncertainty over its war effort. Borrell, the first top EU official to visit Kyiv since Trump’s win, emphasized the bloc’s continued support for Ukraine as it nears 1,000 days of war with Russia.
EU Support Remains Unwavering
The European Union has already provided €122 billion in military and financial support to Ukraine, training around 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers. Borrell announced that the bloc aims to reach 75,000 by the end of the winter. He emphasized that this support is necessary for Ukraine to continue defending itself against Russia’s aggression. “This support remains unwavering. This support is absolutely needed for you to continue defending yourself against Russia’s aggression,” he said.
Ukraine’s Plea for Long-Range Strikes
Borrell also reaffirmed his support for Ukraine’s plea to allow long-range strikes on military targets inside Russia. “We need faster deliveries and fewer self-imposed red lines,” he said. Ukraine has been urging Western allies to provide more effective support, including long-range weapons, to help it counter Russia’s advances.
Western Allies Key to Ukraine’s Defense
Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russia’s larger and better-equipped enemy has relied heavily on support from Western allies. However, Trump’s election win has cast uncertainty over the scale and duration of this support. The US has been a key ally, but Trump has criticized the scale of its military and financial support for Kyiv and has pledged to end the war quickly, without explaining how.
President Zelensky and Foreign Minister Sybiha
President Volodymyr Zelensky was among the first leaders to congratulate Trump and said that his conversations with the US president-elect should continue. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed hope for continued US leadership in helping achieve “just peace,” adding that the teams would start preparing for a potential future meeting between the two leaders.
Borrell, who is set to leave office next month, announced that EU defence ministers will gather next week to discuss continued support to Ukraine, both military and diplomatic. The bloc aims to make a case for “boosting support at this critical hour.” Ukrainian troops are on the back foot on the frontline as Russia advances in the eastern Donetsk region, with Russian forces currently occupying about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Conclusion
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell’s visit to Kyiv today underscored the bloc’s continued support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. The visit comes amid uncertainty over the scale and duration of Western allies’ support, particularly in the wake of Trump’s election win. As the conflict drags on, the international community must remain committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight for self-defense.
FAQs
* What was the purpose of EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell’s visit to Kyiv?
Borrell’s visit was to stress EU support for Ukraine and reassure the country of the bloc’s continued backing in its war with Russia.
* How much support has the EU provided to Ukraine?
The EU has provided €122 billion in military and financial support to Ukraine, training around 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers.
* What is Ukraine’s plea to its Western allies?
Ukraine has been urging its Western allies to provide more effective support, including long-range weapons, to help it counter Russia’s advances.
* How has the Trump election affected Ukraine’s war effort?
Trump’s election has cast uncertainty over the scale and duration of Western allies’ support for Ukraine, with some critics questioning the pace of military aid and the scale of financial support.